PRIMAL FEAR Unleashes 'Shadow Riders' – A Fiery Return to Form
In a brutally honest chat with George Dionne for KNAC.COM, PRIMAL FEAR's driving force, Mat Sinner, laid down the law regarding their latest album, 'Domination.' Released last September under the banner of Reigning Phoenix Music, Sinner couldn't disguise his satisfaction with the album's performance. "Absolutely. The latest reports from the record company indicate that 'Domination' sold more copies than its predecessor, which isn't exactly the norm these days," he proclaimed, unapologetic about the state of the industry where vinyl and CD purchases seem as rare as a unicorn.
Sinner went on to dissect the shifting landscape of music consumption, pointing fingers at the younger generation. "The super young kids don’t listen to our music anyway, so the streamers are not our priority. Our focus is on the die-hard fans who appreciate the art, who crank it up on a proper system and truly experience the sound. This music isn't made for iPhones; it's crafted for those who want to revel in it. And that’s crucial for me. I still make music not for iPhones." This is the heart of metal — a manifesto for the passionate, not the passive consumer.
But the good news doesn’t stop there; Sinner confirmed that the band is already deep in the trenches working on a follow-up to 'Domination,' with a new album set to drop in April 2027. "As always, we’ll kick off the campaign with two singles and videos starting in January. I’m really looking forward to putting it out," he stated, the anticipation palpable in his voice. And in a move that will thrill fans, he revealed the album’s title: 'Shadow Riders.' "Dark. Yeah, it’s also a track on the album. Great track. Let’s start the buzz," he added, igniting excitement across the metal landscape.
PRIMAL FEAR's journey has been nothing short of legendary, with the band forging ahead for nearly three decades without ever dropping the ball. Founded by Mat Sinner and Ralf Scheepers, the quintet has continuously evolved, ensuring that each release sounds fresh and fierce. With the recent success of 'Code Red' (2023) and the arrival of new guitarist Thalìa Bellazecca and former touring drummer André Hilgers, the stakes have never been higher. As 'Domination' attests, there are no limits to what this powerhouse trio — Sinner, Scheepers, and Magnus Karlsson — can achieve when they unite their formidable songwriting prowess.
Recorded at Dennis Ward's Kangaroo Studios and mixed by the renowned Jacob Hansen, 'Domination' stands as a testament to PRIMAL FEAR's relentless spirit. As they gear up for 'Shadow Riders,' the metal world should prepare itself; the next chapter of PRIMAL FEAR promises to be as dark and daring as ever.