German power metal band Primal Fear have dropped their second single, The Hunter, from their 15th studio album, Domination, set for release on September 5, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music. The track, also the album’s opener, is paired with a dystopian music video directed by Patric Ullaeus (In Flames, Amaranthe), premiered on June 13, 2025. Filmed in a hellfire-drenched, ruined environment, the video showcases the band’s new lineup—Ralf Scheepers (vocals), Mat Sinner (bass, vocals), Magnus Karlsson (guitars), Thalìa Bellazecca (guitars), and André Hilgers (drums)—delivering a “metal as f**k” performance. The Hunter blends anthemic harmonies, and soaring melodies, setting the tone for the album’s sci-fi-infused aggression. Vocalist Ralf Scheepers teases: “Science fiction scenery, the beast is behind you, it’s me, I’m THE HUNTER, so better watch out, I smell your blood and I’m gonna get you!”
Watch the Music Video:
Stream The Hunter: primalfear.rpm.link/thehunterPR
Pre-order Domination: primalfear.rpm.link/dominationPR
Recorded in autumn 2024 at Dennis Ward’s Kangaroo Studios in Germany, Domination was produced by Mat Sinner, co-produced by Ralf Scheepers and Magnus Karlsson, and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios in Denmark. The album artwork, crafted by Death.Milk.Designs, complements its intense thematic scope. With 14 tracks, including a guest appearance by Ad Infinitum’s Melissa Bonny on Eden and a bonus track Bridges Will Burn (physical editions only, excluding jewel case CD), Domination spans hard-hitting anthems like Scream, mid-tempo uplifters like Tears of Fire, and the reflective closer A Tune I Won’t Forget. The album follows 2023’s Code Red, which hit career-high chart positions, and introduces a revitalized lineup after the departure of guitarists Alex Beyrodt and Tom Naumann, drummer Michael Ehré, and bassist Alex Jansen in August 2024.
Track Listing:
- The Hunter
- Destroyer
- Far Away
- I Am The Primal Fear
- Tears Of Fire
- Heroes And Gods
- Hallucinations
- Eden (feat. Melissa Bonny of Ad Infinitum)
- Scream
- The Dead Don’t Die
- Crossfire
- March Boy March
- A Tune I Won’t Forget
- Bridges Will Burn (bonus track, physical only, excl. jewel case CD)
Available Formats:
- Digital Download
- CD Jewel Case
- Limited Vinyl Editions (details via pre-order link)
The lead single, Far Away, released April 24, 2025, with a performance-style video filmed at Kangaroo Studios, has garnered over 100,000 YouTube views and near-universal praise for its classic Primal Fear sound—soaring melodies, thunderous rhythms, and a twin-guitar solo. Scheepers described it as “an expression of faith and trust,” reflecting the longing of touring musicians.
Primal Fear will promote Domination with festival appearances and their longest European tour since 2018, joined by Reigning Phoenix Music labelmates Eleine. The tour kicks off in Hamburg, Germany, on September 5, 2025, spanning eight countries. Their first show with the new lineup was at Rock in Rautheim on May 9, 2025, praised for its “loud crowd” and “fantastic comeback.”
Upcoming Festival Dates:
- 7/2 – Ballenstedt, DE @ Rockharz Open Air (SOLD OUT)
- 7/18 – Cremona, IT @ Luppolo in Rock
- 8/21 – Haddeby, DE @ Baltic Open Air
- 8/23 – Newark, UK @ Stonedead Festival (SOLD OUT)
Domination Tour 2025 with Eleine:
- 9/5 – Hamburg, DE @ Markthalle
- 9/6 – Leipzig, DE @ Anker
- 9/7 – Bochum, DE @ Zeche
- 9/9 – Aschaffenburg, DE @ Colos-Saal
- 9/10 – Munich, DE @ Backstage
- 9/12 – Memmingen, DE @ Kaminwerk
- 9/13 – Mannheim, DE @ Capitol
- 9/14 – Regensburg-Obertraubling, DE @ Eventhall Airport
- 9/16 – Pratteln, CH @ Konzertfabrik Z7
- 9/18 – Berlin, DE @ Hole 44
- 9/19 – Naila, DE @ Frankenhalle
- 9/20 – Stuttgart, DE @ Im Wizemann (Halle)
- 9/21 – Sint-Niklaas, BE @ De Casino
- 9/23 – Amstelveen, NL @ P60
- 9/25 – Warsaw, PL @ Stodola
- 9/26 – Prague, CZ @ MeetFactory
- 9/27 – Zlín, CZ @ Masters of Rock Café
- 9/30 – Madrid, ES @ Mon
- 10/1 – Murcia, ES @ Garaje
- 10/3 – Barcelona, ES @ Salamandra
- 10/4 – Pamplona, ES @ Sala Totem
Tickets: https://primalfear.de/tour
Formed in 1997 by Mat Sinner and Ralf Scheepers (ex-Gamma Ray), Primal Fear is a cornerstone of European power metal, drawing inspiration from Judas Priest. After nearly three decades, albums like Nuclear Fire (2001) and Code Red (2023) have solidified their legacy. The new lineup, featuring Thalìa Bellazecca (Angus McSix) and André Hilgers (Axxis, Rage), alongside returning guitarist Magnus Karlsson, brings fresh energy. Sinner’s recovery from a serious illness in 2021 and the band’s resilience through lineup changes underscore their phoenix-like spirit.
Connect with Primal Fear
- Website: primalfear.de
- Instagram: instagram.com/primalfearofficial
- Facebook: facebook.com/PrimalFearOfficial
- Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/5kXJtc4Joy
Stream The Hunter, pre-order Domination, and catch Primal Fear live to witness their unrelenting power metal reign.