Primal Fear

Artist Info:

+++ Domination +++

Commanding, fierce & triumphing since 1997 - there’s no better way to describe Germany’s premier power metal act, PRIMAL FEAR. Going strong for nearly three decades, the band founded and still led by Mat Sinner (bass, vocals) and Ralf Scheepers (vocals) have never let down their global fanbase: from their self-titled 1998 debut album to 2020’s pandemic release “Metal Commando,” PRIMAL FEAR always managed to surprise with skilfully added layers and details without losing their musical DNA.

“Code Red” [2023] was no difference but created under immensely tough circumstances, considering Sinner’s year-long health issues. “In 2021, I was declared dead, but doctors brought me back to life,” he recalls his long period of suffering. “When I was lying paralysed in my bed, I set myself a few different goals: one of them was writing and recording more PRIMAL FEAR music.” Mat finally returned home in 2022 - and the rest is history. Collaboratively crafting a massive sonic wake-up call with their 14th studio album, “Code Red” surpassed several expectations and hit some of the highest chart positions of the group’s history, including no. 6 in Germany and Switzerland. What a rival less effort (until now)! A European tour where PRIMAL FEAR sold out countless venues alongside U.D.O. among others solidified the strength of “Code Red” and the band themselves, led on stage by Scheepers. As you can see: not even the heaviest strokes can harm their fortitude.

“Another goal of mine was to return to where I belong, of course - on stage,” the bassist continues, and with “Domination,” the time for Sinner’s live comeback has finally come now. “I proudly fulfilled my leading role on tour, but I’m very happy to have Mat back at my side. I’ll be forever grateful that he’s alive and kicking after everything he had to go through...it’s a miracle!” explains vocalist Scheepers.

Talking of stepping up: While “Domination” was still in the writing process, PRIMAL FEAR’s regular line-up also saw the addition of a few new faces. “Change often arrives uninvited and feels like a setback at first, but sometimes that’s exactly what is needed,” comments Ralf. A high risk that eventually paid off! Now completed by gifted guitarists Magnus Karlsson and Thalìa Bellazecca, as well as former touring drummer André Hilgers, the band might consist -- without narrowing the talent of each and every former contributing musician -- of the strongest personnel in their entire career.

Accumulated power which was definitely needed considering the immense success of “Code Red,” what turned out to be a huge challenge for PRIMAL FEAR’s 15th record. Would they be able to outdo themselves once again? An exciting task they were more than up to take on though as their freshly motivated line-up was chomping at the bit. And as “Domination” makes clear, no obstacle is too great for PRIMAL FEAR’s powerhouse songwriting trio - Sinner, Scheepers, and Karlsson. “We actually had a pool of around 25 songs to choose from,” grins Mat Sinner on the band’s creative high. “A sheer luxury problem when you see what made it into the final selection.”

From the hard-hitting fanfare opener ‘The Hunter’ and first single ‘Far Away,’ to the uplifting mid-tempo anthem ‘Tears Of Fire’ and the epic ballad ‘Eden’ - featuring a surprise guest appearance by AD INFINITUM’s Melissa Bonny - “Domination” delivers on all fronts. Add in neck-breakers like ‘Scream’ and ‘Crossfire,’ the brilliant instrumental ‘Hallucinations’ and the reflective, string-and-piano-driven closer ‘A Tune I Won’t Forget,’ and it’s clear: PRIMAL FEAR aren’t here to reclaim the crown - they’re here to prove they’ve never left the throne of heavy/power metal royalty.

“Domination” was finally recorded at Dennis Ward’s Kangaroo Studios in late 2024, produced by Sinner and co-produced by Scheepers and Karlsson. Rounded off by multiple PRIMAL FEAR mixing/mastering engineer Jacob Hansen at his own studios in Denmark in early 2025, the album artwork was designed by Death.Milk.Designs.

The band poured heart and soul into its making, and you can clearly hear that. “This new album is more than music, it’s a piece of us. It was an electric progress,” states frontman Scheepers. Every note on “Domination” spreads a freewheeling magic, made to be transported in a live setting where the quintet is set to certainly mesmerise the masses again at festivals and their longest headline run since 2018. The singer conclusively warns: “There's a great connection between all of us from the very moment we enter the stage, our new line-up will nothing but easily blow away all doubts. We're ready, but what about you?”

“Domination” simply continues where the outfit’s previous album left off: While “Code Red” was a first step back towards reality after both pandemic and health caused barriers, “Domination” is the new star of their discography which converts the assist of its predecessor with class. Be prepared to be dominated by PRIMAL FEAR!

Artist Line-Up:
Ralf Scheepers | vocals
Mat Sinner | bass, vocals
Magnus Karlsson | guitars
Thalìa Bellazecca | guitars
André Hilgers | drums

Services:
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