Review by Brian on November 21, 2014.

There have always been bands that get slammed unfairly by critics. In recent years Opeth is a perfect example of this. On the flip side, there are those bands who get the praise they deserve, but years after their most compelling work. Katatonia comes to mind immediately. Sadly, Primordial fits in the latter category. These Celts steadily progressed with each release, culminating with their masterpiece The Gathering Wilderness. However, the last two releases, while gaining massive critical acclaim, have left this listener unsatisfied. Where Greater Men Have Fallen isn't any different. Upon first listen, although better than the last two, it is just more of the same. Primordial is stuck in a rut of repetition. This is acceptable from Darkthrone but I have come to expect more from Primordial.

Where Greater Men Have Fallen starts out strong. The title track is the traditional epic anthem with a sing-along chorus that has made the band so enjoyable to listen to throughout the years. This is followed by the doom laden "Babel's Tower", which is one of the few stand out tracks. A.A. Nemtheanga's vocal choices here are sublime. After that the album loses steam. There are still some good moments but they are few and far between. Most of the songs on just drag on. Some of the tracks have no direction, as if they were thrown together. "Born to Night" saves the album. Just when I was about to give up on it completely, this song sucked me back in. Reminiscent of "The Coffin Ships" it displays all of the bands strengths and none of their weaknesses.

It's not a bad album, but it's not a great album either. Most of the fanbase will find it enjoyable, however, those who are still waiting for something that will match up to greatness this band has shown on Spirit the Earth Aflame or The Gathering Wilderness, will be disappointed. I recommend the newcomer to start with one of the two above mentioned albums rather than Where Greater Men Have Fallen.

Rating: 6 out of 10