By Paul Southwell
German power metal band Primal Fear have always trod their own path in both approach and arrangements. Whether they’re hammering out fast heavy metal or delving into more symphonic sounds, their music has never lost focus on delivering a solid batch of songs. Bolstering their reputation with solid performances on the live front, the band has consistently won over appreciative audiences in numerous countries whilst retaining their loyal fan base. Finally, Australian audiences will soon witness Primal Fear in the live setting, we had a chat with Matt Sinner ahead of their June tour.
The new album, Rulebreaker, brings founding guitarist Tom Naumann back into the band, touring alongside Primal Fear’s two other guitarists Alex Beyrodt and Magnus Karlsson. “Tom is now more than three years back with the band and he was the creator of the Primal Fear guitar sound,” he says. “It’s not only cool that he’s back – he belongs to the band. He’s a great addition to the band’s musical and human sides.”
The last few Primal Fear albums have been showcasing somewhat heavier material such that the latest album is both heavy and suitably epic, in parts. Asked what the future direction of the band’s sound in the next few years might be, Sinner is forthright. “We don’t push in any direction. The song writing needs to be natural with a smooth writing process. It doesn’t make it any easier to write in a clear direction. The best way is the natural way and if this develops it’s even better. We’re still using the real analogue gear we’ve been using in the studio and on tour. Part-time we use digital gear but very selectively.”
Given a back catalogue that spans close to two decades, Primal Fear have largely stayed true to the powerful metal sound yet have also explored symphonic metal as well as covering some classic hard rock songs. Long-term fans will be relieved to know that the first tour of the band to Australia, will have a set-list that is suitably representative of the Primal Fear journey thus far. “On our current world tour, we play five songs off the new album Rulebreaker and a nice Best-of selection that nearly covers every album of the past with one to two tracks each. I think we will continue with this set-list in Australia.”
Over the years, Primal Fear have covered some classic artists that have since sadly departed, such as Gary Moore and Ronnie James Dio. Whilst those influences still presumably drive the Primal Fear musical approach today, it is intriguing to learn how those cover songs came about. “That was mostly in the beginning of the band,” reveals Sinner, “and our former recording label was into releasing a lot of tribute albums. Really, I can’t remember when we’ve recorded the last cover song. It must be long ago! Primal Fear wasn’t and isn’t influenced by any German bands and music at all. Our influences are more British.”
Sinner also explains that the most recent album was produced by himself, whilst Jacob Hansen engineered the drums as well as mixed the album. As a result, Sinner states, “the co-operation with Jacob is really effective and creative. We’re a great team.” Speaking of drums, the song In Metal We Trust rips along at a very fast pace with a huge sound. Primal Fear’s new drummer, Francesco Jovino and possibly the whole band must enjoy this song in the live setting. Those aware of the recent line-up change in drummers would be keen to hear how Sinner thinks the drumming styles differ from the arguably heavy material that prior drummer Randy Black [Primal Fear drummer from 2003 to 2014] played on prior albums.
“Randy’s best moments were the really fast double bass-drum songs,” agrees Sinner. “Francesco is a groove monster and gives our middle tempo songs a kick in the butt. Really, it is great to have him in the band and he’s a really friendly guy too.”
Of the many live shows and festivals that Primal Fear has played, fans can expect an addition to the existing live recordings from Sinner and cohorts. “We’ve released two live albums so far and we will release a third live album and concert DVD in 2017 from the current tour. I think the stage and live performance is a strong part of Primal Fear’s music and the feeling on tour is better than ever before.” As for favourite studio recordings, Sinner is again clear and concise. “Personally the debut album, Nuclear Fire and Seven Seals. But my favourite is Rulebreaker.”
Primal Fear fans will be all too familiar with the band’s album cover artwork which is always quite striking and powerful. Asked if using a mascot of sorts is restrictive to song writing topics or if the initial artistic idea inspire each album’s material, Sinner is again more direct. “We’ve started with the eagle and used it over the years as our trademark in really different versions.“ The Rulebreaker artwork [by Stephan Lohrmann] was done by the artist who was responsible for our early artworks and he still got it. Beautiful motif on shirts too!”
Primal Fear 2016 Tour Dates:
11 June – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne – Tickets HERE
12 June – Newtown Social Club, Sydney – Tickets HERE
