Tag: K.K. Downing

Album Review: KK’s Priest – The Sinner Rides Again (Napalm Records)

By: Jesse Striewski

I feel like my love for metal bands like Judas Priest only grows stronger with each year, with the classic guitar work once laid by the team of K.K. Downing and Glen Tipton being among some of the best in the genre. And while I was lucky enough to see that lineup perform at least once (at the 2004 Ozzfest) while it was still intact, I am still saddened by Downing’s ultimate ousting from the band.

Thankfully this has not kept him down one bit though, still releasing material just as comparable to Priest under the moniker K.K.’s Priest along with one time vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens at the front nonetheless. On their second studio outing together, they seem more determined than ever to prove their worthy place alongside the greats.

“Sons of the Sentinel” paints a perfect picture right off the bat of what listeners can expect, while “One More Shot of Glory,” “Hymn 66,” and “The Sinner Rides Again” all stand out as strong declarations, and “Wash Away Your Sins” ends things on an epic note. And there’s no doubt in my mind that if this were released under the Judas Priest name, most would not even bat an eye at it; do yourself a favor and have a listen.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Album Review: KK’s Priest – Sermons of the Sinner (EX1 Records)

By: Jesse Striewski

Originally I had debated reviewing a certain other metal album that also came out last week, but swiftly decided I’d rather spend my time on some good, non-preachy metal that’s not actually lead by some delusional, hypocritical tool (sorry, Al). I’m beyond glad I went with KK’s Priests’ Sermons of the Sinner instead, which reaches epic proportions in no time.

When guitarist K.K. Downing originally left Judas Priest in 2011, I was legitimately disappointed; in my book, he was the driving force behind the band, and as irreplaceable as Keith Richards is to The Rolling Stones. But I was glad to hear of this new project of his called KK’s Priest, which also features one time Judas Priest frontman Tim “Ripper” Owens on vocals. To say what K.K. has assembled here is a winning combo would be an understatement.

Like the last effort from counterparts Iron Maiden, unrelenting guitar riffs and empowering lyrics are immediately in full swing here, even with album opener “Hellfire Thunderbolt” being one of the weakest numbers throughout. Tracks like “Raise Your Fists,” “Metal Through and Through,” and “All Hail the Priest” reawaken that primal, youthful spirit in a way that only metal truly can.

Is it perfect? No. But Sermons of the Sinner is without a doubt the Judas Priest album I’ve been hoping for for years now. And if the two factions can’t find a way to ever merge forces again, I suppose this really is the next best thing.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars