Primal Fear - Primal Fear
Nuclear Blast
Speed Metal
12 songs (47:49)
Release year: 1998
Primal Fear, Nuclear Blast
Reviewed by Crims
Archive review

With an ever increasing catalogue of releases, Primal Fear has been rather prolific in a short time. The result is that some people might miss out on Primal Fear’s self-titled debut from 1998, which is arguably their best CD (I feel Jaws Of Death is superior for the record). Many songs from this release are still regulars in the live set-list, and most of the songs that aren’t probably should be. There is filler on this CD, but fans of Priest inspired Metal should read on.

You can basically group Primal Fear songs into one of three categories: the double bass speed tracks, the mid-paced Priest influenced tracks; and then the one song per CD that doesn’t sound like anything else Primal Fear has done. The first category is definitely at the fore front as about 60 percent of the CD has the distinction of being full of sped-up Priest riffs, double bass, and simplistic song writing. Every one of these tracks has about as typical song progression as you can get. There’s usually a lead break and either an extra-aggressive or extra-melodic break near the end of each of these tracks. People looking for layers of complexity will not find it but the simplistic nature of the song writing does mean that you don’t have to worry about having to listen to this five times just to “get it”. Instead, you’re more than likely going to start singing along with the second listen and some situations, such as the insanely catchy chorus to Silver and Gold, on the first listen. The riffs are definitely aggressive and the best of the fast tracks are the ones with the most aggressive riffing and the best choruses (should go out with saying). Though not a lot separates tracks like Chainbreaker, Promised Land, or Thunderdome, each of these songs have unique vocal melodies and the riffs are fast and crushing enough that you’re probably too busy head banging to notice anyway. Meanwhile Nine Lives and Running In The Dust are fun little songs that are more filler than anything.

The mid-paced, “rockin’” tracks are essentially what you get with just about every German band that takes influence from Priest. Many riffs sound straight out of Sinner, Grave Digger, or Rage mid-paced songs though to be quite honest they’re not as good with the exception of Battalions of Hate. The choruses are kind of iffy at times, although the riffs are very good if you’re into the style. Lastly, the song that doesn’t sound like anything else is Tears of Rage. Now, this is an excellent song! It is basically Primal Fear’s attempt at a power ballad and does it ever work well. There is some great build up with a more complex song arrangement, and it’s not wussy either. There are still heavy guitars and a ripping solo and this is where Scheepers vocals are at his best.

Ralf Scheepers is a very talented singer. He has a great range and can hold high notes with the best of them, the problem arises from two things. He doesn’t use his versatility nearly enough and instead prefers to remain in a similar high pitch for the majority of most songs, and secondly, he uses too many vocal tracks too often. It’s not present as much on this release but it’s no coincidence that Scheeper and Primal Fear’s music in general sounds more pure live. I also think the vocals sound better with Mat Sinner clearly backing Scheeper up than four Scheepers but that’s another story. Anyway, as for the rest of the musicians everything is mostly standard for the genre. The speed of the drumming is excellent though don’t expect anything technical and that goes for the guitars too. Solid, concise riffs are found throughout but some of the fast riffs lack distinguishable elements. The solos on the other hand are either good or great. They are very explosive with occasional melodic tendencies and while they’re not as memorable as leads from bands like Iron Savior or the mighty Priest, they do have moments of brilliance in Tears of Rage and Formula One.

Fans of German Speed or Power Metal could do a lot worse. Primal Fear is one of those bands that are consistently above average but rarely legendary. There are always filler in Primal Fear’s CDs and this is no different, though the best moments on this CD are some of the bands best. There is no denying the melodic excellence of the choruses from Silver and Gold or Promised Land, or the head banging potential of speedsters like Chainbreaker and Thunderdome. No new ground is broken with this release but it’s something that every fan of Judas Priest influenced Metal should own in their collection.

Killing Songs :
Chainbreaker, Silver and Gold, Promised Land, Tears Of Rage, Battalions Of Hate, Thunderdome
Crims quoted 78 / 100
Mike quoted 76 / 100
Marty quoted 82 / 100
Other albums by Primal Fear that we have reviewed:
Primal Fear - Rulebreaker reviewed by Alex and quoted 86 / 100
Primal Fear - Delivering the Black reviewed by Jared and quoted 90 / 100
Primal Fear - Unbreakable reviewed by Cory and quoted 83 / 100
Primal Fear - 16.6 (Before The Devil Knows You're Dead) reviewed by Kyle and quoted 77 / 100
Primal Fear - New Religion reviewed by Mike and quoted 64 / 100
To see all 11 reviews click here
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