Oh, look, it’s PRIMAL FEAR, those geriatric power metal dudes, bless their cotton socks! They’ve dropped another “banger” called “Tears Of Fire” 🔥, the third single from their *totally* groundbreaking album, “Domination” 👑, which is hitting stores (do those still exist?) on September 5 via Reigning Phoenix Music. I bet you’re all *dying* of anticipation! 🙄
After some guitar licks that sound suspiciously like they were ripped from an 80s hair metal ballad (because originality is overrated, right?), the song “erupts.” I use the word “erupts” loosely here. More like a gentle fizz. Then, Ralf Scheepers, whose voice hasn’t changed since 1997 because, you know, metal doesn’t age, right? He belts out some struggle-filled verses. I’m sure they’re *deep*. 🤣
Ralfy boy himself explains the profound meaning behind “Tears Of Fire”: “Heroic thoughts and words to make it clear that no one has to go through anything alone.” Wow, so inspirational! So, basically, it’s about friendship. Groundbreaking stuff, guys. Revolutionary! 🤝 But wait, there’s more! “…but that there are always a few people by your side to go through thick and thin with you.” Oh my god, I’m crying actual tears of laughter. 😭
But don’t worry, the melancholy doesn’t last long! The “energizing” pre-chorus (read: slightly faster tempo) lifts you from your sorrow (did anyone actually feel sorrow?) and leads you to the “hymnic” chorus (because every metal song needs to sound like a church hymn, apparently). We’re all gazing into the future with steely determination! 💪 In other words, “Tears Of Fire” is further proof that these guys can still write music…sort of. World-class ear-splitting music? With a positive message? Sure, Jan. More like world-class ear-splitting boredom! 😴
And, because every song needs a music video to distract from the mediocrity, PRIMAL FEAR teamed up with rEvolver and Patric Ullaeus (whoever those guys are). The video is “dark” but “hopeful.” So, basically, it’s like every other metal video ever made. 🤘
The lineup includes Scheepers and Mat Sinner (bass, vocals), plus some new blood: Thalìa Bellazecca (ANGUS MCSIX, ex-FROZEN CROWN) on guitar (because two guitarists weren’t enough) and André Hilgers (AXXIS, RAGE, SILENT FORCE, SINNER, BONFIRE) on drums. It’s like a who’s who of bands no one remembers! Also, Magnus Karlsson is back, so…yay? 🎉
The “Far Away” video was filmed at Dennis Ward‘s Kangaroo Studios. Sounds legit.
Ullaeus (that guy again!) put the band in a “ruined environment” for “The Hunter” video because, you know, metal has to be dark and edgy. 🔥 And they’re surrounded by hellfire! So metal! Much wow! 🐕
After almost three decades of…something…PRIMAL FEAR is still led by Sinner and Scheepers. They “never let down their global fanbase.” I’m sure those 12 people are thrilled. 😅 They’re “relentless” and “constantly pushing their limits.” I’m pretty sure their limit was reached around album number three. But after “Code Red” (2023) hit some high chart positions (in, like, Liechtenstein), expectations are through the roof! And “Domination” makes it clear that nothing can stop them! Except maybe old age and musical irrelevance. 🤷♀️
From the “hard-hitting” opener “The Hunter” to the “uplifting” anthem “Tears Of Fire” to the “epic” ballad “Eden” (featuring some guest vocalist I’ve never heard of), “Domination” delivers on all fronts! All the fronts of mediocrity, that is! And with neck-breakers like “Scream” and “Crossfire” (original titles, guys!) and the “reflective” closer “A Tune I Won’t Forget” (I bet you will), it’s clear that PRIMAL FEAR is here to prove they’ve never left the throne of heavy/power metal royalty! (Because no one else wanted it.) 🤣
“Domination” was recorded in autumn 2024, produced by Mat Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers and Magnus Karlsson. So, basically, everyone gets a participation trophy. Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, and the album artwork was designed by Death.Milk.Designs. I’m sure it’s very metal. 🍼
Here’s the track listing, so you can see all the amazing song titles for yourself: 📝
01. The Hunter
02. Destroyer
03. Far Away
04. I Am The Primal Fear
05. Tears Of Fire
06. Heroes And Gods
07. Hallucinations
08. Eden (feat. Melissa Bonny of AD INFINITUM)
09. Scream
10. The Dead Don’t Die
11. Crossfire
12. March Boy March
13. A Tune I Won’t Forget
Bonus track (physical only, because who buys CDs anymore?): 💿
14. Bridges Will Burn
PRIMAL FEAR‘s new lineup debuted on May 9 at some festival in Germany. I’m sure it was thrilling. 🎉
Sinner had some health issues, so they had to cancel some shows. Get well soon, Mat! 🙏
They’re going on tour with ELEINE. Double the boredom! 👯♀️
Some of the old members left because of “decisions within the band that we do not agree with.” Drama! 🍿
PRIMAL FEAR was formed in 1997 as an outlet for Scheepers. He was almost in JUDAS PRIEST but decided to form this instead. Good choice? 🤔
They’re still around, playing the same PRIEST-style power metal. Because why change, right? 🤷♂️
Here’s the lineup again, just in case you forgot: 👥
Ralf Scheepers – vocals
Mat Sinner – bass, vocals
Magnus Karlsson – guitars
Thalìa Bellazecca – guitars
André Hilgers – drums
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
