Primal Fear is a German power metal band formed in 1997 by Ralf Scheepers (vocals, formerly of Gamma Ray) and Mat Sinner (bass and vocals, also of Sinner). The band was formed following Scheepers' unsuccessful audition to replace Rob Halford in Judas Priest. Primal Fear was founded in October 1997, with Scheepers and Sinner as the primary members. Prior to the formation of the band, Scheepers had performed with Tyran Pace, F.B.I., and Gamma Ray. The idea for Primal Fear arose after a performance with Scheepers’ Judas Priest cover band Just Priest, in which Sinner and Tom Naumann participated. The band signed with Nuclear Blast Records later that year. Their debut album "Primal Fear" was released in February 1998 and reached number 48 on the German album charts. In the same year, they toured with Running Wild and HammerFall. In July 1999, Primal Fear released their second album "Jaws of Death". Shortly after, guitarist Tom Naumann left due to health issues and was temporarily replaced by Alex Beyrodt, with Henny Wolter joining permanently in January 2000. The third album, "Nuclear Fire", was released in early 2001. The following world tour included the band’s first performances in the United States and appearances at the Metal Meltdown Festival and Milwaukee Metalfest. The fourth album, "Black Sun", was released on 29 April 2002 and reached number 55 on the German album charts. Guitarist Mike Chlasciak contributed solos for the songs "Fear" and "Armageddon". During the tour

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