Power Metal fans, unite! Here it is, the latest release from PRIMAL FEAR, released via Atomic Fire Records on September 1st, 2023. “Code Red” marks their fourteenth album, a truly impressive milestone, eagerly anticipated by fans. The new sound continues in the same vein as their previous works, ensuring that fans won’t be disappointed.
The current lineup consists of Ralf Scheepers (vocals), Mat Sinner (bass), Tom Naumann (guitars), Magnus Karlsson (guitars), Alex Beyrodt (guitars), and Michael Ehré (drums), each with an impressive background, as many may already be aware. Additionally, this marks the second album released by this formation, and it’s their debut under the new label, Atomic Fire Records.
The first two singles were released during the peak of summertime, giving everyone ample time to become familiar with them just in time for the live tour in September. These two songs also serve as a strong representation of the band’s musical identity throughout the 11 tracks.
The opening song, “Another Hero,” is a fantastic choice to start the album on a high note. As one of the singles, fans have had plenty of time to immerse themselves in this energetic track, setting their expectations for what the album has to offer. What’s noteworthy is the song’s lyrical content, which delves into thought-provoking, real-world themes, such as “we have only one planet and one life” and “we need a guide back to sanity.” It raises the question: Do we, in fact, need another hero? “Bring That Noise” follows, delivering an intriguing blend of powerful riffs right from the start and a well-crafted chorus. Without giving away too much before the release, it’s safe to say this track has the potential to easily become a live crowd favorite, ready to be chanted along with during performances.
“Deep in the Night” adds a slightly more obscure tone to the mix, making it an excellent choice for headbanging enthusiasts. The song kicks off with a powerful drum section, followed by soaring higher notes that create an engaging framework. As the song progresses, it skillfully shifts focus to the bass lines and Scheepers‘ vocals, which consistently prove to be outstanding. Moving on to the fourth track, “Cancel Culture,” I was immediately drawn to its intricate cadence that persists throughout the entire song. It takes unexpected turns with various layers and features a consistent solo. While the overall atmosphere leans more towards heaviness than other genres, it’s worth noting that the lyrics might pass somewhat unnoticed.
“Cause music is your power.” Every music enthusiast comprehends the profound significance behind these words. “Play a Song” serves as a warm reminder of how a single note, followed by another, and so forth, can ignite a person’s soul. It does, however, come across as somewhat less daring when compared to the other tracks. One of the most crucial elements, in my opinion, when it comes to building a career as a band, is the ability to possess a trademark sound that listeners can instantly recognize within the first few seconds of a song. This is precisely what “The World is on Fire” achieves. On the other hand, I believe they ventured even further with “Their Gods Have Failed.” The acoustic guitar at the beginning seamlessly blends into a powerhouse of a song, presenting a cohesive intro. I suspect that long-time fans will thoroughly enjoy this one.
“Steelmelter” and “Raged by Pain” also take their time to build the intro, once again delving into the nuances of classical heavy metal. The tempo remains consistent and feels natural, with one song seamlessly flowing into the other. While the songs exude a strong spirit, the lyrical messages in each song appear to take a backseat, at least for me, and could benefit from a deeper exploration. The ballad “Forever” seamlessly closes the album with the piano taking the deserving spotlight, setting a more emotional tone. This song is a testament to the emotional depth invested in its composition, and you can distinctly feel the strength emanating from Scheepers‘ powerful vocals.
The album concludes with “Fearless,” which maintains a brisk tempo and carries a message of resilience and growth, fittingly echoing the symbolism of the album cover—a resplendent phoenix rising from the ashes. This song leaves behind a hopeful and invigorating energy as the album draws to a close.
The album brings the energy PRIMAL FEAR has honed into their unique style, which one can readily identify as their own artistic signature. To me, the song that stands out as a surprising twist is “Forever,” a track with the full potential to become a favorite in the years ahead. It also signifies a milestone for the new label, demonstrating that PRIMAL FEAR are very much alive and kicking, never straying too far from their roots. This is what leaves the most lasting impact. “Code Red” is set to release on September 1st, and I highly recommend giving it a listen. It’s a cohesive work with several standout tracks that undoubtedly have the potential to become staples in their upcoming setlist.
Written by Denise Di Lallo Ragazzo
Tracklist
- Another Hero
- Bring That Noise
- Deep In The Night
- Cancel Culture
- Play A Song
- The World Is On Fire
- Their Gods Have Failed
- Steelmelter
- Raged By Pain
- Forever
- Fearless
Lineup
Ralf Scheepers | vocals
Mat Sinner | bass, vocals
Tom Naumann | guitars
Alexander Beyrodt | guitars
Magnus Karlsson | guitars
Michael Ehré | drums
Label
Atomic Fire Records
Links
www.primalfear.de
www.facebook.com/primalfearofficial
www.instagram.com/primalfearofficial
www.twitter.com/primalfear4ever
www.tiktok.com/@primalfearofficial
https://label.atomicfire-records.com/project/primal-fear/
