Frontiers Records [Release date 22.11.15]
Teutonic metal merchants Primal Fear return with their 11th studio album “Rulebreaker” which follows a similar path to 2014’s well received “Delivering The Black” opus.
Primal Fear were founded way back in 1997 when bassist Matt Sinner joined forces with ex-Gamma Ray vocalist Ralf Scheepers and guitarist Tom Naumann. For “Rulebreaker” Primal Fear have welcomed Tom Naumann back into the fold who along with Alex Beyrodt and Magnus Karlsson completes the triumvirate of guitarists present. The recent revolving membership of drummers continues with new guy Francesco Jovino taking up the post.
“Rulebreaker” is classic Primal Fear from opener Angels Of Mercy with its ominous orchestral opening before breaking glass signals the start of the riffs through to speedy closer Raving Mad.
The Judas Priest comparisons cannot be hidden…The End Is Near, Bullets & Tears, Constant Heart and In Metal We Trust to name but four. Any of these would fit nicely into the Priest back catalogue…but somehow Primal Fear make them sound more urgent and improved somehow.
We Walk Without Fear is the centrepiece to “Rulebreaker”…it is epic in every sense of the word from its ten minute plus run length, musical box intro, orchestration and full blown choir. There is definitely a touch of classic Avantasia on display here.
The Devil In Me is slower and darker and brings Accept to mind whilst acoustic flavoured The Sky Is Burning is an effective power ballad in the vein of the Scorpions.
To my ears the one song that lets proceeding down a little is the very average title track itself…it is missing something…
Production on “Rulebreaker” is superb…everything is crystal clear.
Primal Fear are back with a winner here…it is possibly their best release to date. Congratulations guys! ****½
Review by Phil Berisford
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
