Review PRIMAL FEAR “Domination”

German metal veterans Primal Fear launch the new album “Domination, ” a special release since the band overcame tough times to create it. The occurrence of lineup changes along the way is another factor to consider, and in this context, the start of a new era is marked by “Domination.”

You are probably aware of bandleader Mat Sinner, who struggled with severe health issues in recent years. Everyone is happy that he is back. Furthermore, Primal Fear has a new guitarist, Thalia Bellazecca, and a new drummer, André Hilgers.

Two years after “Code Red,” the band’s newest album provides 13 blistering metal anthems. The first two songs are promising appetizers for the album. “The Hunter” was released as a lead single and showcases the band’s full vigor. The opener is a pounding mid-tempo song that combines heaviness and melody. It’s a classic Primal Fear anthem, followed by a song called “Destroyer.” The latter is another example of the band’s excellent sense of heavy riffs and great hooks. As with previous releases, Ralf Scheepers’s voice defines Primal Fear’s sound, which he has done since 1997.

His strong stage presence is just one of the many things that make the singer so special. He has a distinctive metal voice that enables him to deliver great melodies and blood-curdling screams. This man embodies heavy metal at its finest.

“Far Away” starts off with a mellow, moderate sound before transitioning into a fierce metal performance. The term “old school metal” is best described as a reference to this song. “I Am Primal Fear,” the headbanging anthem, is another example of this phenomenon. It is a perfect addition to any live show.”Tears of Fire” is more of an atmospheric track within Primal Fear’s framework, transitioning seamlessly into the dramatic start of “Heroes and Gods.” The latter is a powerful metal track with a soaring chorus. It’s also one of the moments that showcases Ralf Scheepers at his best, proving why he is often compared to the Metal God, Rob Halford, when it comes to vocals.

“Hallucinations” is an atmospheric instrumental that transitions to “Eden.” “Eden” also has a dramatic intro, followed by a seven-minute metal tune that takes you on a lyrical spiritual odyssey.

“Scream” is a pulsating metal track, and “Crossfire” is an excellent headbanger song with a catchy chorus. We are nearing the end of the journey, as indicated by the song “March Boy March,” and will soon arrive at “A Tune I Won’t Forget.” It is a calmer and dramatic end of the album as the song starts with a piano part and Scheepers being more of a narrator. It is a touching moment on the album. The tune is a cinematic moment of the German metal outfit, and what they placed at the end of the album can be truly named a grand finale.

“Domination” is the powerful start of a new Primal Fear era, and listening to these songs leaves no doubt that it will be a successful one. This album is a strong statement and an ode to heavy metal.