I’m not interested in getting into the whys and wherefores of the need for KK’s Priest. It’s always a shame when respected names fall out, and worse when it happens in the full glare of the public eye. That the band exists, however, is cause for celebration and, hot off the heels of the well-received debut (2021’s Sermons of the Sinner) K.K. Downing is back with The Sinner Rides Again, nine new tracks delivered with all the power and precision of one of metal’s great guitarists. With the band comprising the phenomenal Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals), A. J. Mills (guitar), Tony Newton (bass), and Sean Elg (drums), K.K. has assembled a world-class metal band and on this, their sophomore outing, they simply don’t put a foot wrong.
With its harmonised lead intro, thunderous percussion and face-melting riff, Sons of the Sentinel lays the perfect foundation for Ripper’s entrance. With Ripper in fine voice and K.K. clearly feeling he has a point to prove, the track simply rips in a manner that is as thrilling as it is welcome. Certainly, with its chorus declaring “we are the sons, defenders from hell” there’s a sense of K.K. reclaiming his metal crown and, if that is the case, he couldn’t have asked for a better band with which to do it. Keeping things brutal, Strike of the Viper is a full-throttle blast of leather-clad metal, played with such speed that it borders on thrash, although Ripper’s unholy wail keeps things firmly in trad-metal territory. He’s on vital form, delivering one of the very best performances of his storied career and sounding like he’s having the time of his life while he’s at it.
With the band barely breaking stride, another hyper-speed anthem for the damned, entitled Reap the Whirlwind, arrives on a pale horse and hell (in the form of KK’s turbo-charged riffs), follows close behind. As such, while still a heavy number, the mid-paced and defiant One More Shot At Glory (which feels like the band’s mission statement) provides a certain respite, allowing the listener a moment to at least draw breath before the storm clouds gather once more for the doom-laden Hymn 66. Initially another mid-paced number, even nodding in the direction of Metallica’s streamlined Black Album, it takes a couple of minutes to lay its foundations before Ripper enters the fray to deliver a performance that combines metallic fury with a certain catchiness guaranteed to be sung in pits the world over.
Kicking off the second half, the title track feels like the perfect opener for a live show, with its harmonised leads giving way to an absolute belter worthy of the unassailable classic Screaming For Vengeance itself (cheekily namechecked here). With Ripper once again delivering a masterclass in heavy metal, and K.K. trading blistering leads with A.J. it’s a phenomenal track in the absolute best tradition of the genre, and it leaves you breathless. In contrast, the lengthy Keeper of the Graves straddles the worlds of Priest and Maiden with a darkly reflective sound initially reminiscent of Hallowed be Thy Name, although it positively explodes into life for its second half. Simply a great track, Pledge Your Souls has a chorus to die for, and the whole track feels like a love letter to the band’s audience, although it’s a shame it fades out rather than come to a definitive end. The all-too-short album ends with the epic Wash Away Your Sins, a six-and-a-half-minute finale with theatrical sensibilities reminiscent of classic W.A.S.P. and some beautiful acoustic work paving the way for one final metallic showdown. Very much the conclusion this stunning album deserves, it leaves the audience very much wanting more.
The Sinner Rides Again is an absolutely storming heavy metal album. Played with passion and conviction by a group of musicians so obviously having a wonderful time that it’s impossible not to get swept away in it all, it is truly a modern classic in the making. While it’s often felt like Tim “Ripper” Owens hasn’t had the opportunity his talents deserve, here (reunited with K.K.), he has the backing of a world-class band, and his vocals are absolutely unbelievable throughout. K.K., meanwhile, clearly relishes every raging minute, with his performance both as guitarist and producer second-to-none.
Put simply, if you love heavy metal, then this album is indispensable. 9.5/10
KK’s Priest – Latest News:
The iconic KK’S PRIEST – featuring Judas Priest alum and GRAMMY Award musicians K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals), along with A.J. Mills (guitar), Tony Newton (bass) and Sean Elg (drums) – have finally unveiled their new sophomore offering, The Sinner Rides Again, to the masses today!
The album is already being praised by critics around the world as an impressive follow up to the band’s acclaimed 2021 debut. “The Sinner Rides Again is an absolutely ripping metal record, with a huge, gleaming production job and performances that crackle with passion and intensity,” offers Blabbermouth, while Metal Hammer UK lauds the album as “…tapping into the fist-pumping energy of classic heavy metal like it’s 1983 all over again.”
In celebration of today’s release, the band has revealed another blistering new music video, this time for the menacing track “Hymn 66”. The weighty riff-fest boasts slow and low, metallic-soaked punches of heavy metal fire!
K.K. Downing says about “Hymn 66” and today’s album release:
“It’s time to take a look into another world – a world where the most powerful have to succumb to enduring their penance for all eternity. So best beware, as those of the highest power may one day gather to summon you as their victim, and be certain there will be no escape as your presence will be demanded by singing ‘Hymn 66’!
I am truly excited that the time has come to release our second album, The Sinner Rides Again. I hope that fans all over the metal world will enjoy it, and I am looking forward to playing these songs for you on our upcoming world tour.”
Make sure to catch KK’S PRIEST on their upcoming headline tour of the UK, with support from former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno and Napalm Records labelmates Burning Witches! See below for all confirmed tour dates:
KK’S PRIEST w/ Paul Di’Anno & Burning Witches across the UK in October:
07.10.23 UK – Birmingham / O2 Institute
08.10.23 UK – Glasgow / SWG3
10.10.23 UK – Nottingham / Rock City
11.10.23 UK – Manchester / O2 Ritz
12.10.23 UK – London / O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
KK’S PRIEST live one-offs:
02.-07.03.24 US – Monsters of Rock Cruise
