Ahh Primal Fear are back. Its always good when the German Metal Commando have a new product out to take advantage of. Primal Fear have been making waves since 1998 when former Gamma Ray vocalist Ralf Scheepers joined forces with bassist Mat Sinner, creating the core of Primal Fear. Hailing from Germany and steeped in traditional European Heavy Metal, Primal Fear have forged a sound over the years that will send you into a joyous frenzy if your a fan of such bands as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Helloween, or Hammer fall.

So, whats that you say? You want cheesy leather pants? Even cheesier comic book superhero poses? Well look no further.....open the album booklet and you got it. Trust me though, once you hear the slick, streamlined, soaring, pummeling metal that Primal Fear trowel out, you'll forget all about their furry boot wearing, corny, euro-metal idiosynchrasies and raise your fist in the air for "Seven Seals"

I think that Primal Fear are one of those bands that really don't need to stray too far from their established sound from record to record. If it ain't broke, don't fix it....thats the vibe I like about this band. Having said that though, there are a few little peaks and valleys that give "Seven Seals" its own character and personality. The title track, for example, has quite a different intro than we're used to seeing, different rythyms, with more of an electronic, hip-hop fused twist, but don't worry, they don't waste any time in ripping your head off once the song kicks in.

I think that with "Seven Seals" Primal Fear are finally getting comfortable in their own skin. While they are holding on to their roots, they have no problem stretching those roots a little farther without compromising their signature sound. Sure, once you hear Primal Fear, the sky high vocals, double bass, and tandem melody guitar lines will have you thinking Priest, Maiden, and Helloween clones, but Primal Fear are starting to carve out their own niche, and I can't wait to see where they are headed next. I'm starting to hear Primal Fear, not just a Judas Priest baby.

In closing, I gotta say this is another loud, fun, and bruising album that I always love hearing from Primal Fear. Just check out "Demons And Angels", "Evil Spell", or "The Union" and you'll be cracking open a beer, singing along and banging your head in no time, but its cool to hear them having some fun too, throwing in some kettle drums, or weird intro....just having a good time and stretching a bit. Enjoy.



Track Listing:

Demons And Angels
Rollercoaster
Seven Seals
Evil Spell
The Immortal Ones
Diabolus
All For One
Carniwar
Question Of Honour
In Memory
The Union

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