The year 2024 may be growing late, but the onslaught of awesome new releases has not slowed in the slightest. To that point, this latest Profile features Chicago-based modern death metallers Primal Code. The release of their debut full-length, Opaque Fixation, is only a day away – out through Relapse Records. I know we’ve seen plenty of strong DM this year, but even if you think you’ve had you’re fill I implore you to carve out time with this one. You won’t regret it. Unapologetically heavy, and inspired with an old-school sound, it is sure to scratch that itch without fail. So! To whet our appetite for the official release of Opaque Fixation, give the responses a read below and hit that Bandcamp link while you do so.

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I got my first guitar at 9 years old, 3rd grade. I took lessons for a bit, but never really stuck to it. I didn’t really pick it up or take to it regularly until high school. Once I was able to start learning to play Iron Maiden and Slayer songs, it was off to the races.

I don’t know if I would call it pushback per se. I had supportive family and friends that were doing the same things. I think anyone heavily getting into music subcultures – punk/metal/hardcore – whatever, are going to inherently get some raised eyebrows or pushback from anyone that doesn’t get it, which is most everyone. It sucks when you’re young to be an outside cat, but when you get older and fall into real social circles, it makes you special.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

Old school death metal, GED riffs, knuckle dragger, low speed whiplash.

Is there one (or more) thing about your upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

I don’t want to divulge anything!  We really prefer to stay as tongue in cheek as possible, so much so that I think there are a few songs on there that the other band members don’t even know what they’re actually about.  Overwhelming vagueness may seem lazy, but I really think that the songs are better when the listener is making up their own narrative of what is happening.  A framework, vibe and theme to guide whomever into their own “choose your own adventure”. That way it’s more personal to each individual. If I lay it all out there, it’s just my song. If there’s room for interpretation it’s whoever’s listening personal experience.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

Unfortunately, no. We haven’t really played out much outside of Chicago. We would really, really like to though! So, if someone reading is booking cool stuff, sign us up please!

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

Streaming, at home recording, self-releasing is the best thing ever right now for new bands and people starting out.  So many people can start a band and release music to literally the whole world relatively easily.  The more bands, the more chances to find really mind-blowing stuff.

Since COVID, live shows/touring has really taken off, it seems like there are multiple shows every weekend, all the time. I’m sure that’s a headache for promotors and is maybe oversaturated, but it’s still pretty cool to have so much going on all the time for such an underground scene.

Worst thing? I don’t know, that’s all subjective I suppose. The internet trolls, comments, canceling, whatever, seems to be a little out of hand. Involving ourselves in heavy metal inherently makes us all outliers. Picking at each other seems counterintuitive.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

If we were smart enough for real political and social causes, we probably wouldn’t be in a death metal band. Integrity’s album/song “Humanity is the Devil” comes to mind. We are all the same, yet people keep finding new ways to hate/hurt/kill each other over. On top of that, technology has given us so much, but quietly taken away tenfold and crippled us.

Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

Will and I are heavily involved in vintage Harley Davidson motorcycles, hobbyist mechanics, machining, welding.  As well as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, record collecting and being in too many bands.

James and Will work for different railroads as an electrician and carpenter, respectively.  I work as a firefighter/paramedic.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

This is our first go with any of this, so your guess is as good as ours! I think it’s very hard for bands to be seen sometimes or get a chance to really be heard by the right people. I’m sure it’s overwhelming with the volume of music continually being created and impossible to hear a fraction of it. It’s just that there are so many phenomenal bands out there, but without knowing the right people, or incessant touring, might never get a shot at a review or a label.  On the other side of the sword though, critics/outlets doing what they do is extremely helpful and means a lot to a band like us.  We are grateful for any of it.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

Write another record for the almighty Relapse Records and play live as much as we possibly can.  We are very happy with what we are making and would love to share it with as many people (that are willing to tolerate it) as we can.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

Xibalba – “Aztlán”
Hell Is Real – “Scared of the World”
Memoriam – “Requiem for Mankind”
Disincarnate – “Dreams of the Carrion Kind”
Pharmakon – “Contact”
Fulci – “Duck Face Killings”
Blondie – “Eat to the Beat”
Buck Owens and his Buckaroos – “My Heart Skips a Beat”

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

A lot of shows in support of the record – announcing as soon as we can.

Summarize your band in one word.

That’s difficult. Our choices, I think, would be – unrelenting, claustrophobic, intense. At the end of the day, anyone just calling us heavy is the best thing we could ever get.

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Many thanks to Primal Code for the time!

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Opaque Fixation is out November 15th through Relapse Records. For information on Primal Code, give them a follow on Instagram.