What can I say about this Monstrous Power Metal bands Primal Fear other than they are true METAL GODS! Ive been listening to them since day one. A few years ago I walked into my favorite record store Impulse Records www.impulserecords.com and heard them being played over the stereo. I was looking through the bins and couldnt stop head banging like all you have did when you heard Primal Fear for the first time. I then asked the Co-owner who this band was and he told me Primal Fear. I bought the CD immediately and havent stopped listening to it since. My next trip in I was recommended some Sinner which was Mat Sinners other band. I bought The Nature of Evil and again Ive been hooked ever since. These two bands help carry the flag for metal in the new century and are breaking new ground in metal these days thats for sure. They are truly an original acts in their own right. Well Primal Fear fans, here is an in-depth interview with the heart and soul of Primal Fear, bassist Mat Sinner. It covers personal tidbits, as well as Sinner and Primal fear related topics. Dont worry; we didnt forget a grilling on his bass playing. Mat is the first bassist to be featured on The Shred Zone. And after this interview, its safe to say that we may see him back now and then when his schedule permits or when he can grace us with his glory for another one. On we go...

Give us some background and personal history about yourself. Birthplace, where you grew up, where you reside now, etc (As much as you like)
Mat Sinner:
I was born in Stuttgart/Germany and I live there till today. I play bass & guitar since my 12th birthday, when my aunt bought me my first guitar. Then my first band with 14 after taking lessons, with 15 years my first official gig with a band called Crayfish, the band changed to Shiva a very good power rock trio, similar to the music of Jimi Hendrix with more metal influences. I left this band to found my own band Sinner. I recorded a lot of albums with this band, as I decided in summer 1997 to form a band with my friend Ralf Scheepers and this band was Primal Fear.

I've read you were a serious soccer player when you were younger, what made you pursue, music instead of that???
Mat Sinner:
I really dont know. I was a real good player and I played in our national team with the age of 14, but guitars changed my view and on stage, legs cant be hurt by defense players of the other team. Anyway I never stopped playing soccer I just decided that music is my No. 1 focus.

What music where you into early on or just always a metal head? (List artists, bands and why you liked them)
Mat Sinner:
As I heard Deep Purple's Burn for the first time, it totally blew me away. Coverdales & Hughes voices and the power the band really kicked a*** - then I listened to Led Zeppeling, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest and with my band Shiva Ive learnt more about Jimi Hendrix, Frank Marino, The Stones and The Beatles. But I was a little more into metal, than into the old stuff. We toured with Whitesnake this was my first real tour and I had great talkings with David Coverdale. That was really the guy, why I decided to get a pro musician. Thanks David again!

Who are some of your favorite bands and artists; past, present, now?
Mat Sinner:
At the moment I like the new albums of Rob Zombie, The Calling, Prime Sth, Lifehouse one of the most important albums to me is Kip Wingers soloalbum this conversation seems like a dream outstanding, fantastic. I even like the new single of the Backstreet Boys even if some fans will kill me. They can sing! Then I like to listen to great singers like Sting, David Coverdale, Rob Halford, Sammy Hagar, Steve Perry or John Waite. I like Van Halen a lot, Thin Lizzy and Phil Lynott were very cool, Creed, Him, the Neurotic Outsiders album was great I really think that Steve Jones is the best rhythm guitar player ever, Billy Idol is cool and I really like the Dave Matthews Band. The album of David Coverdale and Jimmy Page was something special for me - Is this enough?

I know that you started playing guitar first, so how did the transition to bass happen and when?
Mat Sinner:
It was when Shiva decided to go on as a three piece. I changed the guitar with a bass and I felt well.

Who are/were some of your bass influences and who did you look up to early on that kicked you butt?

Mat Sinner:
Oh I never got really, but Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy was a hero, Glenn Hughes was cool and Sting really was great example of how to play an excellent bass while singing lead vocals.

What drove you to become the player you have become today?
Mat Sinner:
Music is in my blood and if I hear a great song, something happens that will always be the same.

How did Sinner come about? Mat Sinner:
I was bored about the three piece thing. I just wanted to work with two guitar player and harmony solos etc. Thats why I decided to make my own band.

One thing thats noticeable about Sinner is that there has been many line up changes. Is there a reason why there seems to be different players on each CD. Do you prefer to have different artists on each CD or do they players leave and do other things?
Mat Sinner:
In the beginning it was really confusing, I agree but in the nineties, there was a stable basic and not a lot of changes. If you are younger, you have to learn and you react different.

If you had to choose your favorite Sinner album what would it be and also what is your favorite Sinner tune?
Mat Sinner:
In my view "the nature of evil" is the best album and the best tune is devils river and a question of honour. I like judgemebnt day and the end of sanctuary too. comin out fighting was the best album of our albums in the eighties.

What can we expect from the upcoming Sinner CD?
Mat Sinner:
I dont have a clue at the moment. I just decided who will be with me playing on the album, cause I have to focus on Primal Fear these days. The new Sinner album will be my vacation, something really special recording and writing with a bunch of friends in a cool atmosphere, thats what Im looking out for no ego shit and endless discussions.

Can you give us a brief lesson on how the Furious power metal band Primal Fear formed? What efforts to you contribute to the forming?
Mat Sinner:
I live in the same city with Ralf Scheepers and I know him for about 15 years. We never played in the same band cause were both singers. In the summer of 97 we decided to write some songs together and it worked out that well, that we decided to form a band that was Primal Fear.

How did PF go about getting a record contract or was it a project put together from someone already on a label?
Mat Sinner:
We recorded 4 songs and sent these songs to our japanese record company JVC. They were enthusiastic and offered us a sensational record deal. We recorded the first album with their deal and could wait for offers for the rest of the world.

Mat Sinner:
Nuclear Fire is by far my favourite one. Songs: Angel in Black, Nuclear Fire, Tears of Rage, Final Embrace and a lot more

How did the brutal sound of PF evolve from start and to the present? The one thing I love about the band is that each album progresses. In the sense that we get different song structures and each track is quite distinct form another. What kind of mindset do you and PF have when you write songs and put together an album?
Mat Sinner:
The players are extremly experienced and heavy hitters. The singals are so good, that you can take the faders to the limit. I like to place the drums ever listenable between very loud guitars and were always working on our very own sound and get the most brutal pressure on tape.

I didnt have a chance to make it down to you one of your first United States visits at the Milwaukee Metal fest this past summer (and beat myself up everyday for not being able to go), how did you like finally playing for an American Audience. I hear from others that us Americans cant rock as hard as the Euro fans? Did you notice any truth to that? Can we count on Primal Fear coming Stateside regularly?
Mat Sinner:
It was the second show. We played the New Jersey Metalfest in April. I can say that both audiences were extremely loud and gave everything they can. The supported us like heroes. It was really cool to play, cause we were very tired about our horror travel, but the audience were really cool and of course we will come back!

I've often read that you guys have been heavily compared to Judas Priest articles saying, They've taken off where Painkiller left off. How do you feel about such comparisons?
Mat Sinner:
Were playing the music we really can do best and we deliver. Judas Priest dont deliver anymore. Rob Halford delivers too.

What hopes and visions do you have for Primal Fears future and Sinners?
Mat Sinner:
Theres a new Primal Fear album recorded in the next months and we will record and mix most of the album in El Paso/Texas thats new or? Yes, we will be coming to the States for our new album and we have a worldtour planned, starting in September. The album release is planned for April 29th 2002 !
Is it hard to split your time fairly for both bands? Do you find yourself wishing for more time with either band?
Mat Sinner:
I focus at the moment on Primal Fear we sold a lot of the Nuclear Fire album worldwide and toured massive. PF are my family, my friends, my home!
How has Nuclear Blast Records been treating you and do you see a promising future with them?
Mat Sinner:
We resigned for another 5 albums, there will be a DVD of Primal Fear coming up etc. and Im a part of the game!
Where is your favorite place to play a show?
Mat Sinner:
Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Stuttgart & Bochum in Germany, Barcelona, Paris and some more!
Tom Nauman was one of the original members of Primal Fear; he was on Primal Fear and Jaws of Death, why did he leave the band after the second record?
Mat Sinner:
He got some personal troubles and it was better for both of us at this time. Tom played with us a charity show this summer and were the best friends. There's a huge possibility that Tom will be record with me again in the future and he will be a part of the new Sinner album.
Toms guitar playing was a massive part of Primal Fears tone and driving force, after he left I still can hear many ruminates of Toms driving metal guitar riffs on Nuclear Fire did they become a standard for Primal Fear?
Mat Sinner:
Henny is a very similar player and his style is very close to Toms. We call this the atomic Dur twins. What will happen when they play both together? But I have to say one thing in addition, that Stefan Leibing is an absolutely outstanding technical guitar player, who has the right hand of a devil!
Favorite Primal Fear songs and why? Feel free to list as much as you like.
Mat Sinner:
Tears of Rage from the first album, cause it was the first song I wrote for PF Final Embrace from the second one, cause its a metal song, like metal should be in my view, Under your spell is one of the best songs Ive written in my entire career and then Angel in Black and Nuclear Fire of the Nuclear Fire album.
What does the name Primal Fear mean, and what does it mean to you?
Mat Sinner:
Primal Fear is a cool name for a metal band. We worked a lot on the word FEAR in our lyrics and the fans should know, when Primal Fear is on the outside, you can trust theres Primal Fear on the inside.
Favorite bands to tour and do shows with?
Mat Sinner:
I would have been proud to be a part of the next Van Halen tour, if there ever will be one. I prefer headline shows, cause we have responsibility and its our stage.
Favorite Heavy Metal bands and records?
Mat Sinner:
Judas Priest Defenders of the faith Metallica Metallica Thin Lizzy Thunder & Lightning
Favorite Bassists?
Mat Sinner:
Sting, Phil Lynott, Billy Sheehan
You list Kip Winger and Sting among other players as influences, how did they play a role in your musical shaping?
Mat Sinner:
The music, the arrangements, the instruments, the atmosphere hit totally my taste!
What other works are you on? (Albums or compilations, with release years if possible)
Mat Sinner:
The Kovenant New World Order Pegazus Breaking the Chains The Heat Same The Heat Goldfinger Heartbreak Kids Saigon Blues David Hanselmann Album ....... and some more
Favorite key to write in?
Mat Sinner:
No special favorite key
Favorite trick or lick, or both? Describe or TAB it (optional) if you like.
Mat Sinner:
None
Suggested Theory books or readings if any:
Mat Sinner:
None Could you see yourself playing any other style than Heavy Metal?
Mat Sinner:
Of course, I play every kind of music Im not only a fan of heavy metal, even it is in my veins a good song, is a good song doesnt matter for me if its metal or not!
You have a really thundering bass style, how did you get to the level that your currently at?
Mat Sinner:
I hit the strings very hard have an Ampeg sound system and I play special ESP bass guitars built by my friend Nori Ishi, and I play a special Warwick Streamer bass, built by my friend Stefen Manz that helps a lot!
Bare fingers or picks and why?
Pick mostly cause I need the attack!
What advice can you give to ammeter and beginner players? Practicing tips, etc
Mat Sinner:
I have three practicing, practicing, practicing!
Recommend any CDs for our readers to check out?
Mat Sinner:
Kip Winger This conversation seems like a dream
What gear are you currently using?
Mat Sinner:
Ampeg SVT amps and speaker and Warwick amps and 410 speakers
What do you think of the present state of Heavy Metal worldwide and where do you think its going?
Mat Sinner:
Good songs are the key. A good motivated band, with a good feeling and creative atmosphere.


Some fun questions:

What other outside interests do you have? (Hobbies, passions)
Mat Sinner:
Soccer, movies, wrestling, my kids and my girlfriend
Favorite movies?
Mat Sinner:
Seven, X-files, Millennium, Along Came the Spider, The Rock, Silence of the Lambs
Favorite actor and actress?
Mat Sinner:
Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Lance Henrikson, Anthony Hopkins
Favorite food and drink?
Mat Sinner:
Shrimps with garlic, Vodka Cherry, Pina Colada, Beer
Favorite book?
Mat Sinner:
Most of the books by Jan van Helsing
Favorite Guitar, music or non-music Magazine:
Mat Sinner:
German soccer magazines
Favorite song?
Mat Sinner:
"Daniel," by Kip Winger
Married or single? (For potential female fans!)
Mat Sinner:
Single
Where do you get your stage clothing?
Mat Sinner:
From a special shop called X-Tra in Germany.
What sports do you enjoy or take part in if any?
Mat Sinner:
Soccer, Swimming, Jogging Is your bass playing, touring, recording your full time job, or do you do that along with other things to supplement your income? Do you teach?
Mat Sinner:
No, Im part of the Nuclear Blast family go to their webpage and search for my face then you'll know!
Favorite music related websites:
Mat Sinner:
www.rockhard.de
Favorite Non-music related websites:
Mat Sinner:
www.prowrestling.com www.schalke04.de Homepage Url: www.primalfear.de
Other sites you can be found on:
Mat Sinner:
http://www.nuclearblast.de /rocks.sinner.de
Contact email address:Mat Sinner:
matsinner@rocks.de
List of band and fan club links:
Mat Sinner:
Go to our website www.primalfear.de and check out the contact page, there are a lot friends of our fan club The Metal Commando we have our own online web magazine etc. check it out! Stay Metal, Mat Sinner



So that wraps it up folks. I hope you enjoyed this awesome interview with one of Heavy Metals top Commando Mat Sinner. I would like to thank Mat for taking the time from his very busy recording schedule to interview with us and for keeping the Metal sprit alive. Mat, The Shred Zone salutes you.