Nine albums and 15 years into Primal Fear, Ralf Scheepers and Mat Sinner remain the closest of friends and allies. This is why the band is still cranking out incredible albums full of classic power metal. The band’s latest is Unbreakable, which pays homage to the group’s immovable spirit and partnership. Along with Ralf and Mat are guitarist Magnus Karlsson, drummer Randy Black, and longtime friend and guitarist Alex Beyrodt. Beyrodt has filled in for the band here and there over the years, but he was asked to join permanently two years ago. He and Mat also perform together in the band’s Voodoo Circle and Sinner.
Germany is a land ripe with a rich history of storied metal bands, but Primal Fear stands at the peak of the power metal hierarchy. Over the years the band has experimented with elements of their sound, but that signature punch, and Ralf’s howling vocals over a wall of guitars has never really changed. With Unbreakable the band chose to leave experimentation behind and return to Primal roots. You can read our full review here, but the guitars are bigger, crisper and more potent than ever. The album has already cracked the top 40 back home in Germany, which is the band’s highest charting release in years.
As Primal Fear gets set to rehearse for what will be a huge year of touring, we caught up with the sleek-headed frontman at home for a conversation about Unbreakable, his 2011 solo album, the high-cost of touring America, his choice for most essential Judas Priest album, and more.
