Primal Fear – Delivering the Black – Frontiers Records
By Michael Knowles
Just over a year ago Primal Fear embarked on a writing journey that would eventually become their 10th studio album Delivering the Black. Fresh off their new contract agreement with Frontiers records, and following their most successful album to date Unbreakable, Primal Fear appeared poised and ready to deliver one of the strongest albums they’ve ever produced, and one that would hopefully eclipse the success of its predecessor. As early as pre-production, bass player Mat Sinner and vocalist Ralf Scheepers both commented on the fact that this new album was very heavy and very powerful comparing it to the likes of their earlier releases Seven Seals, and Nuclear Fire. Delivering the Black is without a doubt one of the heaviest and epic feeling albums in the bands catalogue, and is filled with songs destined to become instant Primal Fear classics.
The introduction track “King for a Day” is a perfect album opener. It truly has a classic Primal Fear sound, in the realm of songs from Jaws of Death or Nuclear Fire, but also seems to pick up exactly where Unbreakable left off, in the way that it has that very classic metal anthem sound with a shot of adrenaline that only Primal Fear can give. This song shows fans right from the start that yes this album is going to be heavy, but it’s very much going to sound like Primal Fear. As Mat Sinner stated in a recent interview, due to the success of Unbreakable the band was not looking to change their sound or identity, rather they were looking to make a record that was simply bigger and better. Track 2 “Rebel Faction” is truly indicative of the bands goal of creating more powerful, in-your-face songs. This song is truly one of the heaviest tracks on Delivering the Black, with its very dark and ominous orchestral arrangement, a brutally heavy riff, an aggressive and emotionally charged chorus, and a double bass drum attack by Randy Black.
The first single released “When Death Comes Knocking” slows the album down just a little bit as it is more of a slower tempo, ‘raise your fist in the air’ type of song. For those who have only heard the single version, they will be happy to hear an extended intro, solo, and instrumental breakdown, turning the song into more of an epic with the way that there is almost a musical story being told. The following track “Alive & on Fire” is another more mid tempo song, and much like the opening track has more of a straight classic heavy metal sound with a great drum groove, killer guitar riff, and catchy chorus that stays with you. The tempo of the album picks way up for both the heavy title track and the following song “Road to Asylum.” Both of these songs really thrive in the overall melody arrangement and chorus. The chorus of the title track is especially powerful and grabbing as Ralf hits some of his highest and most inspiring notes of the album. While the latter song contains one of those classic Primal Fear soaring melodies and choruses that make you feel like you’re riding an eagle “into the black,” across open skies.
The next song “One Night in December,” is the big 9 minute plus epic on the album which without a doubt stirred up a tone of excitement amongst all Primal Fear fans when it was announced. The song opens with the sound of rain and thunder setting the mood for the rest of the track. The very cool weather effect transitions into a very emotional heart palpitating orchestral and keyboard arrangement by Magnus Karlsson followed by the most power exerting riff on the album, paving the way for Ralf’s stabilizing vocal delivery. The bridge and chorus of the song are very memorable and thought provoking, carrying a lot of weight and substance with few lyrics; while really meshing well with the overall dark mood of the song established by the driving orchestral keyboard sound. The instrumental break in the song has a very cinematic feel, drawing comparison to another great Primal Fear epic and fan favorite “Fighting the Darkness.” This song is definitely one of the standouts on the record and has the makings of a great encore song for the upcoming Primal Fear tour.
The following song “Don’t Pray for Justice,” really stands out as the perfect Primal Fear anthem song, with a very catchy chorus that will for sure have fans chanting during live shows. Overall it’s just a very fun adrenaline pumping heavy metal song that is just what you want to hear right after a 9 minute epic. The second to last track titled “Born with a Broken Heart” is the lone ballad on the album and features female vocalist Liv Kristine harmonizing with Ralph over the chorus. Not only is this one of the most beautiful songs Primal Fear has ever produced, but it also really diversifies the album and serves as a nice breather before the closing track. The final song “Inseminoid” is a great close to the album, as this song much like the whole album really packs a punch. It’s another really heavy song both musically and lyrically, with a huge melodic chorus, some of Randy Black’s most jaw dropping drum moments and overall is just one of those songs where each band member gets a chance to shine.
In closing, Delivering the Black is truly one of Primal Fear’s strongest outputs and is at least from this fans perspective, their best record since 2007’s New Religion. The band aimed at creating an album that was bigger and better than its predecessor, and they accomplished just that. It is worth noting that this is the first album to be mixed by the great Jacob Hansen who really put his stamp on the record with how big and powerful each song seems to resonate with the listener. It also can’t be overstated just how complete this new album feels, due to the vast assortment of songs, from long epics, to fast super heavy tunes, to even a pretty sounding ballad. This album really has anything a metal fan can want, and will only become more and more satisfying with repeated listens. It is very fitting that the release of Delivering the Black be accompanied by a world tour, because this album is filled with live friendly tracks, and is an album that should be embraced by all Primal Fear fans alike.
BUY Delivering the Black
Official Primal Fear Website
By Michael Knowles
Just over a year ago Primal Fear embarked on a writing journey that would eventually become their 10th studio album Delivering the Black. Fresh off their new contract agreement with Frontiers records, and following their most successful album to date Unbreakable, Primal Fear appeared poised and ready to deliver one of the strongest albums they’ve ever produced, and one that would hopefully eclipse the success of its predecessor. As early as pre-production, bass player Mat Sinner and vocalist Ralf Scheepers both commented on the fact that this new album was very heavy and very powerful comparing it to the likes of their earlier releases Seven Seals, and Nuclear Fire. Delivering the Black is without a doubt one of the heaviest and epic feeling albums in the bands catalogue, and is filled with songs destined to become instant Primal Fear classics.
The introduction track “King for a Day” is a perfect album opener. It truly has a classic Primal Fear sound, in the realm of songs from Jaws of Death or Nuclear Fire, but also seems to pick up exactly where Unbreakable left off, in the way that it has that very classic metal anthem sound with a shot of adrenaline that only Primal Fear can give. This song shows fans right from the start that yes this album is going to be heavy, but it’s very much going to sound like Primal Fear. As Mat Sinner stated in a recent interview, due to the success of Unbreakable the band was not looking to change their sound or identity, rather they were looking to make a record that was simply bigger and better. Track 2 “Rebel Faction” is truly indicative of the bands goal of creating more powerful, in-your-face songs. This song is truly one of the heaviest tracks on Delivering the Black, with its very dark and ominous orchestral arrangement, a brutally heavy riff, an aggressive and emotionally charged chorus, and a double bass drum attack by Randy Black.
The first single released “When Death Comes Knocking” slows the album down just a little bit as it is more of a slower tempo, ‘raise your fist in the air’ type of song. For those who have only heard the single version, they will be happy to hear an extended intro, solo, and instrumental breakdown, turning the song into more of an epic with the way that there is almost a musical story being told. The following track “Alive & on Fire” is another more mid tempo song, and much like the opening track has more of a straight classic heavy metal sound with a great drum groove, killer guitar riff, and catchy chorus that stays with you. The tempo of the album picks way up for both the heavy title track and the following song “Road to Asylum.” Both of these songs really thrive in the overall melody arrangement and chorus. The chorus of the title track is especially powerful and grabbing as Ralf hits some of his highest and most inspiring notes of the album. While the latter song contains one of those classic Primal Fear soaring melodies and choruses that make you feel like you’re riding an eagle “into the black,” across open skies.
The next song “One Night in December,” is the big 9 minute plus epic on the album which without a doubt stirred up a tone of excitement amongst all Primal Fear fans when it was announced. The song opens with the sound of rain and thunder setting the mood for the rest of the track. The very cool weather effect transitions into a very emotional heart palpitating orchestral and keyboard arrangement by Magnus Karlsson followed by the most power exerting riff on the album, paving the way for Ralf’s stabilizing vocal delivery. The bridge and chorus of the song are very memorable and thought provoking, carrying a lot of weight and substance with few lyrics; while really meshing well with the overall dark mood of the song established by the driving orchestral keyboard sound. The instrumental break in the song has a very cinematic feel, drawing comparison to another great Primal Fear epic and fan favorite “Fighting the Darkness.” This song is definitely one of the standouts on the record and has the makings of a great encore song for the upcoming Primal Fear tour.
The following song “Don’t Pray for Justice,” really stands out as the perfect Primal Fear anthem song, with a very catchy chorus that will for sure have fans chanting during live shows. Overall it’s just a very fun adrenaline pumping heavy metal song that is just what you want to hear right after a 9 minute epic. The second to last track titled “Born with a Broken Heart” is the lone ballad on the album and features female vocalist Liv Kristine harmonizing with Ralph over the chorus. Not only is this one of the most beautiful songs Primal Fear has ever produced, but it also really diversifies the album and serves as a nice breather before the closing track. The final song “Inseminoid” is a great close to the album, as this song much like the whole album really packs a punch. It’s another really heavy song both musically and lyrically, with a huge melodic chorus, some of Randy Black’s most jaw dropping drum moments and overall is just one of those songs where each band member gets a chance to shine.
In closing, Delivering the Black is truly one of Primal Fear’s strongest outputs and is at least from this fans perspective, their best record since 2007’s New Religion. The band aimed at creating an album that was bigger and better than its predecessor, and they accomplished just that. It is worth noting that this is the first album to be mixed by the great Jacob Hansen who really put his stamp on the record with how big and powerful each song seems to resonate with the listener. It also can’t be overstated just how complete this new album feels, due to the vast assortment of songs, from long epics, to fast super heavy tunes, to even a pretty sounding ballad. This album really has anything a metal fan can want, and will only become more and more satisfying with repeated listens. It is very fitting that the release of Delivering the Black be accompanied by a world tour, because this album is filled with live friendly tracks, and is an album that should be embraced by all Primal Fear fans alike.
BUY Delivering the Black
Official Primal Fear Website