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.