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Apocalypse makes it an even dozen albums for Ralf Scheepers and crew, a.k.a. Primal Fear, one of the pillars of Germanic power metal along with Helloween and Gamma Ray. It's an album that sounds familiar, even to a casual fan. It starts with the obligatory instrumental intro ("Apocalypse") that transitions to the obligatory double-kick opener ("New Rise") followed by the obligatory set of anthems ("The Ritual", "King of Madness", "Blood, Sweat & Fear") and obligatory piano-heavy ballad ("Supernova"). Every note is in its place, Scheepers vocal lines are catchy, the solos majestic, etc., etc. What I'm saying is this is a typical Primal Fear album, good for what it is and nothing more. Look, if you are going to play power metal you either have to innovate, with the associated risks that entails, or write extremely good songs and Primal Fear have done neither on Apocalypse. It is the epitome of a "safe" album. If you dig Primal Fear and German power metal in general, buy without reservation, it is certainly good but if you want something extra special, you won't find it here.