Even though for many people, the defining feature that makes a Primal Fear song so instantly recognisable as Primal Fear would probably be the unmistakeable voice of Ralf Scheepers, such is the command an iconic vocalist can wield. Another identifying quality however would have to be the music, which allows Scheepers to strut his stuff. An integral part of this is Primal Fear’s other founding member, Bassist Mat Sinner. Sinner has had a pretty rough time of it (to say the least) over the past couple of years, dealing with some serious life-threatening health issues, so it’s great to hear that he’s back at the Primal Fear helm once more and well on the road to recovery.
The band’s line-up remains stable from 2020’s “Metal Commando”, completed as it is by the triple guitar onslaught of Tom Naumann, Alex Beyrodt and Magnus Karlsson alongside powerhouse drummer Michael Ehré. Sinner’s crystal clear production showcases the band at their best once more, seeking out and displaying each song’s highlights perfectly. The lyrical themes throughout the album are as hard-punching as the mighty riffs that drive each song onward and echo the heavy themes of the music, delivered confidently of course by Scheepers throughout.
The pounding Priest-esque Heavy Metal with an ear towards memorable melody that’s always been an integral part of Primal Fear’s sound is a tradition that’s continued here, the first three tracks being stomping mid-tempo behemoths. But don’t worry all you Power Metal devotees out there, for the galloping double-kick fuelled ‘Cancel Culture’ is just around the corner, driving itself forward with supercharged energy. This is my personal favourite side to Primal Fear as it pushes the drums and guitar prowess to the fore and allows Scheepers to glide effortlessly along on top. I wish there was more of it on “Code Red”.
Further up-tempo numbers follow though, with ‘Play The Game’, closing track ‘Fearless’ and ‘Raged By Pain’ (including Scheepers screaming at the top of his register in timeless form), keeping the energy levels high. There’s also a heartfelt anthemic ballad ‘Forever’ that manages to hold its own, but on the whole this is track after pounding track of thunderous, glorious Heavy Metal. Primal Fear are on album number 13, they know what their fans demand by now and they know how to deliver. They know their own style and display it perfectly throughout “Code Red”. Existing Fear-fans will find plenty to get excited about here, not least when, for a time there, it was looking doubtful that the band could even carry on. But they’ve not merely carried on, they’ve returned angry, rejuvenated, energised and brimming with renewed confidence.
(8/10 Andy Barker)
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