Recording Company studio in Seattle, Washington with producer Randall Dunn who had previously worked with Earth on Hex; Or Printing in the Infernal Method (2005) and The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull (2008).

[5] Thom Jurek of AllMusic stated: "Earth's massive, plodding, serpentine approach on Primitive and Deadly reflects a new focus on lyric euphony and a renewed commitment to corporeal force."

Jurek also further added: "The pervasive, blinding darkness that saturates this bleak, sublime music is driven by the band's collective desire to seek ecstasy in the very heart of the void.

"[6] Drowned in Sound critic Tristan Bath described the album as "the latest in a recent suite of triumphs—by this point Earth are masters of their game, making music that’s bigger and more powerful than anything mere mortals should be able to create.

"[7] musicOMH critic Sam Shephard wrote: "Primitive and Deadly, in part, represents an encapsulation of Earth’s discography, but more importantly it also sees the band moving on, entering a new phase and expanding their dimensions.