Interviews: Primal

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Heavy Metal band Primal from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did the name PRIMAL come from, and what does it represent for the band?

Glenn Rogers: Our name is the idea of our singer, Alberto Zamarbide. The idea is a return to the beginning. Where Metal began for us. That’s why we sound the way we do. A blend of Classic Metal and Thrash.

2. How did the idea for Fin De Los Tiempos (End Times) first come together?

GR: We were booked to play the Hunab Ku Festival in Mexico. I have played Mexico a few times when I was in Hirax. For fans in Mexico, it is expensive to buy cd’s from the US. So I thought if we could find a label like Old Skull Records, we could make our music available for a good price. So we wanted to put out a comp CD for the fans in Mexico that is affordable.

3. Why was now the right time to release a compilation spanning material from Primal, Humachine, and Iron Age?

GR: We wanted to do a comp cd for the fans in Mexico as a way to introduce ourselves to them. CD’s can be expensive. 

4. When putting together the tracklist, what were you looking for emotionally or musically?

GR: We just picked the songs we thought represented what the band is about. We also wanted to represent our live set as well. 

5. How do you feel your sound has evolved across the releases featured on this compilation?

GR: I think we have grown as a band while staying true to who we are. Our songs are a blend of melody and heavy thrash elements. Our first self titled cd, Primal, was more melodic because we were finding who we were. When we did Humachine, we leaned more to the Heavy/Thrash side but still retained the melody. 

6. Mexico has become an important focus for the band. What makes the Mexican metal scene special to you?

GR: It’s that way with South America and Spain as well. Our singer and drummer are from Argentina. We have kinship with those counties. We play songs in both English and Spanish. The fans have a real passion for music, so that’s why we want to grow our band there. 

7. What are your expectations for potential live performances in Mexico supporting the release?

GR: We have played there before and have a good relationship with a promoter, MOSH Productions. We plan to book shows there as soon as we can. So it is just a matter of when we will go back.  You’re also preparing for European shows in 2026.

8. How does the energy of European crowds compare to audiences elsewhere? 

GR: I find Metal fans are very passionate about the music. We find that when we play in Europe or Latin America, the fans accept us really well. The difference is how they chant. Very much like a football game. 

9. What can fans expect from a PRIMAL live show in 2026?

GR: We are looking for shows in 2026. So far, we are talking with a festival in the Netherlands and turning that into a tour. That looks like it will be at the end of November 2026.

10. You’ve cited influences like Metallica, Pantera, and Slayer. Which elements of those bands shaped your identity most strongly?

GR: I would say we have a touch of Metallica and NWOBHM at our core. It’s what I like to listen to, so it creeps into my songwriting. We tend to write a mix of heavy and melody.

11. How do you keep classic heavy metal energy alive while still pushing your sound forward?

GR: Well, for me, I love the classic heavy metal. It’s what I grew up on. What helps it I still have a passion for this music. It’s in my blood, and it helps that the modern equipment sounds so good. 

12. What have been some of the biggest challenges of operating as an international metal band?

GR: The biggest thing is the travel and arranging tours. Making sure the equipment that will be at the show is good. Also, the merch and cd’s availability. It’s hard to travel with all the things you need. 

13. You’ve already started working on new material. How is the upcoming music shaping up compared to previous releases?

GR: It’s early in the process, but it will be a little more melodic than the last album. I’m trying to work with Beto on the songs more this time. The last album, I had the music already recorded before we sent it to him.

14. Is the new material leaning toward a continuation of your established sound, or are you exploring new territory?

GR: It’s what we write at the time. I don’t really lean toward anything established. I tend to just write and see what comes out. Is what it is.

15. What inspires your songwriting lyrically and musically at this stage of the band’s evolution?

GR: When I play guitar, riffs tend to just come out. I think it’s a gift from God because I don’t know where it comes from. 

16. How important is staying connected to fans around the world as the band continues to grow?

GR: It’s really important for us. You have to know if you are reaching the fans or not. They let you know if they like what you are doing or not. Gives you a chance to adjust. 

17. What has been the most memorable moment for PRIMAL so far?

GR: Probably our last show at Hunab Ku fest in Mexico. It was the first time the fans there got to see us, and we won them over. They were chanting our name. I felt really proud that we reached them. That’s why we released this album.

18. If you could tour with any band past or present, who would it be and why? 

GR: That’s a hard one, but I would choose Iron Maiden because that’s my favorite band, and I hear they treat their support bands really well.

19. What do you think keeps traditional heavy metal alive and relevant today?

GR: It’s a family first of all. We all share a passion for the same thing. It’s real and not commercial. 

20. What’s next for PRIMAL after Fin De Los Tiempos and the upcoming European dates?

GR: We will release our EP Iron Age on digital formats in July 2026 on Roxx / No Life Til Metal Records. Then we will continue to work on the new album. I hopefully play some more festivals.

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