PRIMAL FEAR – Live In The USA

“Thank you so much… see you next year” pledges Ralf Scheepers, singer of the German Power Metal dynamo known as Primal Fear. That pledge to the American fans gathered to see the band must give them comfort knowing their beloved European heroes will return. It also provides a subtle sense of sadness, knowing the great show just witnessed has come to an end.

Live In The USA was recorded during the tour which supported their 2009 release, 16.6 (Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead). A release which Primal Fear must be quite proud of as there are six tracks on Live In The USA from it. Live In The USA should not be viewed solely as a “greatest hits” collection from Primal Fear. It is rather a signature performance of collective great songs.

It is evident from this album that Primal Fear enjoys playing to a live audience. There are no struggles for the band to keep in time together. There are also no mundane robotic performances. These guys are taking pleasure in playing music on stage, and in turn the audience appreciates their gallant effort.

Scheepers’ vocals are pristine. He is able to hit every note and uses his broad range very well to captivate his audience. Guitarists Magnus Karlsson and Henry Wolter share licks and solos reminiscent of a classic Tipton/Downing or Murray/Smith live performance. The solos during the song “Sign Of Fear” are a great example of this.

Some of the more noteworthy performances on this album include the fiery opening track “Under The Radar”, the aforementioned “Sign Of Fear”, the melancholy “Fighting The Darkness” and the acoustic gem “Hands Of Time”. However, one of the brighter moments is the introduction Scheepers announces opening the track “Metal Is Forever” during which he proclaims “This is a reward for what we are doing because we love Heavy Metal, we like to be on the road, we love to make this music, we are born with this, and that is the reason why Heavy Metal is forever!” That statement summarizes all you really need to know about Primal Fear and Live In The USA. The music they produce is made with heart and dignity. They are humble to their fans, which is an important quality for any musician. After all, it is fans that truly make a band great. Primal Fear recognizes this, and made this album as a tribute to their fans.