TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS Says New PRIEST Album Is Up There With 'Ram It Down'

March 1, 2005

Former JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens has spoken out about the group's brand new album, "Angel of Retribution". PRIEST's first studio album in 15 years to feature vocalist Rob Halford, "Angel of Retribution" is the follow-up to 2001's "Demolition" (featuring Owens on vocals),which was widely panned for being too far removed from the classic sound present on such albums as "Painkiller" and "Screaming for Vengeance". Speaking exclusively to BLABBERMOUTH.NET, Owens said, "Now this is coming from a singer who will listen to his old band and tell you what he thinks, I won't lie and say, you know, I haven't heard the CD! A lot of people from bands do that!

"I think that it's a pretty good CD with some good metal moments on it!" Owens continued. "The intro song, 'Judas Rising', is a real good opener. I think it is one of the stronger songs on the CD! And 'Lochness' isn't as bad as people where saying — a little long, but it was cool! There are moments on the CD that I just don't like, but that is with every CD you get, so I won't even name them (number 4 — OOPS!).

"The CD is filled with some nice guitar work! The drums aren't 'Painkiller' but they are good, Scott [Travis] is a real good drummer, I mean his RACER X (his old band) playing was amazing! Ian [Hill, bass] is Ian, he is a great bass player, I think one of the best! Now to Rob! I think he sounds good, he has some classic moments, I think his low and mid-range vocals sound as good as ever!

"I asked a lot of people about this CD and got a lot of different responses, good and bad. But overall I think it is a good, hard-rocking CD, I would put it right up there with 'Ram It Down'! It's nice to see the guys back together!"

As previously reported, Owens recently launched his official web site at TimRipperOwens.com.

Owens, who stresses that he is still a full-fledged member of ICED EARTH, has completed work on his first solo demo recording with a view towards landing a record deal. Joining the singer on his upcoming solo album will be guitarist John Comprix (13 FACES, SPAWN),and Bobby Jarzombek] from ICED EARTH on drums. "The influence of the music [will] lean toward... PRIEST/SABBATH/PANTERA without the real heavy vocals!" Owens said.

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