Living In Sin With TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS From KK'S PRIEST

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.