Primordial are one of Ireland's metallic treasures, authoring mystifying compositions about the dark side of the country's past. The tradition continues on Exile Amongst the Ruins, their ninth studio album, and the new single, "To Hell or the Hangman."

Unlike the aching, dreary "Stolen Years," which represented the first glimpse of Primordial's new album, "To Hell or the Hangman" takes the opposite approach, utilizing a steady, uptempo gallop, weaving in a morose melody that signals a sense of doom.

"In 1493 Walter Lynch was hanged by his own father James Lynch, Mayor of Galwayon on the West coast of Ireland for the murder of a young Spanish noblemen who was visiting the family home. He had fallen in love with a young woman by the name of Agnes in the Lynch household and in a fit of jealous rage one night Walter took the young Spaniard's life," began Nemtheanga, aka the band's frontman Alan Averill. "The story goes that an angry 'lynch mob' took to the streets and barred the way to the usual execution spot so James took his son Walter and hung him with his bare hands from the open window into the street. He was lynched from the hanging sill."

"'To Hell or the Hangman' is this story through Walter's eyes, a tale of unrequited love with a murderous end," the singer adds. "Enough drama for you? A curious and strange song for single number two from the new album — dark romanticism! So get on the dance floor..."

Exile Amongst the Ruins drops on March 30 through Metal Blade and pre-orders for the album can be placed at the label's webstore.

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