Image: Primal Fear - Official Press Photo
On May 9, 2025, Primal Fear hit the stage at Rock in Rautheim Festival near Braunschweig, Germany, playing their very first show with a partially renewed line-up.
New faces included:
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Thalìa Bellazecca (Angus McSix, formerly Frozen Crown)
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André Hilgers (Axxis, Rage, Silent Force, Sinner, Bonfire) on drums
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Swedish guitarist Magnus Karlsson
But the most emotional moment of the night came with the long-awaited comeback of founding member Mat Sinner, who returned to the stage after a five-year health-related break.
Just days before the show, Sinner posted this on social media:
“Five years ago i played my last show with Alice Coope in Berlin. Shortly after this show i was declared dead, but doctors brought me back to life. As i was lying paralyzed in my bed one of my 3 targets was that one day i want to be back rocking on a stage again. Now 5 years later i‘m 75% recovered, 5 years sober and i will play a show with my beloved Primal Feal again on Friday evening, supported by some of the best guys i can imagine. Don‘t expect me jumping around like a young guy but for sure i will give 200% and can you imagine my feelings when we will play our classic songs again? Keep your fingers crossed and have a great new week !”
After the show, Sinner followed up with this message:
“I had a dream, it’s been a long road but finally I’ve made it. Believe in miracles, fight to make it happen. I can only thank my band mates, my family, our crew, Frank & Bodo for being there for me!”
Fans were treated to a powerful setlist full of classics like “Final Embrace”, “Nuclear Fire” and “Chainbreaker”, as well as the live debut of “The Hunter”, which will appear on the upcoming album Domination.
Watch a fan-filmed footage of the performance here:
The Setlist:
- Final Embrace
- Nuclear Fire
- Angel in Black
- The Hunter (Live debut)
- King of Madness
- Hounds of Justice
- The End Is Near
- Fighting the Darkness
- Chainbreaker
- Metal Is Forever
- Running in the Dust
Primal Fear “Domination” – New Album Drops In September
Primal Fear’s brand-new studio album Domination will be released on September 9, featuring 13 all-new tracks – including high-speed bangers like the single “Far Away,” powerful midtempo anthems, and even a pure instrumental.
Founding members Mat Sinner (bass, vocals) and Ralf Scheepers (vocals) lead the charge on what might be Primal Fear’s strongest and most dynamic record yet.
Domination will be available on CD, limited edition vinyl, and as Earbook.
