KK’s Priest – The Sinner Rides Again

KK’s Priest, fronted by former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing and vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens, returns with their second studio album, “The Sinner Rides Again.” This offering promises a continuation of the band’s brand of traditional heavy metal, heavily influenced by Downing’s time with Judas Priest. Does “The Sinner Rides Again” recapture the magic of yesteryear or simply echo past glories? Let’s crank up the volume and delve into this album, track by track, to see if KK’s Priest reigns supreme or falls into derivative territory.

A Return to Classic Heavy Metal Form:

• Sons of the Sentinel (5:02): The album explodes with a powerful statement of intent. Soaring guitars and driving drums establish a classic metal soundscape, reminiscent of Judas Priest’s “Painkiller” era. Owens’ vocals are in top form, hitting high notes with impressive range and delivering growls with appropriate menace. The lyrics likely introduce themes of rebellion and defiance, a common thread in heavy metal.
• Strike of the Viper (3:42): The album maintains its high-octane energy. This track features a galloping drumbeat and a catchy guitar riff that burrows into your brain. The song’s structure is pure heavy metal, with soaring verses, a powerful chorus, and a blazing guitar solo from Downing himself. The lyrics might explore themes of facing down a dangerous enemy, a metaphor for overcoming challenges.
• Sacrificial Fire (4:31): A touch of epic grandeur emerges. The song features a slow and deliberate intro with keyboards adding depth to the soundscape. The tempo eventually picks up, but the overall feel remains more atmospheric than the previous tracks. Owens delivers a powerful vocal performance, showcasing both his soaring highs and a touch of grit. The lyrics might explore themes of sacrifice and the struggle for a greater good.
• Reap the Whirlwind (4:07): The album injects a dose of aggression. The song features a pounding drumbeat and a rapid-fire guitar riff, creating a sense of urgency. Downing’s signature wah-wah pedal adds a touch of vintage Priest flavor to the proceedings. The lyrics likely depict a chaotic and destructive force, a metaphor for the consequences of unchecked aggression.
• Raise Your Fist (3:54): A moment of fist-pumping anthemic glory arrives. The song features a simple yet effective guitar riff and a sing-along chorus that will have you raising your metaphorical fist in the air. Owens’ vocals are passionate and direct, perfectly capturing the song’s celebratory spirit. The lyrics are a rallying cry for unity and strength, a staple of heavy metal.
• Brothers of the Flame (4:12): The album explores a more traditional heavy metal ballad. The song features slow tempos, clean guitars, and soaring vocals from Owens. The lyrics likely explore themes of brotherhood and the enduring bonds forged through shared experiences, a staple of heavy metal. A guitar solo midway through the track injects a brief moment of shredding brilliance.
• Incarnation of Evil (4:51): The album returns to a more aggressive approach. The song features a dark and menacing atmosphere, with down-tuned guitars and growled vocals. The lyrics likely explore themes of evil and the darkness that lurks within humanity. This track offers a brief respite from the album’s predominantly optimistic spirit.
• The Sinner Rides Again (5:18): The album concludes with a powerful title track. The song features multiple tempo shifts, showcasing the band’s dynamic range. A prominent keyboard melody adds a touch of unexpected grandeur to the soundscape. Owens delivers a nuanced vocal performance, shifting between soaring highs and menacing growls. The lyrics likely explore themes of a relentless force of evil, perhaps a metaphor for temptation or inner demons.

Verdict: 3.5 out of 5

“The Sinner Rides Again” is a solid effort for KK’s Priest. Fans of traditional heavy metal, particularly those who enjoyed Downing’s work with Judas Priest, will find much to enjoy here. The songwriting is strong, with each track delivering a potent dose of classic metal goodness. Owens proves himself a worthy successor to Rob Halford, delivering powerful vocals that perfectly complement the music. The production is clear and powerful, allowing each instrument to shine through the mix.

A minor point to consider: Listeners familiar with Judas Priest’s extensive catalog might find “The Sinner Rides Again” a bit derivative. The album doesn’t stray far from the established formula.