Mat Sinner (born Matthias Lasch, 16 October 1964) is a German heavy metal musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer from Stuttgart, best known as the founder, bassist, and lead vocalist of the band Sinner, established in 1980, and as the co-founder and bassist of Primal Fear since 1997.[1][2][3]Sinner's career began in the late 1970s, leading to the formation of his namesake band in 1980, which released its debut album Wild 'n' Evil in 1982 and has since produced over a dozen studio albums, evolving from hard rock roots into a staple of the heavy metal genre with themes of partying, rock lifestyle, and fantasy.[2][4] In 1990, Sinner pursued a solo project under his own name, releasing Back to the Bullet, which featured a new lineup; three members of which reformed Sinner shortly thereafter.[5] As a producer, he has contributed to various metal projects, leveraging his experience in the German scene to shape the sound of multiple acts.[6] In November 2025, Sinner announced that the band would release a final studio album followed by farewell activities in 2026.[7]In 1997, Sinner co-founded Primal Fear alongside vocalist Ralf Scheepers, creating one of Germany's most enduring power metal outfits, known for its high-energy performances and albums that have sold worldwide, including recent releases like Domination in 2025.[3]) The band has maintained a core lineup centered on Sinner's bass work and songwriting, touring extensively across Europe and beyond while navigating challenges such as visa issues for U.S. performances.[8] Sinner's multifaceted role in both bands has solidified his reputation as a key figure in European heavy and power metal, with ongoing involvement in projects like Rock Meets Classic.[9]
Early life
Birth and upbringing
Matthias Lasch, professionally known as Mat Sinner, was born on 16 October 1964 in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany.[8]Following the devastation of World War II, Stuttgart emerged as a pivotal industrial center during West Germany's Wirtschaftswunder (economic miracle) of the 1950s and 1960s, driven by the automotive sector with headquarters of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, which attracted workers and fostered a robust working-class economy.[10] This post-war industrial resurgence shaped local youth culture, offering economic stability that enabled young people to engage in emerging subcultures like rock music amid rapid urbanization and social change.[11]Sinner grew up in Stuttgart.[12] Public details on his family background remain scarce, with no widely available information on his parents or siblings; however, he has recalled receiving his first guitar as a gift from an aunt at age 12.[12]In his early years, Sinner excelled in sports, particularly soccer, where he played competitively and represented a national youth team at age 14 before prioritizing other interests.[12] By the late 1970s, his attention had turned toward music.[12]
Musical beginnings
Mat Sinner's introduction to music occurred during his teenage years in Stuttgart, a city with a burgeoning rock scene in the mid-1970s influenced by international acts and local venues.[13]At around age 11, Sinner began exploring music through informal local groups, initially joining the teenage rock band Crayfish in 1975 alongside guitarist Armin Sabol, where he started developing his skills on bass and vocals in a casual, garage-style setting typical of the era's youth-driven projects.[14] By 1977, inspired by influences like Jimi Hendrix, Sinner and Sabol founded the power trio Shiva, expanding their efforts into more structured performances across southern Germany, including opening slots for established acts such as Whitesnake and Colosseum II.[14][15][16] The band, with Sinner handling bass and lead vocals, played numerous gigs in the Stuttgart area from 1977 to 1980 but disbanded without releasing an album, marking a formative period of live experience and skill refinement before his professional endeavors.[17]
Career
Formation and work with Sinner
Mat Sinner founded the German heavy metal band Sinner in 1980 in Stuttgart, initially as a hard rock outfit influenced by the burgeoning European metal scene.[18] As the band's primary songwriter, bassist, and lead vocalist, Sinner shaped its early sound around aggressive riffs and anthemic choruses, drawing comparisons to contemporaries like Accept and Scorpions. The debut album, Wild 'n' Evil (1982), along with follow-ups Fast Decision (1983) and Danger Zone (1984), established their raw energy and solidified their presence with tracks emphasizing speed and power.[19] By the mid-1980s, albums like Comin' Out Fighting (1986) showcased a polished production while retaining the band's high-octane style, marking a pivotal early milestone.[20]Throughout the 1990s, Sinner underwent significant lineup changes, with Mat Sinner remaining the sole constant amid frequent rotations of guitarists, drummers, and vocalists to accommodate his evolving vision. After a brief hiatus where the project was rebranded as "Mat Sinner" in 1990–1991, the band reformed in 1992 with core members including guitarist Tom Naumann, releasing No More Alibis, a heavier effort that shifted toward power metal influences and featured denser song structures.[18] This period saw further flux, including tours with acts like Mr. Big and Savatage, as Sinner balanced band duties with the formation of Primal Fear in 1997. Subsequent releases like Bottom Line (1995) and Judgement Day (1996) highlighted the band's technical growth, though commercial traction remained modest outside Germany.[21]Over the decades, Sinner's sound evolved from pure heavy metal roots to incorporate broader hard rock elements, blending gritty riffs with melodic hooks and occasional bluesy undertones, particularly evident in the 2000s revival. The 2008 album Crash & Burn signaled a rock'n'roll renaissance, prioritizing groove over speed, while maintaining Mat Sinner's signature vocal delivery. This stylistic flexibility allowed the band to adapt to changing metal landscapes without losing its core identity.[18] Lineup stability improved in the 2000s with long-term collaborators like Naumann returning intermittently, enabling consistent output.In the 2010s, Sinner achieved notable commercial success in Germany, entering the album charts for the first time in years with One Bullet Left peaking at #65 in 2011. The momentum continued with Tequila Suicide (2017), which reached #49 on the German charts and featured guest appearances from musicians like Gus G. and Ricky Warwick, blending classic metal drive with modern production.[22] Follow-up Santa Muerte (2019) charted at #41, underscoring the band's enduring appeal through tours in Europe, Japan, and Australia. These milestones reflected Mat Sinner's dual commitments, as his late-1990s launch of Primal Fear occasionally overlapped with Sinner activities but did not disrupt the project's longevity. In November 2025, Sinner announced the band would disband in 2026 following the release of a final studio album.[23][7]
Primal Fear
Primal Fear, co-founded by Mat Sinner as bassist and co-vocalist, has released a series of studio albums characterized by high-energy power metal, with Sinner contributing significantly to songwriting across their catalog.[24] The band's debut self-titled album, Primal Fear, arrived in 1999 via Nuclear Blast, establishing their sound with tracks like "Chainbreaker" and "Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove."Subsequent releases built on this foundation, achieving notable commercial success. The 2018 album Apocalypse, released through Frontiers Records, marked a high point, peaking at No. 10 on the German Albums Chart and No. 12 in Switzerland, while entering charts in multiple European countries including Austria (No. 43) and Belgium (No. 47). This success underscored Primal Fear's international appeal, with Apocalypse reaching the top 10 in Germany.[25][26]Metal Commando followed in 2020 via Nuclear Blast, debuting at No. 7 in Germany and featuring aggressive anthems like "Along Came a Devil." The most recent studio effort, Domination (2025, Reigning Phoenix Music), continued this momentum, entering the German Top 10 and highlighting Sinner's co-writing on tracks such as "The Hunter."[27]
Live releases have captured the band's energetic performances, including Live in the USA (2010, Frontiers Records), recorded during their American tour, and Angels of Mercy: Live in Germany (2017, Frontiers Records), which showcases sets from European shows with fan favorites like "Hounds of Justice."[28] Singles have also propelled album promotions, such as "Tears of Fire" from Domination, released in 2025 with an official music video emphasizing the band's thematic intensity.[27]
Other bands and collaborations
In addition to his primary projects, Mat Sinner co-founded the hard rock band Voodoo Circle in 2008 alongside guitarist Alex Beyrodt, serving as the group's bassist and contributing to its debut album Voodoo Circle released in 2010.[29][30] The band blended classic hard rock elements with melodic hooks, releasing subsequent albums like Book of Spells (2012) and In the Shadow of the Sewers (2015), where Sinner's bass work provided a solid foundation for vocalist David Readman's performances.[31]Sinner joined the power metal band Silent Force in 2013 as bassist during the group's comeback phase, appearing on their album World Machine released that year and contributing to its heavy, symphonic sound alongside guitarist Alex Beyrodt and vocalist Michael Bormann.[32] His tenure with Silent Force extended to live performances and further recordings, emphasizing intricate bass lines in the band's European metal style.[33]In 2014, Sinner formed the supergroup Level 10 with vocalist Russell Allen of Symphony X, taking on bass duties and co-production for their debut album Chapter One, which featured a mix of progressive and heavy metal tracks like "Soul of a Warrior."[34] The project released a follow-up, Chapter Two, in 2016, showcasing Sinner's collaborative songwriting and rhythmic support in a high-energy metal context.[35]Sinner made notable guest appearances on several albums, providing bass on the 2009 debut Kiske/Somerville by vocalists Michael Kiske and Amanda Somerville, where his playing underpinned the melodic hard rock arrangements co-written with Magnus Karlsson.[36] He also contributed bass guitar and backing vocals to the 2011 self-titled album by Kimball/Jamison, featuring ex-Toto singer Bobby Kimball and ex-Survivor singer Jimi Jamison, enhancing its AOR and hard rock vibes.[37] Additionally, Sinner played bass and keyboards on tracks from Ralf Scheepers' 2011 solo album Scheepers, supporting the Primal Fear frontman's powerful metal explorations with contributions from guests like Tim "Ripper" Owens.[38]Since 2010, Sinner has served as musical director for the annual Rock Meets Classic tours in Europe, leading a rock band and coordinating with the RMC Symphony Orchestra to perform classic rock anthems alongside vocalists such as Tarja Turunen and [Ronnie Atkins](/page/Ronnie Atkins), blending heavy metal with orchestral arrangements across multiple arena shows. Sinner continues in this role, including for the Final Countdown Farewell Tour in 2026 backed by the Mat Sinner Band.[39][40]
Production and songwriting
Mat Sinner has established himself as a prominent figure in the production and songwriting aspects of heavy metal, particularly within the melodic subgenre, contributing to both his own projects and collaborations with other artists. As the primary songwriter for Sinner since the band's formation in 1980, he has penned the majority of the material across their discography, blending powerful riffs with anthemic choruses to define their sound. Similarly, in Primal Fear, co-founded in 1997, Sinner collaborates closely on compositions, often co-writing tracks that emphasize soaring melodies and high-energy dynamics; a notable example is the 2025 single "Tears of Fire" from the album Domination, co-written with Magnus Karlsson and Ralf Scheepers, which features uplifting lyrics and a driving rhythm section.[41][42]Beyond his bands, Sinner's production credits highlight his expertise in crafting polished, melody-driven heavy metal records for prominent vocalists. He served as producer for the 2009 debut album Kiske/Somerville by former Helloween singer Michael Kiske and vocalist Amanda Somerville, overseeing production and mixing while also contributing bass and co-writing nine of the twelve tracks alongside Magnus Karlsson. In 2011, Sinner produced Presto Vivace (also released as Kimball Jamison), a collaborative effort between Toto's Bobby Kimball and Survivor's Jimi Jamison, handling production duties with co-producer Jimmy Kresic and incorporating contributions from musicians like Alex Beyrodt on guitar. His work extended to Jørn Lande's 2017 solo album Life on Death Road, where Sinner not only played bass but also acted as producer, guiding the recording process to emphasize epic, progressive-tinged heavy metal arrangements over its 66-minute runtime.[43][44][45][46]Based in Stuttgart, Germany, Sinner's production philosophy centers on total involvement from songwriting through final mixing, ensuring a balance of raw power and melodic clarity to captivate listeners. He prioritizes selecting strong songs, pushing performers to deliver "exciting performances," and maintaining responsibility for the end result, often drawing from his experience to enhance an artist's vision without overpowering it. This approach, evident in his emphasis on "a lot of melodies" and harmony guitars, has allowed him to refine the melodic heavy metal style across diverse projects while fostering long-term collaborations.[42][47][48]
Musical style and influences
Style characteristics
Mat Sinner's overall musical sound across his projects fuses traditional Germanheavy metal with prominent melodic hooks, characterized by a shift from the raw aggression of 1980s-era recordings to a more refined and polished production in the 2010s.[49][50] Early works emphasize straightforward heavy metal drive, while later albums incorporate tighter arrangements and enhanced clarity, maintaining anthemic energy suitable for live performances.[51][52]His bass style features melodic, groove-oriented lines that blend heavy metal speed with hard rockblues influences, providing a solid rhythmic foundation without overpowering the ensemble.[52][51] In projects like Sinner and Voodoo Circle, these lines often incorporate bluesy undertones for added depth, while in Primal Fear, they support faster tempos with precise, driving support for the guitars.[53][54]Sinner's vocal delivery is powerful and mid-range, delivering a gravelly yet melodic tone well-suited to power metal anthems and hard rock ballads.[49][55] This approach allows for raw emotional expression in aggressive tracks and smooth phrasing in slower numbers, often enhancing the hook-driven choruses central to his songwriting.[56][52]
Key influences
Mat Sinner's musical development was heavily influenced by the hard rock and heavy metal pioneers of the 1970s, particularly those emphasizing powerful riffs, vocal dynamics, and rhythmic drive. In a 2001 interview, he recalled how Deep Purple's 1974 album Burn profoundly impacted him, stating that the interplay of David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes' voices, combined with the band's raw energy, "totally blew me away."[12] This exposure led him to explore similar acts, including Led Zeppelin and Thin Lizzy for their groove-oriented bass lines, with Phil Lynott serving as a personal hero whose ability to handle bass while delivering lead vocals directly shaped Sinner's dual role as bassist and singer.[12]The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) also played a formative role, as evidenced by Sinner's early admiration for Judas Priest's twin guitar harmonies and high-energy delivery.[12] He has mentioned listening to Iron Maiden in his youth, which contributed to his preference for melodic, fast-paced metal.[54] Sinner's appreciation for vocal range is highlighted in his praise for Rob Halford, whom he named among his favorite singers for embodying technical prowess and emotional intensity in performances.[12]Sinner's core inspirations remained anchored in those foundational British and American acts that emphasized melody and aggression.[12]
Personal life and health
Family and residence
Mat Sinner resides in Stuttgart, Germany, his birthplace, where he has maintained a long-term home throughout his career.[12]Public details about his family life are limited, as Sinner tends to keep personal matters private; however, in earlier interviews, he has referenced having children and a girlfriend, indicating a focus on family alongside his professional commitments.[12] He balances the demands of international touring and recording—often spanning months on the road—with ties to his home in Stuttgart, prioritizing stability there amid his global musical endeavors.[40]
Health challenges and recovery
In 2021, Mat Sinner experienced a severe adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, which he has publicly stated caused significant heart damage requiring a one-year hospitalization.[57][58] This health crisis led to a prolonged hiatus from live performances spanning 2020 to 2025, during which Primal Fear adapted by performing without Sinner's on-stage presence while he focused on recovery.[59][57]Sinner's rehabilitation involved intensive medical care and gradual rebuilding of his physical capabilities, supported by his family throughout the process. By May 2025, he reported being approximately 75% recovered, marking a pivotal milestone that allowed him to prepare for his return to the stage.[59] On May 9, 2025, Sinner performed his first live show in five years with Primal Fear's updated lineup at the Rock In Rautheim festival in Braunschweig, Germany, an event he described as emotionally charged and a testament to his perseverance.[60][61]Following this breakthrough, Sinner achieved a full return to professional activities in support of Primal Fear's albumDomination, released on September 5, 2025, including subsequent tours and promotional efforts. As of November 2025, he has continued touring successfully with Primal Fear on the Dominationtour, demonstrating full recovery, and announced plans for a final studio album with his band Sinner ahead of its farewell in 2026. In reflecting on his journey, Sinner emphasized themes of resilience, stating, "Believe in miracles, fight to make it happen," highlighting his determination to overcome the ordeal and resume his musical career.[61][62][63][7]
Discography
Solo work
Mat Sinner's solo career is represented by a single album, Back to the Bullet, released in 1990 on Ariola Records. This project emerged as a side endeavor during the early years of his band Sinner, allowing Sinner to explore a raw, straightforward hard rock sound distinct from the band's evolving heavy metal direction. The album features ten tracks, primarily written by Sinner himself, with contributions from guitarists Alex Beyrodt and Tom Naumann, emphasizing high-energy riffs, melodic hooks, and themes of rebellion and rock 'n' roll defiance. Notable inclusions are the title track "Back to the Bullet," a cover of The Osmonds' "Crazy Horses," and originals like "Tear Down the Wall" and "In the Name of Rock'n'Roll," which showcase Sinner's gritty vocals and bass-driven grooves.[64][65]Co-produced by Sinner and Albert Boekholt, the recording incorporated self-produced elements, including Sinner's involvement in vocals, guitar, and backing vocals, alongside a lineup drawn from Sinner band members such as drummer Tommy Resch and Bernie van der Graaf. Recorded at studios in Germany, the production highlights a no-frills approach that amplifies the album's aggressive, street-level hard rock aesthetic, often compared to influences like AC/DC and early Scorpions. Singles released from the album included "Call My Name" and a promotional version of "Back to the Bullet," which received limited airplay in Europe.[66][65][67]The album has seen multiple reissues, reflecting enduring interest among hard rock enthusiasts. A 2009 remastered edition was followed by a 2013 version on AFM Records, and a 2024 reissue on Classic Metal Records, often bundled with bonus tracks like "She's Got the Look." These editions preserve the original's raw energy while improving audio clarity, underscoring its role as a cult favorite in Sinner's discography that echoes the melodic hard rock foundations of his band work.[68][69][70]
Sinner
Sinner's discography encompasses a selection of studio albums and compilations spanning several decades, with Mat Sinner serving as the band's primary vocalist and bassist throughout.[71]The band's early studio efforts include Danger Zone, released in 1984, and Fast Decision, issued in 1983, which helped establish their presence in the Germanheavy metal scene.[2][72]In 1997, the single Judgement Day was released.[71]Post-2010 releases marked a resurgence, with the studio album Tequila Suicide arriving in 2017 and peaking at number 49 on the German Albums Chart.[22] The follow-up studio album Santa Muerte was released in 2019, reaching number 41 on the same chart. Brotherhood followed in 2022, peaking at number 12.[22]Key post-2010 output also includes the 2019 single Fiesta Y Copas, a remix featuring Ronnie Romero, which served as a promotional track for Santa Muerte.[73] No certifications have been awarded to these releases in the German market.
Primal Fear
Primal Fear, co-founded by Mat Sinner as bassist and co-vocalist, has released a series of studio albums characterized by high-energy power metal, with Sinner contributing significantly to songwriting across their catalog.[24] The band's debut self-titled album, Primal Fear, arrived in 1999 via Nuclear Blast, establishing their sound with tracks like "Chainbreaker" and "Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove."Subsequent releases built on this foundation, achieving notable commercial success. The 2018 album Apocalypse, released through Frontiers Records, marked a high point, peaking at No. 7 on the German Albums Chart and No. 6 in Switzerland, while entering charts in multiple European countries including Austria (No. 28) and Belgium.[74] This success underscored Primal Fear's international appeal, with Apocalypse reaching Top 10 positions in several nations.[74]Metal Commando followed in 2020 via Nuclear Blast, debuting at No. 7 in Germany and featuring aggressive anthems like "Along Came a Devil." The most recent studio effort, Domination (2025, Reigning Phoenix Music), continued this momentum, entering the German Top 10 and highlighting Sinner's co-writing on tracks such as "The Hunter."[27]
Live releases have captured the band's energetic performances, including Live in the USA (2010, Frontiers Records), recorded during their American tour, and Angels of Mercy: Live in Germany (2017, Frontiers Records), which showcases sets from European shows with fan favorites like "Hounds of Justice."[28] Singles have also propelled album promotions, such as "Tears of Fire" from Domination, released in 2025 with an official music video emphasizing the band's thematic intensity.[27]
Voodoo Circle
Voodoo Circle, a hard rock project featuring Mat Sinner on bass alongside guitarist Alex Beyrodt as the primary creative force, draws heavily from 1970s classic rock influences, blending bluesy hard rock elements with melodic hooks reminiscent of bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.[75][76][77]The band's debut album, Voodoo Circle, was released in 2008, establishing their retro-inspired sound with powerful riffs and soulful vocals.[78] This was followed by Broken Heart Syndrome in 2011, which expanded on the blues-infused hard rock formula with tracks emphasizing emotional depth and guitar-driven energy.[78][79]Subsequent releases include More Than One Way Home (2013), featuring a mix of anthemic choruses and 1970s-style grooves; Whisky Fingers (2015), noted for its raw, whiskey-soaked rock vibe and Beyrodt's Hendrix-inspired solos; and Raised on Rock (2018), which proudly showcases their classic rock roots through unapologetic, high-energy performances.[78][79][75] The most recent album, Locked & Loaded (2021), continues this tradition with loaded riffs and a focus on live-wire hard rock dynamics, where Sinner's bass lines provide a solid, driving foundation.[78][79]No EPs or singles exclusive to Voodoo Circle stand out as major releases in their catalog, with the project's output centered on full-length albums that highlight its 1970s-inspired aesthetic.[78][80]
Other projects
Mat Sinner contributed bass and backing vocals to the debut album Kiske/Somerville (2009), a melodic heavy metal project featuring former Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske and singer Amanda Somerville, where he also served as a primary composer.[81]On the collaborative album Kimball Jamison (2011) by ex-Toto singer Bobby Kimball and ex-Survivor vocalist Jimi Jamison, Sinner provided bass guitar and backing vocals, enhancing the melodic rock arrangements.[37][44]For Ralf Scheepers' self-titled solo debut (2011), the Primal Fear frontman's heavy metal effort, Sinner played bass throughout the record, including on tracks like "Back On The Track," and co-wrote several songs.[82][83]Sinner made vocal contributions to the German hard rock band The Heat's self-titled album (1993), singing lead on the track "Cold Sweat" (a Thin Lizzy cover) while also providing backing vocals across the release.[84]In Jørn Lande's Life on Death Road (2017), a hard rockalbum drawing from the Voodoo Circle lineup, Sinner handled all bass duties, supporting Lande's powerful vocals alongside guitarist Alex Beyrodt.[85][86]As a producer and bassist, Sinner helmed Chapter One (2015) by the project Level 10, pairing Symphony X singer Russell Allen with his own songwriting and instrumentation for a heavy metal outing.[87][88]Sinner joined Silent Force in 2013, contributing bass to their album Rising from Ashes, which marked a reunion with vocalist Michael Bormann and guitarist Alex Beyrodt under his production oversight.[89]Beyond studio work, Sinner has led the Mat Sinner Band in the Rock Meets Classic tours since 2010, performing orchestral renditions of classic rock hits with artists like Tobias Sammet and Floor Jansen, with live recordings captured in videos and DVDs such as the 2013 tour footage.[90][91]These endeavors often intersect with his Primal Fear colleagues, fostering collaborations within the European metal scene.