This German power-metal outfit started out after vocalist Ralf Scheepers quit Gamma Ray, to pursue his dream to become the new singer for Judas Priest. When this didn't happen, he teamed up with Mat Sinner & Tom Naumann (both from Sinner), and formed Primal Fear in 1998.

PRIMAL FEAR (1998) NUCLEAR BLAST

What a blast this debut album is! This is how Judas Priest would have sounded like, if they were from Germany. And Judas Priest is exactly the band Mr. Scheepers was showing off for. Since he didn't get the vocal-job in the legendary English metal band, he formed this group. And it's pretty clear what the purpose of this band was, namely to get out of the system, or to show people, that Ralf could have filled that job perfectly! But it's kind of a strange thing for me, because I have never been a huge Priest fan. Still I find this album immensely fulfilling. It's packed with great melodic speed metal, and everything just fits. I guess it helps that I'm also a Sinner and Gamma Ray fan, but as said, Primal Fear sound even more like Judas Priest (listen to "Chainbreaker" and you'll know what I'm talking about). But hey, I'm not complaining. Full throttle from beginning to end, and a fine diverse album, indeed. I actually played this so much when it was new, I almost wore it out. "Speedking" is a Deep Purple cover. Ralf's ex-band-boss, Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray), guests on this album.

Killer tracks: Chainbreaker, Silver & Gold, Promised Land, Nine Lives, Tears Of Rage, Thunderdome

JAWS OF DEATH (1999) NUCLEAR BLAST (Digi-book)

Primal Fear's second album, pretty much picks up where the first one left off. I'm not sure that it is every bit as good as the first one, but it's not far from it either. It's the same melodic speed metal, and the Priest influences are still there. But this time, I find that the songs are harder to tell apart. If I don't listen to it regularly, I easily forget what songs I like the best from it. But it's the same recipe as from the debut, even throwing in a cover track this time too. "Kill The King" is a Rainbow cover, that also appear on the 'Holy Dio' tribute album. My version of 'Jaws Of Death' is a cool special edition digibook.

Killer tracks: Save A Prayer, Under Your Spell, When The Night Comes

NUCLEAR FIRE (2001) NUCLEAR BLAST

What do they put in the water down there in Germany? Man, there must be more power metal bands per inhabitant there then in any other country in the world. And boy are some of these bands busy. This is Primal Fear's third album in as many years. Once again they deliver the goods. I can't believe the high level of quality on this bands releases. They never show signs of weary. Their combination of speed and melody is still breath-taking. If you are a fan, it's a no-brainer, and if you haven't checked this band out before, this might be a perfect place to start.

Killer tracks: Angel In Black, Now Or Never, Iron Fist In A Velvet Glove, Living for Metal

BLACK SUN (2002) NUCLEAR BLAST

Countdown To Insanity - intro Black Sun Armageddon Lightyears From Home Revolution Fear Mind Control Magic Eye Mind Machine Silence We Go Down Cold Day In Hell Controlled - outro

Line-up: Ralf Scheepers - Lead Vocals Henny Wolter - Guitars Klaus Sperling - Drums Mat Sinner - Bass, Vocals Stefan Leibing - Guitars

Power metal is maybe my favorite genre these days. And Primal Fear is one of the leading bands in the genre, right now. But still this album managed to take me by surprise! The speed metal and the Priest references are toned down, and we get 11 songs of quality power metal!!! This album is phenomenal, and I just know it's going to appear on my top 10 list of 2002 releases. The song "Magic Eye" is about the best song I've heard in this genre, and that says a lot! Ralf is showing that he is a diverse singer, and doesn't always have to scream at the top of his lungs. The album takes a little downward slope towards the end. But it is nothing critical, and it doesn't ruin the album one bit. So what are you all waiting for? GET THIS ALBUM!!!

Killer tracks: Black Sun, Armageddon, Lightyears From Home, Magic Eye

DEVIL'S GROUND (2004) NUCLEAR BLAST (Digibook)

I've always been a fan of Primal Fear. Every album have given me hours of listening pleasure. So when a promo copy of this album was given to me for reviewing purposes, I was a very happy man. The fact that 'Black Sun', the last album released by this German outfit, was such a killer album, didn't make my expectations any lesser. Therefore the almost inevitable happened. 'Devil's Ground' failed to deliver. The opening metal anthem "Metal Is Forever" is a great song. But already in the second track things are not up to snuff, so to speak. I'm not sure what my problem with it is. But for some reason the whiplash factor is not as recurrent on 'Devil's Ground' as it was the on all their other CD's. I guess a band can't always stay on top. Repeated listens have made the album sound a bit better though. I'm sure that the album will still please most fans of this band, and still sell bundles worldwide. I've since obtained the Digi-book version of this album. It contains 5.1 mixes of 2 of the better tracks from 'Devil's Ground', and a cover of the Dio-era Black Sabbath song, "Die Young".

Killer tracks: Metal Is Forever, Visions Of Fate, The Healer

SEVEN SEALS (2005) NUCLEAR BLAST (Digibook)

After being a bit disappointed in Primal Fear's last effort, it was with fear I read that the band was going to change things musically on their next album. But after hearing 'Seven Seals' all my fears were gone! Sure, the band does sound a bit different. The Judas Priest worship is almost completely gone. Ralf is using his voice in many new ways, even letting Mat do some lead singing on "Evil Spell", adding variety and depth to various songs. The songwriting and production are more bombastic. But make no mistake about it, this is still 100% German power metal, and 100% Primal Fear! The result is immensely fulfilling, and I think they have created yet another metal monster! The title track is probably my favorite metal track this year! And most of the other songs are just as good too. 'Seven Seals' shows a band that loves what they do, and they have every reason to be proud of what they have achieved. I also like the fact that many of the songs on this album are inspired by the Bible. I'm not saying that they are Biblically correct, but they do seem to concentrate on a good vs. evil theme. So do yourself a favor and check out 'Seven Seals' for yourself. It will enter a place on my top 20 list for 2005 releases. Might also mention that "Question Of Honour" is a cover of a Sinner song (Sinner being the band Tom and Mat used to be in!). My Limited Edition digi-book comes with two bonus tracks, and a video.

Killer tracks: Rollercoaster, Seven Seals, Evil Spell, Diabolus, All For One, In Memory, The Union

METAL IS FOREVER - THE VERY BEST OF PRIMAL FEAR (2006) NUCLEAR BLAST (2CD)

CD1: Metal Is Forever Chainbreaker Seven Seals Nuclear Fire Final Embrace The Healer Rollercoaster Armageddon Angel In Black Under Your Spell Evil Spell Running In The Dust Suicide And Mania Iron Fist In A Velvet Glove Fear Tears Of Rage
CD2: "Metal Classics" Out In The Fields (Phil Lynnot & Gary Moore) Kill The King (Rainbow) Speedking (Deep Purple) Die Young (Black Sabbath) Metal Gods (Judas Priest) Breaker (Accept) Seek & Destroy (Metallica) Two Minutes To Midnight (Iron Maiden) The Rover (Led Zeppelin)

Primal Fear have been one of my favorite bands since their first album came out, and since I saw them live, opening for Running Wild all the way back in 1998. They haven't really released any stinkers so far, even though I have my preferences and favorites. So I'd hate to be the one to pick songs for a best-of compilation like this. I guess it is time to leave Nuclear Blast for the boys, as that is usually the reason for delivering such a CD. One listen through the 16 tracks presented here makes me proud to call myself a Primal Fear fan. They are absolutely one of the better bands in their genre, and the track-list is very strong, representing at least 2 tracks from all of their current releases. Still, all those tracks I can hear on their regular releases. So the real reason to buy this compilation is the 2nd CD. Entitled 'Metal Classics' this disc delivers no less than 9 cover songs, each delivered with a love for both the music, and the original artists. You cans see the list of songs, and original bands above. Most of them have been used on various special editions, and Nuclear Blasts cover albums, but it is still cool to have them all on one disc. My favorites includes the Phil Lynnot/Gary Moore song, and the Iron Maiden cover.

NEW RELIGION (2007) FRONTIERS (Limited Edition Digipak)

I don't know if it was the changes on the last album that made Nuclear Blast drop Primal Fear, or if it was time for Primal Fear to advance from being just another band in the roster, to become a priority with a new record company. Whatever the reason, Primal Fear have now singed with Frontiers Records. More on that later. Some changes to the line-up have also occurred. Youngster Henny Wolter, who also played on 'Nuclear Fire', has returned to the fold. And although Stefan Leibling is playing on the album, Alex Beyrodt was the one doing the tour for this album, as he did on the 'Jaws Of Death' tour as well. Musically 'New Religion' is a little all over the place. So I had a hard time really getting into this one. On first listen it sounded like their new record company had made them go way more melodic. I mean 4 ballads, and 1 with a female co-singer? Frontiers is, after all, a company that almost exclusively sings AOR and softer hard rock bands. But then it hit me, these slower songs are amongst the best songs on this CD. And all of them show a side of the band that they began on the last record. Ralf is really shining on these songs. Don't worry though, you still get the faster, more classic Primal Fear-sounding tracks too. Just check out the opening "Sign Of Fear" and "Blood On Your Hands". Total Judas Priest worship! They band is also trying something new here. "Fighting The Darkness" is an epic song in 3 parts, complete with orchestra and all. 'New Religion' might not be the most exciting release from these guys. But it show that the boys are still a vital part of the European metal scene. I'm already awaiting the next one! Maybe we'll get a live album? The limited edition comes with 2 additional multimedia video clips.

Killer tracks: Face The Emptiness, Everytime It Rains, Fighting The Darkness (trilogy), Blood On Your Hands, The Man (I Don't Know)

16.6 BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD (2009) FRONTIERS (Limited Edition Digipak)

Time really does fly? I can't believe that is has been 2 years since the last Primal Fear record already! But here it is, cryptically entitled '16.6 Before The Devil Knows You're Dead'. Magnus Karlsson (Allen/Lande and Frontiers Records' house songwriter) is the new second guitar-player. But everything else is as expected from this German outfit, granted that they have gradually changed their sound over time.

Primal Fear has become a dependable band. If you've been a long time fan, like me, then you know what to expect, and you never get disappointed. Some albums are a bit harder to get into, while others sit just fine already on the first listen. '16.6' was in the latter category for me. It follows down the same path as it's predecessor, with more accessible songwriting, and streamlined/poppy choruses. The songs are catchy as heck. Time might show that this means that the album lacks any real staying power. But right now, I don't care! I think this line-up is now so well glued together, that they just ooze of joy of playing in Primal Fear. Magnus is a fine player, and a terrific songwriter. But I can't say that I detect any major differences in the band with him as a new member. He is of course already heavily involved in the songwriting.

As I've said before, '16.6' is a natural follow up to 'New Religion'. It sees Primal Fear delivering yet another melodic power metal effort, with emphasis on driving guitars and soaring vocals. The main focus is on playing memorable songs that sticks to your brain, and make you wanna throw your fists in the air. Well, mission accomplished, I say. Again, this might not end up as a future Primal Fear favorite. But right now I'm playing the crap out of this CD.

As usual, I bought the limited edition digipak, with 2 bonus tracks, and a multimedia video. I might also mention that the artwork for this album reminds me more than a little of the artwork for the latter albums from another Frontiers Records band, namely Jorn!

Trivia: The numbers in 16.6 stands for their respective letters in the alphabet, making it the equivalent of the bands acronym, P.F.

Killer tracks: Six Times Dead (16.6), Black Rain, 5.0/Torn, Soar, No Smoke Without Fire

Primal Fear guest appearances:

V/A - 'Holy Dio: A Tribute To The Voice Of Metal - Ronnie James Dio'

V/A - 'A Tribute To Accept'

Ralf Scheepers guest appearances:

Ayreon - 'Universal Migrator Part 2'

Brainstorm - 'Hungry'

Scanner - 'Hypertrace'

Scanner - 'Ball Of The Damned'

Sinner - 'The Nature Of Evil' & 'The End Of Sanctuary'

Tribuzy - 'Execution'

Mat Sinner guest appearances:

HammerFall - 'Crimson Thunder'

Tribuzy - 'Execution'

Dionysus - 'Fairytales An Reality' (as writer)

Tom Naumann guest appearances:

Metalium - 'Hero-Nation - Chapter Three'

Rob Rock - 'Eyes Of Eternity'

Related artists:

Gamma Ray, Sinner, Annihilator