Video Premiere: Tenebra ‘Primitive Man’ From Their ‘What We Do Is Sacred’ EP That’s Out Now

Italy’s heavy rock and proto-metallers Tenebra unleashed their three track EP What We Do Is Sacred back in November last year, in part to mark their signing to London based New Heavy Sounds before they release their sophomore album in 2022, along with celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the label’s existence. Now today, we at Shaman HQ are elated to be able to bring you the video for the track that appears on the EP, Primitive Man, a cover from 70s hard rockers Jerusalem.

Tenebra - Photo by Davide Savaidis
Tenebra – Photo by Davide Savaidis

The label explains, ‘Musically it exhibits Tenebra’s unique take on the 70s hard rock sound, taking the original and morphing it, adding more depth and psychedelics, and mashing the arrangement (with a flute solo no less by Giorgio Trombino from Italian doomers Bottomless) whilst still keeping those riffs intact. Add to that Silvia’s roaring, distinctive vocals, you have a superb re-invention of this lost classic.’

As for the video, ‘it’s an anarchic collage of the band live and playful, with two large sections in which the real star is Giorgio Zattoni: the original Primitive Man. Zattoni has been a pro skateboarder for Powell Peralta since 1992 and is still one of the most stylish skaters out there! Tenebra wanted him in the video because his skating conveys passion and strength exactly like the Jerusalem song.’

Now click play below to be enthralled by not only the sonics of Tenebra and their unique take on Primitive Man but also the gravity defying gnarly skills of the skateboarding legend Giorgio Zattoni

More on Tenebra & ‘What We Do Is Sacred’

New Heavy Sounds is extremely stoked to bring you the latest instalment in their 10th Anniversary EP series, and they are doubly proud to introduce their new signings Tenebra.

Tenebra are a four-piece from Bologna, Italy, and they are a hard and heavy stoner rock powerhouse, fronted by a seriously formidable singer, so it’s no wonder that these guys (and girl) had already begun making waves in Italy and beyond with their self-released first album Gen Nero before New Heavy Sounds got to hear about them.

Formed in October 2017, Claudio (bass), Emilio (guitar) and Mesca (drums) came from the hardcore and post-hardcore scene (Settlefish, Assumption, Horror Vacui and ED) which gravitated around the ‘Atlantide’ squat in Bologna, whereas vocalist Silvia is steeped in the underground rock of the ’60s and’ 70s.

Tenebra
Tenebra

Together they create music that is not only the sum of their influences but pushes those influences outwards, adding odd tempo changes and nods towards Misfits, June of 44 and Love Battery into their strange brew. They say ‘We love rock like it used to be but try to make it speak our language.’ And that they most certainly do as What We Do Is Sacred testifies.

Cracked Path is all organic 70s proto-metal with keen songwriting and a contemporary edge. Full on fuzz with the psych grunge of the 90s underground, it’s Screaming Trees meets Fu Manchu, and it must be said that the vocals are truly storming. Silvia has one helluva voice, laced with whiskey, smoke, grit and late nights, think Maggie Bell or Olivia Favela from Birtha meets Betty Davis and you’ll be in the right ballpark. It has light and shade and perfectly lands the Tenebra vibe.

Hard Luck is a chugging, pounding ride down the highway to hell with Silvia’s bluesy wail destroying all before it, complete with a psychedelic wall of guitars and melodics a plenty.

Tenebra 'What We Do Is Sacred'
Tenebra ‘What We Do Is Sacred’ Artwork

Finally, you get Primitive Man, a cover from the first and self-titled Jerusalem album released in 1972. However, Tenebra claim this song as their own, the proto-metal riffs are all there, the vocals are blues wailingly epic and just to mix it up there’s a cool middle section complete with a flute solo.

What We Do Is Sacred is a 3-song statement of intent that is not only a great listen but sets the tone for their second full length in 2022. So, if you dig Sabbath or Kyuss or Green Lung and like your stoner rock hard and heavy, occult tinged with a psychedelic edge, then this is the band for you.

The EP was released on November 12th and is available on all digital platforms. There is also a very limited edition CD available as part of New Heavy Sounds’ 10th Anniversary EP series. Housed in a bespoke die-cut sleeve and limited to just 150 copies.

What We Do Is Sacred Tracklisting:
01. Cracked Path (EP Version)
02. Hard Luck
03. Primitive Man (Jerusalem cover)

Tenebra is:
Claudio Troise – Bass
Emilio Toreggiani – Guitar
Silvia Fennino – Vocals
Claudio Collina – Drums

Tenebra‘s three track EP What We Do Is Sacred is out now through New Heavy Sounds, and available to buy on compact disc and digital download via Bandcamp.

Label: New Heavy Sounds
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram