Firstborn
The Noble Search
Not ones to throw the towel when facing adversities and further exploring the Buddhist philosophy as a foundation for both lyrics and sound, THE FIRSTBORN started working on their fourth album in the beginning of 2007. Exploring a concept dealing with the Buddhist Scriptures and the multiple paths to nirvana, The Noble Search represents further experiments in the direction first explored in the latest efford The Unclenching of Fists. Recorded and mixed at Foel Studio in Wales from January to March 2008 by Chris Fielding (who recorded the latest Primordial album) and mastered at Chicago Mastering Service by Bob Weston (Shellac), this collection of eight tracks is an incredible mix of fierce extreme metal, complex arrangements and enchanting ethnic oriental influences. Adding color to the overall picture guest musicians include Absus Proscriptor McGovern and Process Of Guilts Hugo Santos on vocals, a professional percussionist playing a wide array of instruments (Vorskaath from the greek cult band Zemial) and a sitar player, Lus Sim_es (Saturnia). Everything you hear on these tracks was played and recorded by the band and the people who collaborated with them, again showing that the portuguese pioneers are not willing to compromise an inch to reach their more extravagant goals. In a world where plagiarism is often mistaken for creativity, The Firstborn works like a breath of fresh air in a scene in desperate need of some individuality.