PRIMAL FEAR & TARJA TURUNEN: I WILL BE GONE

 

PRIMAL FEAR feat TARJA TURUNEN: I WILL BE GONE

   Following on from the 2020 release of their thirteenth studio album, Metal Commando, German Power/ Heavy Metal powerhouse Primal Fear have released what is possibly their most interesting yet potentially dangerous material of pure artistic exploration to date.

   Of course, such a statement sounds very severe and altogether a touch too serious, but the idea of a highly regarded Heavy Metal band releasing an EP structured around a reworked ballad may not be very well received in some quarters. If on the other hand, you are a fan of the band and aren't too precious about music always being hard and fast then chances are you will find this fine example of musical expression a highly enjoyable listen. 

   For this very unique endeavour Primal Fear have recruited Finnish angelic vocalist and globally renowned singer, Tarja Turunen for an extremely powerful and tear inducing rendition of the slow number from Metal Commando, "I Will Be Gone". The result here is spectacular. Although the version that we get here featuring the wonderful Tarja is no longer than the album version of the song, it is certainly a most beautiful piece of music. Exceptionally well produced and crystal clear in sound, the acoustic guitars and musicianship guiding the ballad are flawlessly performed and set the perfect stage perfectly for the masterful voices of Tarja and frontman Ralf Scheepers to work their magic. Both Tarja and Ralf sound nothing short of incredible as they deliver a superb vocal performance of a lovely, heartfelt song.

   Hurling you back into the land of all things Metal and heavy, brand new track "Vote Of No Confidence" delivers the more familiar heaviness of the Primal Fear we know and love. Clocking in at over six minutes long, the track is packed full of delectable crushing riffs, soaring vocals and significant quantities of head banging groove. Any fan who enjoyed the style and sounds of Metal Commando will feel right at home with this excellent track.

   Up next we have a succession of three of the bonus tracks which featured on the special edition of Metal Commando. Following on from instrumental piece "Rising Fear", "Leave Me Alone" is a comically brilliant display of Heavy Metal twin guitars, brilliant melodies and groove, complete with some of the most antisocial lyrics ever laid to tape. 

   Concluding business, "Second To None" is a superb example of encapsulating Metal excellence that is guaranteed to induce an abundance of air-guitar and vocal impersonations by any faithful listener. Complete with traditional riffing, low end layered bass and driving drums, this is a good heavy number well worth a listen. Although the Metal Commando bonus material included here may not quite have been good enough to have earned a place on the full album, which is fair to say upon listening to these three tracks, it is clear that any fan will be grateful that they saw the light of day in one way or another.

   Overall, I Will Be Gone is a great example of artists flexing their creative muscles and the resulting offering pays off. Fans of Primal Fear and Tarja will no doubt appreciate this EP which although may not satisfy all tastes, it does deserve a listen.

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