Metal Commando

Metal Commando is Primal Fear’s thirteenth album, thoroughly pursuing traditional heavy metal’s drive, true to its title. Ralf Scheepers’s steel-like highs, hard, powerful riffs and the sure thickness of two guitars powerfully draw the listener into a combat stance right away from the short intro. A record showing that, even as veterans, its creative drive and sharp aggression have not dimmed in the least. From the powerful drive of the opener “I Am Alive” and the aggression of “Along Came the Devil” to the drama of “Halo,” the songs, while firmly holding speed metal’s momentum, open their choruses widely and never forget melody, while cuts like “My Name Is Fear” and the long epic “The Lost & The Forgotten” convey the work’s fullness. The tight, powerful playing of the new drummer Michael Ehré also makes the songs’ straight drive sure. A record that splendidly answers listeners who seek heavy metal’s straight path without hesitation. Even after a long career, Primal Fear’s tough, powerful appeal has not faded in the least. A powerful, engaging power-metal work showing the sure dignity and mature ability particular to veterans — a record showing the band’s vigor.