Interview by Kris Peters
Although K.K. Downing and Tim 'Ripper' Owens only spent what amounts to a fleeting moment together as part of Judas Priest (they actually played on two albums together, Jugulator and Demolition) they still formed an integral part of one of the most loved and influential metal bands in history.
While Downing spent some time in hibernation after leaving Judas Priest, Owens set about forging a music career in his own right, forming a solo project as well as performing with Spirits of Fire, the Three Tremors and A New Revenge.
He still traverses the globe in various incarnations paying respect to Judas Priest and other bands, his distinctive voice ensuring his reputation continues to grow as a musician in his own right.
Earlier this decade Downing and Owens reunited under the monicker KK's Priest, harnessing the DNA from that period of time and infusing it with a modern sensibility that spills over just enough to give their sound a fresher sonic platform while still having its roots in old school metal.
The success of KK's Priest's debut album Sermons Of The Sinner meant it was always a matter of when, not if the band would release the follow up, with the next step in KK's Priest's evolution starting on September 29 with the release of The Sinner Rides Again.
Owens sat down with HEAVY to bring us up to speed.
We start by asking what feelings and emotions he goes through in the lead up to a new album release.
"I've done it so much now," he measured. "It used to be really exciting, and then you start releasing so many records like I do that it loses a little bit. But this one is back to being exciting again. This is two records in a row I've released. You and I talked about my solo EP Return To Death Row, so that was an exciting one, and I've got back to back exciting records. I'm really excited about this KK's Priest release because Sinner Rides Again is just a great record so I cannot wait to get this one out."
As Owens said, he has released a large number of albums with various projects over the years, but we ask him if there is more pressure on this one just by virtue of the fact it is with himself and K.K. Downing in the band.
"I think so," he nodded. "It is for me because I want it to be... usually all of the pressure is totally on me and you want it to be good because it's your own but I want this to be successful and good for Ken. It means a lot to him. He's worked really hard at it and so I want it to be great and I want to be on the top of my game. It just adds a little bit more pressure to it."
In the full interview, Ripper talks about the singles released and how they reflect the whole album, the other members of KK's Priest and what they bring to the table, how this album differs musically to the debut, keeping old school metal influences in his music, how the album process has changed from when Downing and himself were in Judas Priest to now, the chemistry between both of them, their upcoming run of shows and more.