New Religion by Primal Fear (Record, 2014)

Vinyl Castle

Ah, Primal Fear, the German power metal band that just can't seem to call it quits. Their latest offering, "New Religion," is a cacophony of heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and enough leather to outfit a small army. From the moment the opening track kicks in, you know you're in for a wild ride. The guitar work is blistering, the drums are thunderous, and the bass is so heavy it could probably sink a battleship. It's like being hit in the face with a sledgehammer made of pure rock and roll. Vocalist Ralf Scheepers hasn't lost a step, his voice still capable of shattering glass at 100 paces. He's like a cross between Rob Halford and a banshee, wailing and screaming his way through each track with all the subtlety of a steamroller. The lyrics are pure heavy metal cheese, with songs about demons, angels, and everything in between. It's all so over the top that it's impossible not to get swept up in the sheer grandeur of it all. "New Religion" may not be breaking any new ground, but who cares when it's this much fun? So put on your studded wristbands, crank up the volume, and let Primal Fear take you on a journey to the fiery depths of metal hell. You won't regret it.