Primitive Man – Observance

Metalcatto

Anyone who’s been following this blog since its start might remember our fan-requested retro-review of Primitive Man’s Scorn. Even more than a decade later, the band remains one of the most brutal, heavy, and grotesque forces in Doom/Sludge Metal. Before diving into Observance, I’d genuinely recommend you to hold on tight — especially if a) you’re already severely depressed, or b) you’ve recently killed your goldfish out of neglect. Expectations are high, but let’s see if, for once, that makes sense with what we’ve got here!

According to the promo, Observance is supposed to be Primitive Man’s “positive side.” Honestly, I’m not sure if that was sarcasm, because while the band might sound less violent this time, it’s by no means less dark. The album unfolds like an experimental nightmare — a cosmic void whispering riddles that no human should comprehend. The band takes a page from Sumac and The Body, proving that you don’t need speed to be disturbing; sometimes, dragging you slowly through the abyss is far more effective.

Something I’ve always appreciated about Primitive Man is how clean and expertly produced its records are — a rare trait for music this utterly vile. The clarity doesn’t lessen the filth; it magnifies it. The guitars weave strange, oppressive sound patterns, the bass hums like a threat lurking under your bed, and the drums — while more restrained — hold this chaos together with grim precision. And then, of course, come the vocals: pure derangement, the sound of someone screaming from inside their own skull. It’s terrifying and perfect.

That said, Observance isn’t for anyone going through a rough patch — it’s an endurance test. It’s also long enough to border on inaccessible, though that’s hardly new for Primitive Man. Personally, it’s the extended stretches of drawn-out misery that wear me down after a while. Perhaps the real issue here is that Observance must compete with the band’s already monstrous back catalogue, filled with albums that could make your will to live evaporate. Comparisons are inevitable, but to its credit, I do feel the band is genuinely trying to explore new ground here — and at MER, we always respect that.

So, if you’re having a great day and feel like ruining it with the most soul-devouring Metal imaginable, Observance is your perfect dose of masochistic bliss. It’s allegedly a “more hopeful” album, but honestly, I feel like I’ve been trolled. Still, there’s a strange comfort in knowing that Primitive Man is out there, pushing the emotional and sonic limits of the Metalsphere. Yay — just what we all needed lately!

Label: Relapse Records

Release date: October 31, 2025

Website: https://primitivemandoom.bandcamp.com

Country: USA

Score: 4.0/5.0 (I might give it a 4 later on)