Written by:	D.T. Metal
Published:	May 17, 2014
Event:	Primal Fear: North American Tour 2014
Location:	Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO, USA
Galleries:	Primal Fear - Bluebird Theater, Denver, USA - 8 May 2014 by D.T. Metal (29)

It took four years for Primal Fear to return to North America, but the wait was well worth it and the band put on a hell of a performance at the Bluebird Theater in Denver, CO.

With no touring support bands on the bill the evening started with two local acts (Core Zero and Sling Fist) and around 10pm the German powerhouse finally took the stage and played an amazing set for the next 90 minutes.





Starting with "Final Embrace", off their 1999 Jaws Of Death album, Ralf Scheepers and Co wasted no time and ventured straight into their new material with "Alive & On Fire" followed by the title track of their latest release, "Delivering The Black". Yes, the band was very much alive and on fire to say the least. Unfortunately guitarist Magnus Karlsson was not part of the team but in hindsight it was pretty darn special to see Primal Fear perform with their original shredder Tom Naumann.

Mat Sinner told me during our interview earlier in the day that the Denver gig was the 49th show for Primal Fear on their Delivering The Black touring cycle and by now the shows run like a well-oiled machine. Truer words were never spoken; it was amazing. Not only was Ralf's vocal performance right on cue that night, but the dual guitar magic, courtesy of Tom and Alex, accompanied by Mat's thumping bass and complimented by Randy Black's superb drumming almost brought down the house during "Angel In Black".





Afterwards they toned it down with another new song, "When Death Comes Knocking", before reaching way back into their catalog with "Chainbreaker", a song off their 1998 debut album Primal Fear. As a matter of fact, the setlist was pretty evened out with new and older songs but it honestly didn't matter to the fans at all. Each and every song played got the same response; clapping, fist pumping, air-guitar playing and singing along.

Even though Ralf Scheepers was once in the running to replace Rob Halford in Judas Priest I am kinda glad he wasn't picked, since otherwise the world would be short of Primal Fear and the greatness they are.

Metal WAS forever that night in Denver and there is no doubt in my mind that Primal Fear truly is not only the "King For A Day", but rather for years to come. Seriously, if you have never seen them live, do so - pronto!

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Setlist: Final Embrace, Alive & On Fire, Delivering The Black, Nuclear Fire, Seven Seals, One Night In December, Angel In Black, When Death Comes Knocking, Chainbreaker, Fighting The Darkness, Bad Guys Wear Black, Metal Is Forever, Unbreakable/Running In The Dust (medley), King For A Day.

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