Now, I am not going to lie and say I have been a fan of Primal Fear for years. At best, I was familiar with who the popular European metal band was and had listened to some of their music. So expectations, well, I had none. I was unexpectedly captivated from both the band’s performance and sound. Listening to the band live completely transformed them for me. I recognized the songs they were playing but the power behind them made them come to life. They were no longer just another band or that song by Primal Fear. I often discover new music by seeing a live performance. This was the case tonight for me and my new found likes on Spotify.
Having been solely exposed to the studio tracks, I was out right impressed by their live performance and sound. Let’s see…maybe it was how Ralf Scheepers, vocals, commanded the stage as soon as he walked out. He stood there waiting at the door to walk onto the stage for the exact right moment. He built the anticipation with pure patience. He had this smile that was genuine. He looked right at, not through, people that came to listen to them, to pound their fists in the air with them and to relate to their music with them.
He truly looked like he appreciated every person for being there, and he sang with a fervor which showcase his vocal chords. He deserved the certainty he exuded to the audience. Meanwhile, drummer Randy Black held down the beats behind an impressive chrome kit. There was no “tin” sound or deep barrel thumping. It was solid.
Now sometimes while taking pictures you are lucky if anyone will even look your way let alone pose or give you some good shots to work with. So a complete shout out to Alex Beyrodt who was interactive with me and tried to give me some good shots to work with, which I do believe I got the one I wanted, so thank you Sir. But a bigger shout out to the entire band for how they engaged with crowd the entire show! From facial expressions to looks and pointing these guys related to the fans. A group that was near the front and closer to Alex Beyrodt seemed to have the best experience from what I saw. They were just tapped into the music. It wasn’t just their fists in the air or their heads banging. It was a look that the friends shared about the songs that meant something to them. For them to hear that live, have that feeling and then be that close to the band. That is what is all about. The best part is that it seemed like the whole band always seems to try and be connected with the people on the floor and with one another.
Magnus Karlsson got my attention, as we seemed to have a side bar conversation as he was playing effortlessly. I was off to the side out of view fanning myself. It was getting hot up front. He apparently sees me trying to cool off. He gave me the “Ha” nod which translated roughly to…“Really? You are hot? Seriously? Did you happen to notice us on stage? The ones playing? Moving? Singing? Performing? Under the HOT ASS LIGHTS?!” I got all of that from a few looks, the “Ha” nod and him pointing around the stage and then to himself as the sweat on his forehead was building up.
It was apparent the guys were having fun on stage as they playfully interacted with one another, but that did not compromise the sound one bit. They played some classic songs, including “One Night in December.” Which instantly became my favorite because the overall feel it seemed to position over the room and me, I had become enchanted. That song just takes you over. You feel like you are being led somewhere and then the guitar kicks in, followed by the drums with the solid hard hits and then the voice to seal your fate. Now I realize that hearing the song live is what sold me.
The temperature level was rising as were the fists in the air. Heads were banging and the mixture of sweat, beer and the lack of Gain laundry detergent filled the front row. The fans seemed elated to be as close to these guys as they were because of the intimate venue.
As close as these fans wanted to be, and as die hard metal loving, beer drinking “tough” as society would have them viewed or labeled they were kind enough at one point I might add. They made sure the barrier gate between them and the “pit” to the stage was open enough by pulling the metal gate back for me when it would get pressed up so I can get my shots for the review.
Next stop Japan and Germany for this band. If you didn’t get a chance to see them watch for them to come back, they are worth the price of admission. I will check them out the next time I get the opportunity. Oh and the lesson to this article, don’t judge a band until you have heard them live or a person by how they look.
Setlist:
Primal Fear
Final Embrace
Alice and on Fire
Delivering the Black
Nuclear Fire
Seven Seas
One Night in December
Angel in Black
When Death Comes Knocking
Chainbreaker
Fighting the Darkness
Bad Guys Wear Black
Metal Metal is Forever
Encore:
Unbreakable (Part 2)
Battalions of Hate
Running in the Dust
We would like to thank Dustin Hardman of Frontier Records for the credentials to review the show.
