Canada’s The Metal Voice recently interviewed KK’s Priest singer Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens about the band’s upcoming album ‘ The Sinner Rides Again‘ which will be released on Sept 29, 2023 via Napalm Records.
When asked about the feedback from fans in regards to the first few live shows with KK’s Priest
“It’s been unbelievable. I think if anyone has read the reviews or seen anything on it, it’s been incredible. I read someone’s review saying they were shocked at how good it was. I think what they are shocked at is that we have a pretty big production, pyro and the screens. It’s a great show and it’s a costly show. We have been on fire and we have been having a lot of fun.”
When asked about challenges of singing the current set list
“The classic Priest songs have always been easier to sing than my own (Judas Priest Era) so it’s kind of funny. Even KK’s Priest songs are much more difficult songs in the set list to sing than the classic Priest songs. In the past five years I have said in interviews I wasn’t singing as great but the past year, I’ve gotten it back, full on all of a sudden, it’s been pretty good.”
When asked about including more Ripper era songs in the KK’s priest setlist
“We wanted to do that right out of the gate but the problem was, we were doing festivals and not our own shows. So you have to make a set list that is kind of adaptable to everybody. I think eventually when we start touring and doing our own shows what is going to happen, I hope. We add one or two more of my era (Judas Priest songs). ‘One on One’ and or ‘Burn in Hell’ has to be in our set list. It would be nice to also do ‘Cathedral Spires’ because that is the one (song) that fans are asking the most. But I think we are obviously going to be adding more KK’s Priest songs. We have 6 songs now in KK’s Priest (set list) and we will be releasing two new videos soon. So we will be adding two more in and probably add another one from the first record and another one from the new record. There is no doubt people want to hear (Ripper Judas Priest Era songs), Judas Priest ignores them (songs) and acts like I was never in the band. Which is fine because it makes my solo touring and KK’s Priest all that more exciting for people because at least they can go hear them (Ripper era Songs). “
When asked what do you say to people who call KK’s Priest a tribute band
“Well it makes no sense, it’s the stupidest comment. I have to be honest since we have been playing live I hardly ever see these types of comments much anymore because now the proof is in the pudding. We are not talking about the sharpest tools in the shed, the people on the internet. People just get on the internet to say things that make no sense whatsoever or they actually give you career advice. I don’t mind if people don’t like us but when they don’t like us and say a tribute band? K.K. (Downing) is the co-founding member of Judas Priest. I was in Judas Priest. Half the set now is our own songs and soon 3/4 of the set is going to be our own songs. It makes no sense.”
When asked to compare KK’s Priest last album to the new album ‘The Sinner Rides Again’
“I think the songs sound more cohesive. Even with all the musical changes in the songs, it all runs great and sounds better. The first record was exactly what we needed, a little more old school, the sound was more old school, everything about it was a classic sound. This one has a little more punch to it, more aggressiveness, the sound is unbelievably good. You can just tell that now we have moved into something even better. I think this new album is a progression and I just love it.”
“The Sinner Rides Again” track listing:
- Sons Of The Sentinel
- Strike Of The Viper
- Reap The Whirlwind
- One More Shot At Glory
- Hymn 66
- The Sinner Rides Again
- Keeper Of The Graves
- Pledge Your Souls
- Wash Away Your Sins
K.K. Downing-(Guitars)
Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals)
A.J. Mills guitarist (Guitars)
Tony Newton (Bass)
Sean Elg (Drums)
Click image to watch the video
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