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Friday, July 8, 2011 - Primal Fear - Album News
Primal Fear have announced that their forthcoming studio album will be released on January 20th, 2012 via Frontiers Records.

An update from the band states: "Just right before we're going to start the recordings on Sunday at the House Of Music studios, we've decided to give our new album a title! We've survived earthquakes and tornados. This is the story of all who tried to destroy us, are still trying or gave up. This is a statement and our new album title - UNBREAKABLE!

Watch out for the first video report from the studio by the mighty Bomber & Visions Of Fear next week, when Randy will be recording his drum tracks for new songs like 'Give 'Em Hell', 'And There Was Silence', 'Where Angels Die', 'Born Again', 'Strike' and many more. The album will be produced by Mat Sinner and engineered by Achim Koehler. All songs were written by Primal Fear.

We've added another gig to our summer schedule - we're going to play a special show at the Metal Hammer Awards in Berlin during the Popkomm on September 9th, Kesselhaus - watch out for more exciting news coming soon!"
Posted by: Steen

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Tuesday, October 26, 2010 - Primal Fear Reissues on Metal Mind
Not many bands can boast such accomplishments as Primal Fear. In over twelve years, the group managed to release eight LPs and become one of the most important members of the contemporary power metal scene. This year, Metal Mind Productions is proud to bring back four classic Primal Fear albums - "Primal Fear" (1998), "Jaws of Death" (1999), "Nuclear Fire" (2001) and "Devil's Ground" (2004) - each of them proving that true metal is still alive and kicking!
 
The albums will be available in new digipak editions, each limited to 2000 copies. All albums include bonus tracks. The material was remastered using tube technology, digitally edited on a golden disc. Metal Mind Productions set up the release date for November 22nd in Europe and January 11th 2011 in USA (via MVD).
Posted by: Brian

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Monday, September 13, 2010 - Henny Wolter Quits Primal Fear
Guitarist Henny Wolter has quit German power metallers Primal Fear. The guitarist has departed stating that "it just didn't feel like a band anymore."

Wolter, who is also no longer a member of Sinner (led by Primal Fear bassist Mat Sinner), is focusing on his new band Nitrogods, also featuring ex-Primal Fear drummer Klaus Sperling and vocalist Oimel Larcher. The group's self-titled debut album is expected in early 2011.
Posted by: Stuart

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Sunday, February 28, 2010 - News update from Mat Sinner - Primal Fear DVD and Moore
Primal Fear is getting busy again and here are some latest news what's going on in the PF camp. We will play our first show in 2010 on Saturday March 6th in our hometown Esslingen / Komma and a new set list at this years Rock For One World benefit event. On March 26th we will play for the first time ever in Luxemburg - Moulfort / Kulturzentrum. In April we're coming back to Sweden - April 7th in Gävle/Maxim with supports "Saint Demon" and "The Murder Of My Sweet" and on April 8/9th we will join the Sweden Rock Cruise with "Death Angel", "Heat" and more .. tickets for the Primal Fear North American tour "The Fear Is Here 2010" in May/June are on sale and HAVOK are already confirmed as the first support band. Great news from Pamela Moore - she will be joining Primal Fear on stage on ALL dates of the North American tour!

The Rock Meets Classic tour 2010 was a nice success and featured Mat Sinner as musical director/bass, Henny Wolter on lead guitar, Jimmy Kresic (keyboards) and Martin Schmidt (drums). Backing Vocals by Amanda Somerville, Verena Schock & Tiffany Kirkland. You can watch a promo clip on You Tube - the tour agency is already working on a new RMC edition for January 2011 with a new line up of singers. iMusic One TV will broadcast a one hour special of the event on the Easter weekend!

Studio & Production News

Primal Fear is busy at work on the new DVD "16.6 - All Over The World". The DVD will feature mainly the 2009 concerts in Switzerland and Atlanta/USA, plus a lot of interesting shots from Japan, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, Sweden etc etc. - still a long way to go, but it will be a killer package incl. the first official Live CD of Primal Fear "Live In The USA" recorded in Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York. Achim Koehler is already working on the mix of the audio stuff. We're pleased to announce that Frontiers Records will be our partner again and will release the package worldwide in mid June 2010. Primal Fear will be on the road again in Europe after the festival season in Mid September, to present their new DVD & Live CD in Concert!

Voodoo Circle finished the drum recordings for their new album "Broken Heart Syndrome" with new drummer Markus Kullmann @ the U3 studios in Stuttgart and Alex Beyrodt will start recording his guitar parts during the next days. The release of the second Voodoo Circle album is set for September 2010 by AFM Records.....

The plans for the long awaited Ralf Scheepers Solo Album are shaping up. The song writing is in full swing and the recordings will start during the summer in Sweden, when Ralf will join forces again with his former "Gamma Ray" partner & drummer extraordinaire Uli Kusch. An impressive list of some very prominent guests is already confirmed for Ralf's first solo album. Frontiers Records plans to release the yet untitled album in January 2011

Mat is still busy producing the highly acclaimed first album of Michael Kiske and Amanda Somerville - simply named Kiske/Somerville. Michael is already recording his final vocal parts and Mat is working simultaneous with Jimmy Kresic on some orchestra and keyboard arrangements. Two video clips will be shot for the album with director Martin Mueller @ the Opera House in Nuernberg in the last week of March.

Short News Updates - Mat will be in the studio with Elvenking and Dennis Ward, to produce their new album for AFM Records in April. SINNER will start the songwriting for the "Crash & Burn" follow-up and their new album "ONE BULLET LEFT" soon. Magnus Karlsson's third album with Russell Allen and Jorn Lande titled "Allen/Lande III" is mixed at the moment by Achim Koehler with the supporting ears of Mat & Magnus. More updates soon!
Posted by: Steen

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Monday, June 22, 2009 - Primal Fear Guitarist Becomes A Father, Voodoo Circle Axe Steps In As Temporary Replacement!
News from Primal Fear:

Primal Fear guitarist Magnus Karlsson has checked in with the following update: "The twins Sixten and Svante were born yesterday 11:00am and everyone is fine! Big babies that were singing the latest ARCH ENEMY hit the moment they came out! Goodbye to sleep :-) Glad Midsommar!"

The band, meanwhile, has offered the following update with regards to the new touring situation: "Congratulations Magnus and his wife Elisabeth - they will stay some more days in the hospital. We're waiting exactly for this moment to post the news. Alex Beyrodt came in last minute to help out at our first 16.6 show in Mainz and will be on stage with us, until Magnus gives us the go-ahead to come back! We wish Magnus all the best with his new backing choir and thanks to Alex for rocking with us again AND be a real friend!

See you next Saturday in Zaragoza Spain at the Metalway festival! Here's a new picture from the show in Mainz last Saturday!
Posted by: Steen

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Friday, May 8, 2009 - New Primal Fear video
Check out the new Primal Fear video for "Six Times Dead (16.6) at their MySpace.
Posted by: Steen

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Friday, March 27, 2009 - Primal Fear album samples
Primal Fear will be releasing their new album, 16.6, in Europe on May 22nd and in the US on June 7th via Frontiers.

Here are some samples:

'Riding The Eagle'
'Six Times Dead (16.6)'
'Black Rain'
'Hands of Time'

More info at the official website.
Posted by: Steen

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Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - Primal Fear - Studio report
Check out the latest studio report from Primal Fear here.
Posted by: Steen

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Friday, January 23, 2009 - Primal Fear - Studio Update
News update from Primal Fear:

"A very long recording period is finished now and we're all very satisfied about the result. We've recorded nearly 80 minutes of music and finally 14 songs plus some introductions. Now after two days without any mixing, decisions, fresh air and sleep, it looks like we've created the most sophisticated and diversified album of our career.

What can we say, the music includes a lot of the vibe of our very first albums like 'Chainbreaker', 'Running In The Dust', 'Nuclear Fire' or 'Metal Is Forever' - some real dedicated traditional metal! But a new Primal Fear album always contained some new musical challenges, real suprises ... and a lot of fresh and new elements this time!

We are working on the final tracklist at the moment and we will master 16.6 with Ted Jensen at the Sterling Sound NY in early February. More news on the final song titles and the release date soon!"
Posted by: Steen

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Sunday, December 7, 2008 - Primal Fear Studio news
News from Primal Fear:

After weeks of pre-production and preparation, we entered the House Of Music studio on November 28 to begin recording our new album, 16.6 (Before The Devil Knows You're Dead!) released in May 2009 via Frontiers Records. The band is in the process of laying down the following 14 tracks for the new CD (working titles; in no particular order):
01. Six Times Dead (16.6), 02. Smith & Wesson, 03. Soar, 04. Riding The Eagle, 05. Black Rain, 06. Lightning, 07. Time, 08. Night After Night, 09. Killbound, 10. Don't Fuck With My Life, 11. No Smoke Without Fire, 12. The Exorcist, 13. Torn, 14. Scream .... but be sure, some songtitles will be changed shortly, after Ralf has finished his vocal trakcs!

Drummer Randy Black already finished his drum recordings on Friday with producer Mat Sinner and engineer Dennis Ward. Guitarist Henny Wolter is busy working on his guitar parts, while Mat will start with his bass parts on Sunday. Guitarist Magnus Karlsson will join the crew on Thursday!

Commented Primal Fear frontman Ralf Scheepers: "It's very unusual for one band member to see and listen how the other band member is delivering the goods on his instrument. When we perform together live, you can also judge what's going on each instrument but not as clear and obvious as in the studio where you can concentrate on each tone or note or beat from your mates. From what I have heard so far, I can really say it's the best performance I have ever heard from Randy [Black] on the drums and also from Henny [Wolter] on the guitar. Of course, some people might think, 'What else should he say, he has to promote the new album and that's what every musician would say just to keep the ball running.' But these words are my true impression and I really can't wait for Magnus [Karlsson, guitar] and Mat [Sinner, bass] to nail their parts to see the whole building growing and growing."
Posted by: Steen

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Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - Primal Fear album news
Album recording update from Ralf Scheepers of Primal Fear:

"As we will start to record the drums for our new album this Friday I will take the opportunity to tell you how excited we are to bring our ideas on the hard disk in the next few weeks. Mat, Henny and Magnus have prepared such a great pre-production already, that I can proudly announce to have finished with my vocal recordings for two songs already in advance at my studio at home. As mentioned above, Randy will start to hit the skins this Friday and we can't wait to hear his power drumming on the new tracks. The new material sounds amazing and it's gonna be hard to pick 12-13 songs out of the 20 we have composed so far....watch out for news on the Primal Fear homepage."

Cheers,
Ralf
Posted by: Steen

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Monday, October 20, 2008 - Primal Fear - Pre-production news on new album
News from Primal Fear:

The pre-production for the new Primal Fear recordings is close to be finished and the studio & crew are finally booked. We've finished the songwriting & pre-production on 10 songs so far and have some more little things to do on another 4 songs. The material so far makes us all very happy. Between real back to the roots Sinner/Wolter/Scheepers vibe incl. the Karlsson touch, we have some very new surprises planned as always! Some more news on song titles & our crew later this week.

Remember the final 2 Primal Fear Shows in 2008 - Sat. Oct 31st - Monsters Of Mora Sweden - the festival of Hammerfall's Joacim Cans with bands like DAD, Hardcore Superstar, Team Cans, Blaze, Astral Doors & more ..... an on Nov 01st in Switzerland @ the Sounddock 14 - Dietikon with special guests: Pure Inc. - see you there!

You can buy your tickets for the forthcoming SINNER / RTB dates in Germany & Switzerland @ Manoticket.DE!
Posted by: Steen

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Thursday, August 21, 2008 - Primal Fear starts working on a new album
News from Primal Fear:

Well, the time has come to start officially with the writing sessions for our new album! We will be in Sweden @ Magnus studio in September to write a bunch of new tracks and do some pre production. We've collected already some ideas and it sound very promising. We will try to keep the great vibeof the live shows in the band.. Of course, we will try to surprise all of you again with a new direction :-) - cheers, PF
Posted by: Steen

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Thursday, March 6, 2008 - Magnus Karlsson joins Primal Fear
News from Primal Fear:

We've decided to continue with one of the most exciting and respected guitar player in the business - Magnus Karlsson from Sweden. Magnus is known from his excellent work as a guitarist, songwriter and producer for Allen/Lande, Magnum's Bob Catley, Starbreaker and many more. We're looking forward to hit the road again with a special Best Of setlist and Magnus will be an additional attraction for the shows.

Singer Ralf Scheepers comments: "After working together with Magnus on several songs for our previous albums "Seven Seals" and "New Religion", it's more than a pleasure to have him in the band now. In my ears he is one of the most talented guitarists on this planet and he is also an excellent composer. I absolutely look forward to rock the stages of this world with him!"

Magnus Karlsson added: "I've been a big fan of Primal Fear since I first heard them. I love their straight forward metal in combination with beautiful melodies and a world class musicianship. That's why I'm both honoured and excited to join Primal Fear on their mission to show the world that Metal is forever!"

It looks like we're planning to get back into the recording studio after the summer festival season to work on a new album!
Posted by: Steen

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Monday, March 3, 2008 - Primal Fear Part Ways With Guitarist Stefan Leibing
Primal Fear guitarist Stefan Leibing has announced his departure from the band. His statement reads as follows:

"Dear Primal Fear fans, after 10 years being in Primal Fear I have decided to take a time out from the music business for some time. I do this for my family, especially for my two little sons, who deserve to have more time together with their father. Of course this is no easy decision, even if I know this is the right one. I leave the guys from Primal Fear in friendship and want to thank them at this point for their understanding and supporting me in this decision. I also want to thank you fans for a wonderful time during the last years! I say good-bye to you, having in mind, that this will NOT be a good-bye forever!"

Primal Fear add: "Well it's hard to see the curtain fall for a friend and a great player after ten years standing side by side. We have all respect for Stefan's decision. We were realizing the problems he went through the entire last year . He will be missed as a character and a great guitar player. There's an open door for Stefan in Primal Fear and we're working on the possibility, that Stefan will contribute a typical Stefan style song to our forthcoming album! Good luck Stefan to you and your family! We will announce our new guitar player tomorrow
Posted by: Steen

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Friday, November 2, 2007 - Ralf Scheepers Signs With Frontiers Records For First Solo Album
Frontiers Records has announced the signing of Ralf Scheepers for the production of his first solo album.

World renowned for his amazing range and high-pitched singing voice, sometimes reminiscent of JUDAS PRIEST's ROB HALFORD, Scheepers finally decided to work on a solo album.

"It is definitely going to be a metal album, but I will surely explore some different sounds and ways to exploit my voice", says the German singer who is right now touring with Primal Fear throughout the world in support of their chartbreaker album New Religion.

"I will call a few friends and guests, which will make this record a very special one, but all details will be revealed at a later stage."

The solo album will be recorded during the winter 2008 under the direction of Scheeper's bandmate in Primal Fear Mat Sinner with additional input by Scheepers himself, Achim Koehler and Charlie Bauerfeind. The label looks for a release during the summer of next year.
Posted by: Steen

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Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - New Primal Fear video
Watch the new Primal Fear video for the song "Fighting the darkness" at their official website.
Posted by: Steen

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Sunday, April 15, 2007 - Primal Fear - Album news
Update from Primal Fear:

We've finalized all recordings now incl. the orchestra parts and Ralf recorded lead & backing vocals on his last full song "The Curse Of Sharon" & "Drenched In Blood" over the Easter weekend and today, we can reveal the title of the new PRIMAL FEAR album:

NEW RELIGION

..... and even more - here are the songtitles of the recorded tracks:

01. New Religion
02. Drenched In Blood
03. The Curse Of Sharon
04. Face The Emptiness
05. Too Much Time
06. Every Time It Rains (feat. EPICA's Simone Simons)
07. Burning Bridges
08. Psycho
09. World On Fire
10. The Man (I Don't Know)
11. The Darkness
a. Fighting The Darkness
b. Darkness II
c. (Reprise)'
Posted by: Steen

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Monday, March 26, 2007 - Primal Fear studio update
Studio update from Primal Fear:

We had a great vocal/guitar session over the weekend! Stefan finished his guitar work for our new album at the U3 studio with our good friend Achim Koehler engineering. Ralf recorded another vocal track. We're only a few steps away to finalize the recordings and we're ready to mix the album. Swedish guitar hero Magnus Karlsson (Starbreaker, Allen/Lande) played two fantastic lead guitars, alternate guns with Stefan and we're waiting for one spot by Gamma Ray's Kai Hansen and the comeback of doctor Henny Wolter! We will start to mix the album on April 15th with Ronald Prent (Rammstein, Manowar, Iron Maiden) at the Galaxy Studio in Belgium.
Posted by: Steen

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Wednesday, March 7, 2007 - Primal Fear album news
News from Primal Fear:

"Most of the recordings for the new Primal Fear album are done! Yesterday, we spent our final day at the House Of Music Studio and finished our work there. We worked 15 hours a day during last couple of weeks and a personal tough period for the band. But the result is so satisfying that it was worth to drive the engine to the limit. Huge compliments to our engineer Charlie Bauerfeind, who co-produced the album again together with Mat Sinner. It was a pleasure to work with Charlie again. Thanks to the House Of Music team for a great time! We will have to record some more lead guitars in the coming weeks and some additional vocal lines. Watch out for some surprises coming up! Matthias Ulmer is finishing the keyboard and orchestra files together with Mat next week. We will start mixing the album in early April at the Galaxy Studio in Belgium, together with Ronald Prent. We will reveal the album title and the finalized song titles on this page soon!"
Posted by: Steen

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Friday, March 2, 2007 - Primal Fear studio update
A studio update from Primal Fear:

Sorry for our delay in updating the page with news from the recording session, but a lot of things happened and today we're back with another round of studio news & pictures! The bass guitar recordings were finished last weekend and most of the basic guitar stuff too. At least we are working on final 11 tracks including a 10 minute monster "Fighting The Darkness". Mat has injured his left hand yesterday in an accident at the studio. It's not that tragic, that he can't continue to produce the album, but he needs four stiches and a bandage. The doctors have to tell, if the SINNER tour has to be postponed...... but aside of this, we can report some very creative and lucky moments during the session.

Simone Simons of EPICA joined us for some sensational vocal work and for the first time in Primal Fear's career a vocal duett with a female singer. We are very pround about the final version of "Everytime It Rains", which has a different vibe for Primal Fear and our fans.

Ralf Scheepers will continue to track his fantastic vocal work today, while Stefan Leibing will join the band on Thursday to finalize the basic guitars. Orchestra maestro Matthias Ulmer will join the session today to put some finishing touches on the keyboard & orchestra section during the next week! Enjoy some brandnew pictures - cheers!
Posted by: Steen

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Sunday, January 21, 2007 - Primal Fear to enter studio in February
News from Primal Fear:

We will start with the recordings for our new studio album. The final pre-production is running smooth at the moment and we're very satisfied with the songwriting and the creative process. We can't wait to start and are more than a 100% motivated and focused! We will finally enter the recording studio in the beginning of February.

We've decided to record again at the House of Music studio in Winterbach, Germany. Mat Sinner is producing again with engineer and co-producer Charlie Bauerfeind (Blind Guardian, Saxon, Halford, Hammerfall etc.), who recorded and co-produced 'Seven Seals'. We plan to record the first period till March 6th, then we will have a short break and we're goping on the road with SINNER. Later in March we will record another vocal section with Ralf Scheepers and then we will move to the famous Galaxy Studio in Mol, Belgium to mix and master the album with Ronald Prent (Iron Maiden, Def Leppard. Rammstein, Manowar etc). The album will feature 11 tracks, including a duet of Ralf sharing the lead vocals with a very well-known female singer." Songtitles set to appear on the follow-up to 2005's "Seven Seals" include "Save Me", "Fighting The Darkness", "The Curse Of Sharon", "Psycho", "The Final Word", "Every Time It Rains" and some more. The music will follow the path of 'Seven Seals' with orchestral arrangements, but will include some real shredding heavy metal tunes!

"Metal is Forever - The Very Best of Primal Fear" (JVC/Victor) eneterd the Burrn charts in Jaopan on Pos. 23
Posted by: Steen

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Monday, October 23, 2006 - Primal Fear album update:
Back from Brazil, we've already started the songwriting and pre-production for the forthcoming "Primal Fear" album and we 're in negotiations with engineers and recording studios. Three songs are already written "Save Me", "Torn" and "Every Times It Rains" and they sound very very promising. We will exactly follow the path of "Seven Seals" for our debut album for Frontiers Records.
Posted by: Steen

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Sunday, June 11, 2006 - Primal Fear sign multi album deal with Frontiers Records!
Primal Fear is very pleased to announce the signing of a new multi album worldwide deal with Frontiers Records!

Filled with plenty of adrenaline, the steady Primal Fear line-up of vocalist Ralf Scheepers, lead guitarists Tom Naumann and Stefan Leibing, bassist and vocalist Mat Sinner and drummer Randy Black have started the songwriting for their upcoming new album which is going to be released before summer 2007, followed by a headlining tour

Bassist and Producer Mat Sinner: "After weeks of negotiations with a lot of well known record companies, we've finally decided to sign with Frontiers Records. Thanks to all the other labels for their interest and fairness"

Frontiers president Serafino Perugino comments: "We are extremely proud and excited to welcome on the Frontiers Records roster a metal legend like Primal Fear. We plan to have a long-term partnership with them and our aim is to bring their career forward and to new heights!"

In addition, Primal Fear have signed a brand new merchandise deal with Artworx Germany and will sort out a lot of more business affairs within the next couple of weeks. Guitarist Tom Naumann: "This is a new start for us and we will change a lot of business things. We have learnt a lot about the business and the human nature in the past days!"

Vocalist Ralf Scheepers: "After a successful partnership with Nuclear Blast and 6 chart albums, we are all set and fully loaded for the next chapter of Primal Fear, together with a professional and such a motivated label like Frontiers Records! Of course we will have some drinks to celebrate this fantastic event and then we will directly stick our heads together to continue our songwriting for the new album and play some fantastic festivals during the summer - Cheers!"
Posted by: Steen

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Sunday, September 25, 2005 - Primal Fear listening session, competition and video
Nuclear Blast & Fear Music have announced the Pre-Listening of the new Primal Fear album "Seven Seals" here. Also check out the video for the song 'Seven Seals', which can be viewed here. You can also win a special Flying V guitar, signed by all band members here.
Posted by: Steen

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Friday, May 6, 2005 - Primal Fear recording update
Recording Update from Primal Fear:

"Recordings in Stuttgart are done. We thank Charlie Bauerfeind for a great partnership in doing this record. We had a fantastic and very creative time and if there will be chance, we will work with Charlie in the future again! We've recorded 12 tracks and 90% of the tracks so far are signed, sealed & delivered. The missing 10% will be finalized together with Mike Fraser in Vancouver, plus of course the mix & the mastering We will fly to Canada on Saturday! We're all very satisfied with the outcome and even there are a lot of musical surprises for you, we promise to deliver a 100% Primal Fear metal album! See you soon on the festivals out there!"

Visit the official Primal Fear website for more information.
Posted by: Steen

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Saturday, July 10, 2004 - Primal Fear video
Primal Fear have a new video online for "The Healer. Watch it here. The clip was directed by Maurice Swinkels and shot in Tilburg, Netherlands at the O13. Rumour is, that the radio edit of 'The Healer' will appear on the forthcoming Alone In The Dark movie soundtrack.
Posted by: Steen

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Friday, May 28, 2004 - Primal Fear
Primal Fear will play Denmark for the first time and will be headlining the Saturday evening of the Aalborg Metal Festival 2004 on 5th & 6th of November at Studenterhuset. More acts will be confirmed soon!
Posted by: Steen

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Saturday, January 24, 2004 - Primal Fear Video
Primal Fear have posted the video for "Metal Is Forever" here. The song is from the fothcoming CD, "Devil's Ground", due on February 23 through Nuclear Blast Records.
Posted by: Steen

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Thursday, December 18, 2003 - Primal Fear to support Iced Earth
Primal Fear will join Iced Earth and labelmates Thunderstone on their European tour as special guest.
Posted by: Steen

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Friday, October 11, 2002 - Primal Fear cancel tour
Primal Fear have cancelled their Scandinavian tour due to circumstances beyond their control.

Posted by: Steen

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Other information
Band Profile

What is your name and your current position in the band?

Randy Black - Drummer

How would you categorize the style of the band? And did you ever consider or try playing other styles of music than the one(s) you are playing now?

I would categorize the style of the band as Power/Melodic Metal. In high school I played in the Jazz band, In the past I played in many cover bands playing various styles (pop. rock. progressive, funk, etc.)

What is your latest album and why should people buy it?

"New Religion" is the latest Primal Fear CD and people should buy it because.... When it comes to the style of power/melodic metal it doesn't get much better. Everything from the song writing, performance of the individual members to the production and over all very professional sound of the CD is worth every penny!

Tell us about the history of the band. More specifically, when was the band formed, how did you meet, and have there been any particular highlights or low points in your career, any crucial events that have taken you where you are today?

In my case the band was already well established in the Metal scene worldwide when I joined them.
I met them all at our first of two rehearsals in Stuttgart before flying over to the US to do the Metal Gods tour in May of 2003.
Other than meeting my girlfriend in Berlin during an Annihilator tour in 1995, I would say the next highlight would be performing my first drum workshop/performance at the Frankfurt Music Fair in 2003. Stefan was in the audience, that was significant because a few weeks later when they got the offer to do the Metal Gods tour, then drummer Klaus Sperling could not do it. So Stefan remembered me, made the contact and the rest is history.

Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?

No, because like I mentioned earlier, the band was well established when I joined. I recognized immediately that they put all they have into creating a great product for their fans. And that in my opinion is a main attribute any band needs to succeed.

Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?

One would be during the Gods Of Metal tour in 2003. After about a week the band was sounding great! We played two nights at BB Kings in New York and one of the shows was outstanding!!

How is the writing process in the band?

All the members excluding myself write songs at home, make rough demos, then they send them to me. I work on creating new drum parts and then a few weeks later we enter the studio and record.

What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?

My earliest memory of why I wanted to play the drums was seeing the Beatles on TV.
When I was a kid and up until 17 years old I always dreamed of being a professional hockey player, and one day winning the Stanley Cup!

Do you have any idols? If yes, who?

It started with Ringo Star, Buddy Rich, Carmine Appice, Keith Moon, John Bonham, Ian Paise, Neil Peart and later on many more.

Do you have any regrets looking back at your career? For example any songs or even full albums that you regret recording? If so, what made you regret it?

No, I take the attitude that everything I've played on has in one way or another made me a better player. There is always the thought that, damn! I could have done that better, but I would guess that is common amongst most musicians, I just try to do it better the next time.

Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?

None come to mind at the moment.

How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?

Very important!
And on a side note to that: Being from North America I'm always impressed about the amount of people in Europe that speak at least two or more languages. That includes the guys in Primal Fear.
In my opinion they write very good lyrics considering that fact.

What do you think about the state of the music industry today?

I don't really have my ear to the ground regarding what exactly is going on in the industry. What I do know is that the whole downloading thing is hurting the bands financially. I find it a shame that people don't really appreciate what goes into the making of a CD. In Primal Fear's case we invest a lot of money and time into giving the fans the best possible album. I mean yes we love what we do. But we also need to pay our bills. On top of the band investing all the time and money, each musician spends a lot of time, years and years and years developing theirs skills. It's just not for the love of playing we do it, but also with the intent to earn a living as well.

What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?

Not my expertise, I leave that to the computer/internet savvy people.

Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?

I do, but I often need to remind myself. I try to focus about positive things how good I have it, I truly feel blessed in my life. Things could be a lot worse.

Can you describe a typical day in your life?

Me and my girlfriend wake up between 7 and 8, have breakfast, I then try and be in my practice room by 9 or 10, practice drums for a minimum 3hrs.
After practice go straight to the gym and workout for 2hrs.
Go home and do business stuff for a few hrs.
Have dinner, watch a movie or TV for a couple of hrs.
In bed and lights out by Midnight.

What do you like to spend your time with besides music?

Playing Ice hockey, working out, visiting friends and ichating over the internet with friends back in Canada and the US.

What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?

We forgot our tour manager at a gas station. The tour bus left as he was on the toilet, he had no phone, no money, no smokes. We discovered him missing only when we arrived at our destination! We had to drive back to get him!!!

You're heading off to live on a deserted island for a couple of years with your portable entertainment system... Which albums, movies or books would you bring? (Max. 3 of each)

CD's 
Loreena Mckennitt - Nights from the Alhambra, The Who - Who's Next, Queen, Greatest Hits.

Movies 
Gladiator, The Incredibles, Corpse Bride.

Books 
Muhammad Ali, His Life and Times, Cycle Of Self Empowerment.

What is your favourite joke?

They were still booing them while we were playing. (Spinal Tap)

Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?

I'm very happy to be doing a drum performance Sept.30th sharing the stage with one of my early drumming hero's "Carmine Appice" who I mentioned earlier.
Oct.6th we will start our tour in Atlanta USA promoting "New Religion" we'll fly back to Europe and start our 6 week co-headlining tour with U.D.O. broken up in the middle we'll be flying to Japan to do 3 headlining shows of our own.

Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.

All of us in the band are looking forward to performing the new and old classic P.F. songs for the fans all over the planet!

See you soon!!

Randy


Added by Steen - 9/16/2007


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