German power-metallers Primal Fear are back with a new live album and DVD, both of which are out today via Frontiers. “It was about time to present our fans the selection of songs which we have added to our live set list during the past few years on a live recorded document such as audio and video,” Primal Fear frontman Ralf Scheepers tells Noisecreep of the band’s decision to simultaneously release the album ‘Live in the U.S.A.’ and DVD ‘16.6 All Over the World.’
The DVD features performances and bonus material. Some of that bonus material includes the obligatory backstage shenanigans. “The footage scenes are somehow meant to be understood as special candy for the spectators, no matter if fan or not,” Scheepers says. “I have always seen those scenes as very entertaining and interesting, and it brings a certain kind of variety into a DVD.”
Like most European acts, Primal Fear enjoy traveling to America for gigs. The band is fortunate to have many fans in the States, affording them the chance at multi-week touring runs.
Scheepers realizes the rarity of his band’s situation when it comes to America, but he feels even for acts like Primal Fear, the American market is a tough nut to crack.
“We are building up and you have to come to the fans and people to spread the popularity. It’s not so easy anymore like it was 20 or 30 years ago,” Scheepers admits. “In those days you were touring the States every year, and if the people liked you, they were spreading the word and the name of the band. Nowadays, you have many great bands coming and much competition, [and] the support from the record companies is zero. Primal Fear and crew are doing everything to offer the fans a good concert, no matter [the] circumstances. We go up there and rock the house, and I think this formula will pay off some day! By that I don’t mean with money, but with acceptance and popularity.”
Primal Fear will play several European festivals this summer and also tour Europe. The band also has plans to record another studio album sometime next year.
