POWER METAL DOMINANCE

New album, new line-up – the Swabian power metal command Primal Fear is reclaiming dominance in the German metal universe in 2025 with the album Domination. The new record will be unveiled on September 5, and just eleven days later, Mat Sinner and Ralf Scheepers will arrive at Z7 with long-time companion Magnus Karlsson and two fresh band members, Thalìa Bellezecca and André Hilgers, as part of their Domination Tour 2025.

Since 1997, Mat Sinner (bass, vocals) and Ralf Scheepers (vocals) have been flying the flag for German power metal with Primal Fear. Over the past quarter century, they have released fourteen studio albums and two live albums. Most recently, Code Red entered the Swiss and German album charts at number six in September 2023. Shortly after its release, the band delivered a celebrated concert at Z7 with the new material, followed by another appearance at the venue in March 2024 as support for U.D.O. Since then, a lot has changed. On August 23, 2024, the band parted ways with guitarist Alex Beyrodt. Guitarist Tom Naumann and drummer Michael Ehré also left the band shortly thereafter. But Scheepers and Sinner were not deterred. With a new line-up, they began recording the next studio album Domination in autumn. Alongside long-time guitarist Magnus Karlsson (with the band since 2008), the album will feature Thalìa Bellezecca (also guitarist for metal hero Angus McSix) and new drummer André Hilgers (ex-Rage, ex-Bonfire). Bassist and singer Mat Sinner commented in September: “We’re already in the studio and can choose from around 25 songs, which makes us incredibly happy.” Vocalist Ralf Scheepers added: “It hasn’t felt this great to record new vocals in a long time – some of the new songs are truly special.” The upcoming album will once again be mixed and mastered by long-time Primal Fear collaborator Jacob Hansen at his studios in Denmark. Domination will be released in time for the tour kickoff on September 5, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music. Production is handled by Sinner, Scheepers and Karlsson, who will also be returning to the stage with the band: “I can’t wait to be back on stage with Primal Fear. This is going to be incredible. Together, we’ll create something truly special – both live and in the studio. And I’m so grateful to share this adventure with you metalheads. Metal is forever!”