Primal Fear, Rhapsody, Substratum, Children Of Seraph, and Rhine: Metal Is Forever

Primal Fear, Rhapsody, Substratum, Children Of Seraph, and Rhine
El Corazon, Seattle, WA
05.08.16

It has been almost two years since Primal Fear was last Stateside. Supporting their 2016 release Rulebreaker, the German power metal commandos are here to show us that “Metal is Forever.”

They have brought Italian symphonic power metallers Rhapsody to co-headline a five-and-a-half-week US/Canadian run before heading to Australia and Japan for more dates together. Local support tonight comes from Rhine, Children of Seraph, and Substratum. Each band – with their own brand of power metal – sets the tone, warming up the crowd for the main event.

Rhapsody take the stage in an energetic manner than never seems to slow down through the entire 70-minute set. Constant movement and interaction between each member and the audience keeps everyone on their toes. It is always great to see a band having fun, playing to the energy of the crowd and off each other.

While both national and international bands have swung though El Corazon, never has a band made the venue sound like a European festival than Primal Fear, with their performance and showmanship combined. Impressive is the understatement of the night. The band has actual “stage clothes,” setting them apart in style which in turn adds to the visual performance. Certainly not your standard black jeans and t-shirt metal band.

The musicianship and songs are incredible, but where Primal Fear are a cut above is vocalist Ralf Scheepers. What a voice. With an octave range that seems to belt out of him with such ease, it is a pleasure to see and hear, and reminiscent of Judas Priest’s Rob Halford and his vocal prowess. “Sign of Fear” is a perfect example of the undeniable range, and comparison to the Priest.

Despite the lackluster turn out tonight, the bands keep the energy going and play to the loyal fan base tonight as if they were playing to 80,0000 strong. They exude so much fun and love of what they do in each and every moment. Their energy is infectious.

If you have an opportunity to catch this co-headlining tour do not miss it. Rhapsody and Primal Fear don’t grace US stages often. They will easily remind you of the power and passion of European metal, and “In Metal We Trust.”

Rhapsody Set List
Nova Genesis
Knightrider If Doom
Rosenkreuz
Land Of Immortals
Unholy Warcry
Son Of Pain
Prometheus
Drum Solo (Game Of Thrones)
Il Cigno Nero
Guitar Solo
The Pride Of The Tyrant
Demonheart
Bass Solo (Matrix)
Dawn Of Victory + Finale
Quantum X
Encore
Emerald Sword
Finale

Primal Fear Set List
Intro
Final Embrace
In Metal We Trust
Angel In Black
Rulebreaker
Sign Of Fear
The Sky Is Burning
Nuclear Fire
Angels Of Mercy
The End is Near
When Death Comes Knocking
Chainbreaker
Metal Is Forever
Encore
Rollercoaster
Running In The Dust