ALBUM REVIEW: Metal Commando – Primal Fear

German titans PRIMAL FEAR made their initial impact all the way back in 1997. Since then they have continued to go from strength to strength, offering up their uncompromising brand of power metal and are still firing on all cylinders. Their hotly anticipated follow up to 2018’s Apocalypse and 13th full length album entitled Metal Commando is due for release on July 24th as they return to their spiritual home at Nuclear Blast Records. What will this release bring to the table?

I Am Alive is exactly what you need from an album opener. Powerful riffs and impactful drumming join forces with the commanding vocal presence and signature tones of frontman Ralf Scheepers to make an instant impression. The thrash infused tempo issues an instant adrenaline rush. Along Came The Devil offers up some nostalgic, uplifting heavy metal vibes with a more methodically executed pace laced with razor sharp falsetto. The lyrics hold a significant cringe factor but suit the intention of the track well. Halo comes hurtling in with further instances of anthemic power metal riffing, also providing an addictive lyrical delivery and infectious energy.

Hear Me Calling will get your blood pumping as bluesy lead work takes centre stage. The track possesses a ballad-esque tone but still maintains a distinct heaviness under the surface. This combo forms an ideal live experience which is crying out for crowd participation. The Lost & The Forgotten takes a different direction with monstrous, stomping riffs and rumbling bass lines that will have you head banging along. Effortless solo flurries add the exclamation point. My Name Is Fear combines the best elements of the two previous tracks as it displays feverish intensity alongside alluring melodies. The drum work will certainly catch your eye as Michael Ehré unleashes a barrage of rapid-fire bursts in impressive fashion.

I Will Be Gone allows for a break away from the vigorous instrumentation, showcasing acoustic tones and a calming, lighter swaying moment. Scheepers vocals sound even more magnificent in this minimalist setting. Raise Your Fists witnesses a reprisal of the sturdy metal mentality as crunchy riffs and a fist pumping pacing lead the way. Howl Of The Banshee ups the momentum a notch with pulsing drum beats and a swift demeanour. The dramatic, soaring chorus helps elevate the track. Afterlife supplies some raunchy, darker guitar tones and another impeccable round of whirlwind drumming. A face melting solo trade-off ensues exhibiting the prowess available in their collective arsenal.

Infinity tees up the grand finale with bell chimes and ominous thunder. The initial stages present a theatrical vibe as subtle acoustic notes ring out accompanied by emotive vocal lines. As the track picks up the heavy instrumentation comes triumphantly charging forwards whilst still encompassing the captivating, dramatic atmosphere. In true power metal fashion you are transported through a diverse range of spectacular sweeping riffs, enticing melodies and cathartic vocal pieces that will have you gripped throughout this pieces entirety. This is PRIMAL FEAR at their imperious best and the perfect curtain closer.

For over 20 years PRIMAL FEAR have been proudly following their own path, refusing to fit a stereotype or trend. To see them produce an album of this calibre so deep into their career is precisely why they are so revered. The fact they decided to end the album on a daring 13 minute voyage is a true testament to how motivated and driven they are to continue pushing themselves to new heights. Metal Commando is the total package. Bundles of killer riffs, adrenaline fuelled energy and emphatic anthems which will have you returning for more. There is still plenty of life in the “old-guard” yet and long may it continue.

Rating: 9/10

Metal Commando is due for release on July 24th via Nuclear Blast Records.

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