Primal Fear

In the organizer's words:

The German power metal band PRIMAL FEAR have been at the forefront of the scene since 1997 and in the almost three decades of their existence, the band around the two founders Mat Sinner (bass, vocals) and Ralf Scheepers (vocals) have never disappointed their worldwide following: from their self-titled debut [1998] to their pandemic record "Metal Commando" [2020] - PRIMAL FEAR have always managed to refresh their sound with surprising ideas and nuances without neglecting their musical DNA.

"Code Red" [2023] was in no way inferior to their previous work, but was created under difficult circumstances, considering Sinner's protracted health problems. "I was pronounced dead in 2021 before the doctors brought me back to life," he says, looking back on his time of suffering. "As I lay paralyzed in bed at the time, I set myself goals to give me extra motivation on my way back: One of them was to write and record new music with PRIMAL FEAR." Mat finally came home in 2022 - and the rest is history. The band delivered a sonic wake-up call with their 14th studio album, "Code Red" exceeded all expectations and gave them the highest chart positions of their career (number 6 in Germany and Switzerland and many more). The enormous potential of the album was also underpinned by the subsequent tours, on which they - led by Scheepers - sold out European venues together with U.D.O., among others. "Code Red": An impressive example of how PRIMAL FEAR do not let even the hardest blows of fate deter them from their path.

"Another focus for me was to get back to where I belong: on stage," continues the bassist. With "Domination", the time has finally come for Sinner's live comeback. "I proudly fulfilled my leadership role during our last tour, but I'm overjoyed to have Mat by my side again from now on. I'm very grateful that he survived the whole thing and is back on the gas with us... It really is a miracle!" emphasizes singer Scheepers.

Speaking of progress: During the "Domination" development process, there were also changes to PRIMAL FEAR's line-up. "Changes usually hit you unexpectedly and often feel like a step backwards, but sometimes that's exactly what it takes," comments Ralf. The band took a big risk, but it paid off! In addition to Sinner and Scheepers, the quintet now consists of a gifted guitar duo led by Magnus Karlsson and Thalìa Bellazecca as well as drummer André Hilgers, who had previously been on board as a live substitute. Without wanting to question the ability of any of the previous participants: This line-up is the strongest PRIMAL FEAR have ever had.

A concentrated energy that was definitely needed in view of the bar for their 15th studio album, which was higher than ever due to the immense success of "Code Red". Could the band live up to the high expectations? The partially renewed PRIMAL FEAR set themselves a challenging task with "Domination", as the highly motivated newcomers in particular were already impatiently pawing the ground. The result makes it clear that even a seemingly insurmountable hurdle like "Code Red" is no obstacle for PRIMAL FEAR's trio of writers around Sinner, Scheepers and Karlsson. "In the end, we had to choose between about 25 songs," grins Mat Sinner with a view to their enormous productivity. "A real luxury problem when you see which songs ultimately made it onto the record."

From the powerful opener 'The Hunter' and the first single, 'Far Away', to the sublime mid-tempo anthem 'Tears Of Fire' and the epic ballad 'Eden', which features guest vocals from AD INFINITUM's Melissa Bonny: "Domination" impresses across the board! Neckbreakers like 'Scream' and 'Crossfire' as well as the instrumental number 'Hallucinations' fit in seamlessly before 'A Tune I Won't Forget' closes the album on a reflective note, embedded in string and piano sounds, and you realize: PRIMAL FEAR are not here to reclaim the crown - "Domination" impressively underlines that they have never left the heavy/power metal throne!

"Domination" was recorded in late 2024 at Dennis Ward's Kangaroo Studios and produced by Sinner with the help of Scheepers and Karlsson. The record was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen in Denmark in early 2025, while the striking cover artwork was created by Death.Milk.Designs.

The band has put all their heart and soul into "Domination", and you can clearly hear it. "This new record is more than music - it's a part of us. The road to its completion was a really exciting undertaking," says frontman Scheepers. Every note on "Domination" exudes a sense of recklessness that will also have an impact on PRIMAL FEAR's upcoming shows. These will not only take the quintet to selected festivals, but also on their longest headline tour since 2018. The singer concludes: "From the first moment we were on stage together, there was an indescribable connection between us all. Our new line-up will easily remove any doubts. So we are ready. But are you?"

"Domination" picks up where its predecessor left off: If "Code Red" was a first step back to normality after pandemic and health-related barriers, "Domination" is now the new star of their discography, skillfully transforming the 2023 template. PRIMAL FEAR impressively underpin their supremacy!

Support ELEINE:
Rousing, brute and captivating: three expressive words that perfectly describe the motivation of Swedish metal band ELEINE
perfectly. In a world that longs for anthems and consistency, the band surpasses all expectations. Their sound? Brutal on the one hand, melodic on the other, complemented by an impressive presence that is impossible to ignore: ELEINE are more than just a band, they are at the forefront of an entire movement. Their music is not simply listened to - rather, it strikes you to the core and ignites a fire that gives you new self-confidence.

Every single note of their empowering songs is filled with resilience and raw emotion. Since their 2020 breakthrough with "Dancing In Hell", ELEINE have made it clear time and time again that they are not just here to stay, but rather to rule. Their latest work "We Shall Remain" [2023] is anything but an ordinary album, but an immense statement of will to survive and cohesion. The tracks are surrounded by a unique aura that encourages, motivates and challenges listeners time and time again. It is a steely bond that connects ELEINE with their ever-growing legion of fans.

The combo relies on mutual support, because singer Madeleine and guitarist Rikard in particular have known successful times, but have also gone through energy-sapping lows themselves, resulting in an incredible authenticity that is omnipresent on and off stage: "We believe in our fans just as much as they do in us," comment the two, whose personal stories, in which they were able to successfully escape the darkness, are also reflected on "We Shall Remain". Songs such as the liberating battle cry 'We Are Legion' or the profound 'Never Forget' also have a firm place on ELEINE's setlist. Their concerts are not simple shows, they are calls to battle. Become part of their legion and let yourself be infected by their energy, which won't let you go any time soon.

Driven by "We Shall Remain", ELEINE also knew their reputation as a constantly touring band at the end of 2023 as support for
ENSIFERUM and PAIN once again. This was preceded by, among other things, a monumental show in support of
scene great NIGHTWISH. Long overdue, ELEINE finally graced the clubs as headliners in the fall of 2024 and
proved with their loyal following that they can sell out European venues on their own. There was therefore no question that a second leg would follow in spring 2025.

ELEINE's life-enhancing art is reaching more and more people as the band takes their positive message out into the wider world - not just from the studio, but especially live. Get your share of their elixir before it's too late!

Organizer: Capitol Betriebs GmbH