Primal Fear released this year their new album "16.6 (Before The Devil Knows You're Dead)", which impressed the fans and received very good reviews. Solid Rock took the opportunity to talk with their frontman Ralf Scheepers for their new album and the developments in the band.

Solid Rock: 16.6 (Before The Devil Knows You're Dead)" has already received excellent reviews from the Press and it has reached a fairly good position in the charts. Are you satisfied with the outcome and the response of your fans?

Ralf Scheepers: Everyone in the band is really happy about the great response from the press and from the fans who write into our guestbook or MySpace sites. This is really worth all the effort it takes to produce and record an album!

Solid Rock: The new album is the first for the band with talented guitarist Magnus Karlsson who is an outstanding transfer for the band. How did your co-operation start?

Ralf Scheepers: We have started to work together already in 2007 for the New Religion album. Magnus was playing 3 solos and contributed in the song writing for 2 songs. As Stefan has left the band on his own wish (family and job duties), Magnus was our first choice and he was very happy to join the band as a full member.

Solid Rock: The album is a true heavy metal dynamite with great guitar riffs and solos and differs considerably from the last albums. Did Karlsson joining the band play an important role in that?

Ralf Scheepers: Yes, it became an impact on the song writing when Magnus joined the band. But also the fact that Henny was back in the band caused that heavy guitar riffing again that we all know from the times of Nuclear Fire etc… In the end we are happy to have 4 great composers now which gives us the opportunity to merge our talents and put I together some great songs.

Solid Rock: How would you describe "16.6 (Before The Devil Knows You're Dead)" and what do you consider as the elements that singularise it?

Ralf Scheepers: I would describe it as a next step where we put together all our roots (straight forward heavy metal) and combine it with modern elements.

Solid Rock: Which are your plans regarding the tour for the new album?

Ralf Scheepers: The tour is pretty much settled and we are looking forward to present 6 of our new songs live! We will be touring South America, North America, Europe and later Japan again.

Solid Rock: Last time you performed live in Greece was in 2001, if I am not wrong. Is there any chance for us to see Primal Fear live this year in our country?

Ralf Scheepers: That would be definitely a great thing! As far as I know there where always problems with promoters etc. But I am sure things will be sorted out soon and we will come back to Greece! We have a lot of great fans waiting for us there and I really have a special connection to Greece! I just love those people there!

Solid Rock: You just released a video for “Six Times Dead (16.6)”.  Do you intend to make any other videos for 16.6?  

Ralf Scheepers: No. :)

Solid Rock: Guitarist Stefan Leibing who had been an active member since the creation of Primal Fear left the band. Which were the reasons for his departure from the band?

Ralf Scheepers: Stefan has left the band on his own wish. He was telling us that he couldn’t continue to do the shows in 2008 as his wife has gotten her second baby. It was absolutely understandable that he decided to do that step but in the end it was a sad thing after all those years we have played together.

Solid Rock: Ralf, a question about you personally, after so many years you manage to keep your voice in such a great shape! What are you doing to maintain this high level of performance?

Ralf Scheepers: First of all I try to live healthy, which sometimes is not possible when you have parties….:-)  But I try not to exaggerate it! I also drink plenty of water and try to sleep a lot on tour. I also do sport as a balance to all the stress I have some days. I cross my fingers that I can continue this way!

Solid Rock: Do you have any message for your Greek fans?

Ralf Scheepers: Giasou!