When guitarists Tom Naumann and Alex Beyrodt, bassist Alex Jansen and drummer Michael Ehré all departed PRIMAL FEAR in 2024, it took most of that band's instrumental core with them. Two years on, all four have resurfaced together under a new name — FEARLESS V — with Italian vocalist Gianbattista "Jan" Manenti of THE UNITY out front.
The debut album, "Circus Life", is set for release on February 26, 2027 via Lucky Bob Records. The first single, the self-titled "Fearless V", is out now with an official video.
The résumés involved are long. Between them the five have played in PRIMAL FEAR, GAMMA RAY, VOODOO CIRCLE, THE UNITY and the "Rock Meets Classic" touring production. The band describe the result as a combination of powerful songwriting, modern metal influences and melodic power metal — a sound aimed, in their own framing, firmly forward rather than back.
"With FEARLESS V, we seamlessly tap into the energy that has always driven us and capture the very essence of what defines us as a band: pure camaraderie and unconditional trust," Beyrodt says. "The single is not just a powerful statement of our vitality, but the start of a chapter we are damn proud of — one that simply feels right from the very first second."
Naumann puts it in plainer terms. "When you start a new chapter together after so many years, one thing matters above all else: the chemistry has to be one hundred percent right. FEARLESS V demonstrates precisely that intuitive understanding and deep trust that have bound us together for years. We are simply incredibly fired up to make music together — without compromise, with absolute honesty, and as a tight-knit unit."
They did not wait for the record to start playing live. FEARLESS V made their first appearances in the Wacken United area at Wacken Open Air 2026 and at Germany's Metalacker festival in August, followed by Nacht Der Kirchen — Night Of The Churches — in September. The public rollout only started now, with the single.
There is a mascot, too: the clown who appears in the video and on the cover of "Circus Life". The band describe him as a visual alter ego for the contrast between appearance and reality, entertainment and seriousness, and the thin line between success and self-presentation. He is not a one-off — he will keep turning up.
Confirmed FEARLESS V festival appearances so far:
- June 4–5, 2027 — Ulmbach, Germany @ UOB – Ulmich Om Braand
- July 15–17, 2027 — Balingen, Germany @ RVBANG Festival
- July 16–17, 2027 — Holzbalge/Nienburg (Weser), Germany @ Rock Das Ding Open Air Festival
Watch the video for "Fearless V" below.
Photo credit: Dirk "The Pixeleye" Behlau