by Joe Mis
– Sr. Columnist —
The quintessential Power Metal juggernaut that is Primal Fear rocks on taking no prisoners. Rulebreaker is the band’s eleventh studio album – and fortunately they did not break any of the Metal rules that they themselves established over a long and successful career. Rulebreaker is Metal through and through, and the follow up to 2014’s Delivering the Black is quite probably the band’s best release to date.
Any band with a long history like Primal Fear’s is bound to undergo lineup changes – but the successful band manages to make moves that solidify their sound as they go. Metal’s own Screamin’ Eagle Ralf Scheepers continues to front the band His trademark rasp and ear shattering scream are instantly recognizable. Veteran guitarists and long time band members Magnus Karlsson and Alex Beyrodt are joined by the returning Tom Naumann giving the group a triple guitar attack that is second only to Iron Maiden’s Smith/Murray/Gers. Founding member Mat Sinner delivers his usual solid bass riffs and strong backing vocals. New drummer Francesco Jovino (U.D.O.) does an excellent job filling Randy Black’s shoes, and he and Sinner make a fine team that can deliver on all fronts.
“Angels Of Mercy” kicks off the album on a high, and the band never looks back. This track has everything a power metal fan would want – intensity, power, screaming guitars, intricate hooks, superb bass and drums, and great vocals. As usual, the band focuses its lyrical content throughout on the traditional genre themes of conflict, bravery, fear, and of course, Metal! Ralf pushes to the extreme high end vocally over Jovino’s rolling double bass drumming on “The End Is Near.” “Bullets And Tears” is more of a conventional Metal track built around big guitar hooks and solid bass/drum teamwork. Juicy Metal riffs and the best guitar work on the album fill the title track, and Sinner’s bass takes center stage through the sing along chorus. Of course, the band pulls out all of the metal clichés (in a good way) in their anthem praising their chosen style – “In Metal We Trust.” Scheepers and the band almost sound like they are channeling Judas Priest on this one.
Delicate synths and near symphonic vocals open the epic 10-minute long “We Walk Without Fear,” a song filled with varying tempos, powerful layered vocals, fantastic guitar solos – superb performances from all. This track highlights the many influences that make Primal Fear the powerhouse act that it is – the careful listener will pick up elements of Iron Maiden, Dio, Judas Priest, and Dream Theater to name a few. “At War With The World” returns to conventional power metal with its driving and upbeat rhythm line, while “Devil In Me” slows things down a bit allowing vocals, bass, and drums to dominate in almost an early 80s metal style. “Constant Heart” is a guitarist’s expo piece thanks to the driving riffs, squealing harmonics, and quick lead breaks with power turned up to 11. “The Sky Is Burning” is the closet Primal Fear gets to a ballad – thanks to well done acoustic guitars during the verses that lead to a massive electric chorus and simple yet soaring solo. Thrashy rhythms and hooks back up Scheeper’s over the top delivery (Rob Halford would be proud!) on the closer, “Raving Mad.” The three guitarists have the chance to go just a bit mad on this track as well!
Primal Fear’s Rulebreaker is truly a superb release. It is a shining example of the power metal genre, yet the band mixes things up enough that the album should have very broad appeal. There are the high energy power tracks, the lower key (almost) ballad rockers, and a mix of every hard ‘n’ heavy genre in between. No matter the tone or tempo, the engineering is razor sharp and the performances tight so it is a pleasant listen!
Rulebreaker is an amazing album and sure to find its way onto many a Top-10 list. Any other band considering a Power Metal release this year will really have to step it up to even come close to Primal Fear’s latest. Very highly recommended!
In Metal We Trust – indeed!
Genre: Power Metal
Band:
Ralf Scheepers (vocals)
Magnus Karlsson (guitars)
Alex Beyrodt (guitars)
Tom Naumann (guitars)
Francesco Jovino (drums)
Mat Sinner (bass, vocals)
Track Listing:
1. Angels Of Mercy
2. The End Is Near
3. Bullets And Tears
4. Rulebreaker
5. In Metal We Trust
6. We Walk Without Fear
7. At War With The World
8. The Devil In Me
9. Constant Heart
10. The Sky Is Burning
11. Raving Mad
Label: Frontiers Records
Website: www.primalfear.de
Hardrock Haven rating: 9.5/10
