Former JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim “Ripper” Owens is releasing “Return To Death Row“, under the RIPPER banner. The disc is produced by Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and Nick Bellmore (JASTA, DEE SNIDER) who also play drums. The other players on the effort include Charlie Bellmore (DEE SNIDER) on guitar, and Chris Beaudette (JASTA) on bass.
Ripper Owens is without doubt among the most important metal vocalists of the past 25 years. When he succeeded Rob Halford, joining JUDAS PRIEST in May 1996, the press rubbed their eyes, surprised as well as impressed: Owens had previously been a fairly unknown quantity to international music journalists and only a few new of him from the band WINTERS BANE, but he recorded his first PRIEST album, the Grammy-nominated “Jugulator” (1997) with more aplomb than even insiders had expected.
After all that time, I don’t care who he used to sing for. Owens should be recognized for his ability, not who he fronts or fronted. And he really nails the true classic metal thing on this new RIPPER project.
‘Die While We’re Alive’ opens proceedings with a massive rumbling of drums quickly joined by a wall of guitars and then… Owens opens his mouth with a blood-curdling scream that signals intent. The track wastes no time in announcing Owens solo project’s new offering with screaming guitars in a frenzied solo taking as much importance as the vocals.
The song itself is a whirlwind of sonic upheaval, reigniting the flame of metal in an instant and sets a pretty high standard for the remaining five numbers.
And that’s where ”Return To Death Row” has found a winner before even really starting.
Yes, Owens is the voice of a generation, but it also takes other musicians to make a band. It might sound obvious but on far too many occasions the producer focuses on that one point, effectively relegating the rest of the band to bit players.
But then not every album is produced by Jamey Jasta. He lets the music breathe where it needs and bludgeon where it requires – a balancing act harder than many would believe.
‘Embattled’ has the task of following and the chugg of guitars before a drum fill that oozes malice introduces Owens who barks his message in a contagious light. He soars effortlessly through his high vocal range without over emphasizing the point he CAN wail – again, another subtle production technique that too often is neglected.
‘The Night (Take It Back)’ kicks off with a blistering guitar solo that gains momentum as the track takes off and Owens is at it again. If metal had a current vocal representative I would defy Owens name being far from the top of the pile. He has it all – chops, attitude, hell, he’s even a nice guy.
This song is more guitar-driven than the previous two and showcases this fact beautifully. Even air guitars would find it hard to resist to this as the guitars pierce the darkness and carry The Night through a maelstrom of evil metal that will be stuck in your head for much longer than you like.
‘Silent Cage’ sounds like it could be a love song, but it isn’t. A nice bass run lays the platform for a more controlled track that still manages to retain an underlying heaviness like sludge in the bottom of your boot. It is a bottom-end heavy sound that in many other hands would be a ballad of sorts, but in the hands of Ripper is more like a standout hard rock track. It is the most accessible song on the album, but I suppose you have to get your sister into metal by any means necessary?
A wicked guitar solo mid-way through brings the power back into the song, despite the fact it could sound the death knell for your sister’s renewed interest in metal…
‘Heroes Dare’ sweeps to life with a rumbling growl of music before Owens takes centre stage, the occasional scream cutting under the music as if to accentuate the dominant vocals. This song perhaps best showcases the fine line between highlighting an asset and abusing it. Yes, Owens voice is a major weapon, but even weapons become blunt when used for too long.
Jasta has managed to pinpoint that delicate balance between the two different vocal styles beautifully.
Owens screams are there to highlight the music, not preside over it, and they are used to devastating effect. More guitar solos reign supreme and here the true basic, but highly effective, premise of Ripper’s music is revealed.
From the moment Owens rumbles “Let’s Go” on the title track, you feel duty-bound to follow. Wherever it may lead. ‘Return To Death Row’ menaces through nearly five minutes of a complete wrap-up of what Ripper have to offer. Slower breakdowns, bass and guitar solos, wicked drum fills and soaring melodies.
It’s like a snapshot of the band’s music in one neat package, while still revealing more about the band in five minutes than you could discover reading five interviews and a bio. Great metal music with even greater vocals.
Owens seems to be enjoying himself here and the band is on fire. Like molten lava.
Tracklist:
01. Die While We're Alive (03:31)
02. Embattled (03:10)
03. The Night (Take It Back) (03:13)
04. Silent Cage (04:14)
05. Heroes Dare (03:47)
06. Return to Death Row (04:41)
Former JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens
produced by Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and Nick Bellmore (JASTA, DEE SNIDER)
Nick Bellmore, Charlie Bellmore (DEE SNIDER, ex-TOXIC HOLOCAUST) on guitar
Chris Beaudette (JASTA, ENTEIRRO) on bass
Ripper (JUDAS PRIEST) – Return to Death Row (2022)
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