Some things in life are guaranteed; if you buy a Ferrari, it will be quick, the sky is blue. If you stick your finger in the fire, you are going to get burned. A Primal Fear album is no different. Screaming guitars paired with heavy beats, mixed with the signature voice of Ralph Schepps, is the result for 2020 is Metal Commando, slated to be released on July 24, 2020.
The formula for success starts with “I Am Alive.” This song establishes the tone for what is to come. Its fast and the guitar work is classic Primal Fear. “Along Came the Devil” brings a melodic midtempo anthem sounding song that will be a sight to be seen live. One of my favorites on the album is “Hear Me Calling.” The song uses angelic verses and mixes them with classic Primal Fear choruses incorporating viscous drumbeats. “The Lost & The Forgotten” hits hard with screaming vocals provided by Ralf Scheepers. “I Will Be Gone” is the band’s ballad on the album. The beautiful thing about a Primal Fear ballad is that it showcases Schepps vocals in a raw form.
The next two songs, “Raise Your Fists” and “Howl of The Banshee,” define what metal should be. The songs both have great chorus lines, but “Howl of The Banshee” rules Metal Commando:
“After the Rain
And after the fall
Evil Rules
The Howl of the Banshee
Wrong side of Hell
Is calling again”.
As things begin to come to an end on Metal Commando, the 13-minute epilogue “Infinity” makes sure the album is not lost amongst the other 2020 releases. When a song starts with church bells, you know it is going to be epic. “Infinity” starts measured and upsurges into a galloping masterpiece. This may be the last song on the album, but it will stand out as one of the best.
If you are looking for a re-birth from Primal Fear with Metal Commando, you are going to be very disappointed. There is no deviation from the model that got the band where they are today. Solid, substantial, and steadfast are the words that come to mind when best describing this album.
Metal Commando will be available on July 24, 2020, via Nuclear Blast Records. You can hear Brutal Planet Magazine’s interview with Primal Fear Guitarist Tom Naumann at the link below, where we also talk about the new album.
