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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
4.5 stars - These German commandos know the term METAL, May 25, 2004
Primal Fear(1998). Primal Fear's debut album.In this modern day age of commercialized, nu metal garbage like Limp Bizkit, Korn, and Linkin Park, it's nice to see a band be able to deliver a classic heavy metal sound to a new generation of headbangers. Primal Fear is that band, and they're one of the first to make me aware of the modern European heavy metal scene. Primal Fear was founded by bassist Mat Sinner and former Gamma Ray vocalist Ralf Scheeprs. If one thing is to be noted, you can tell that the band must've played Judas Priest's Painkiller album for hours before they rehearsed, because the band borrows HEAVILY from their British heavy metal heroes in both sound and style. Of course, there are the obvious Gamma Ray, Helloween, and Accept influences in their sound as well, but since those bands themselves sound a lot like Judas Priest, you can tell where the main inspiration lies. The drumming on here greatly resembles Scott Travis's drumming, and the "twin guitar attack" of Tom Naumann and Stephan Leibing sounds a lot like the Glen Tipton/K.K. Downing guitar duo. Most notably however, is how Ralf Scheepers sounds AMAZINGLY just like Rob Halford. While both have slightly different low ranges, the glass-shattering screams are nearly identical. In fact, I can't help but wonder what Judas Priest would've sounded like with Ralf as the replacement vocalist instead of Tim Ripper Owens, considering some of the screams on this disc. So since the comparisons between PF and JP are clearly evident, why am I not complaining about this band who is seemingly cloning Priest's style? Because quite simply, THEY DO IT SO WELL! Ever since the 80s, heavy metal bands all over the place were trying to recapture the edge and virtuosity of JP, but it wasn't until now that a band actually managed to accurately emulate their heroes. I've seen lots of reviews bashing this band for their "lack of originality" and "non-existent growth" between albums. But maybe it wasn't the band's intention to change their sound. The only purpose they really had in mind was to deliver a solid platter of classic heavy metal to anyone who wants it, and in that area Primal Fear passes with flying colors. They're much better than most generic power metal bands, including the aformentioned Gamma Ray and Helloween. For one, the music is much more memorable due to the fact that Primal Fear uses the same catchy songwriting style of JP, plus the band often approaches the borderline of thrash metal at times. Other people bash on them for their lack of intelligent lyrics and "heavy metal" themed anthems. I say, who cares? Sure, some of the "metal rules" anthems can be cheezy, but that doesn't stop the fact that they're just great songs hear. People care too much about bands having something intelligent to say that they just forget that heavy metal is fun, entertaining music to listen to. Isn't that what heavy metal is all about? The point I'm trying to make is that not all bands have to be original to have talent. As long as they play well at what they're doing, that's all that matters. They aren't just clones of JP, but they do infuse their own energy into the music. With that out of the way, onto the album. The debut is the first of many scorching metal PF albums. Many Priest fans consider this album as the direction Priest should've taken after Painkiller, instead of Jugulator and Demolition. Of all the PF albums, this one has the most memorable songs on it. Plus, the production is crisp enough to sound good, and just raw enough to keep the heavy edge that the music needs. It starts off with a short intro which breaks into the album's opener 'Chainbreaker', followed by the similar 'Silver & Gold'. Both songs feature excellent guitar work and vocals. The catchy 'Promised Land' changes the pace up a little bit before heading into the speed metal of 'Formula One'. 'Dollars' is a decent slower rocker, though not one of the better slower tracks that PF has done. 'Nine Lives' brings the pace back up a bit, and right back down for the gloomy ballad 'Tears Of Rage'. This song has Ralf using his lower range vocals, so it's definitely a noteworthy track. Right after it is a blazing metal cover of Deep Purple's 'Speed King'. The album finishes off with the three more speedy tracks 'Battalions Of Hate', 'Running in the Dust', and 'Thunderdome'. The former track is one of my favorites, sort of resembling Priest's 'Between The Hammer & The Anvil'. So will people actually come to like PF's debut album? Well that depends. If you're looking for originality, intelligent lyrics, and anything remotely standing on its own, then look elsewhere because you're not going to enjoy PF. However, if you're the type of heavy metal fan who can't get enough of JP's Painkiller album, or if you just want another good dose of quality heavy metal music, then you will find PF to be right up your alley. RECOMMENDED TO ANYONE WHO LIKES HEAVY METAL. Other recommendations:
-'Nuclear Fire' by Primal Fear
-'Painkiller' by Judas Priest
-'Resurrection' by Halford
-'Balls To The Wall' by Accept
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is Primal Fear's 
