When KK’s Priest released their first album “Sermons of the Sinner” back in 2021, it was highly anticipated by many Judas Priest fans, and it didn’t disappoint. The 2nd album from the band is due to be released via Napalm Records on September 29th 2023 and the cover artwork definitely makes a statement that this promises to be an album of metallic goodness. The album is named “The Sinner Rides Again” with a cover of a deathly sword-welding rider on a skeletal steed. It’s one of the best metal album covers I have seen in a long time.
When the first album was released, KK’s Priest wasn’t playing live shows, so it was only the studio recordings that we had to decide if this was going to be the kind of old-school kick-ass metal we would expect from KK Downing and the rest of the band. Since then, they have been playing shows and festivals and showing the world that they do this just as well live as they do in the studio. From the footage I have seen, they put on one hell of a live show.
“Sons of the Sentinel” kicks off the album in fine style, it is the best way to start a heavy metal album. The vocals are incredible, Tim Ripper Owens lets loose some of the highest screams I have ever heard from him. The track takes off at pace, only letting up ever so slightly for a chanting chorus. The drums and guitars in the solo section are perfectly matched. Sean Elg is a machine on the drums!
One of the previously released singles, “Strike of the Viper” is the second track and has a similar feel to “Hellfire Thunderbolt” off the first album, it’s catchy, it has everything you need in a metal song. Massive vocals, massive guitars, massive track!
KK gives a firm reminder of his pedigree during “Reap the Whirlwind” with “out of the gate” exceptional riffs and solos as Ripper sends his vocals from one end of his range to another. This is definitely the best I have heard him sing. he’s been putting in the work and it shows.
The first single to be released was “One More Shot at Glory” which definitely built anticipation for the album. The opening riff grabs you – it’s addictive and the intermittent tempo changes give it a different flavor, the drumming really stood out, and the fills have so much substance. The solos are oozing class with incredible guitar work perfectly complimenting the song – it’s an absolute banger!
“Hymn 66” begins with a brief but beautiful choral intro and a menacing spoken word, this track has an atmosphere. The riff is heavy as hell with a memorable melody, Ripper’s lower vocals carrying enough gravel to be menacing, and intertwine with high screams, which make it a smorgasbord of everything that is right about KK’s Priest. The sweeping solos carry you and the nuances in tempo and vocals provide just the right amount of variation. This is a standout track for me
The title track leads off with a clean guitar intro and the best way to describe this track is triumphant and emotive. KK is the master of riffs, every riff on the album has that KK Downing signature feel. Ripper again shows that he is in top form, whilst he is known for his high screams, he definitely isn’t lacking in the lower range of his vocals. This track offers a full spectrum of his vocal abilities and the band matches it with every instrument, as mentioned above, “Hymn 66” is a standout for me, but “The Sinner Rides Again” is mind-blowing.
A foreboding intro begins “Keeper of the Graves”. I love the storytelling element of the lyrics and vocal delivery and the choral backing vocals.
It plays to the imagination very well. Then the song smacks you in the face as it kicks into high gear with a wicked scream from Ripper and the band is off at warp speed. This one is “in your face” heavy metal. The vocals at the end show the impressive control Ripper has.
Another delightfully heavy riff starts “Pledge Your Souls” with the guitars panning and reminding you that AJ Mills is also an essential element in the band, matching KK’s playing with exceptional talent, they pull off the twin axe attack in the very best way. The soloing in this track is of the highest level. This is yet another example showing that the combination of the entire band is what makes this lineup special.
“Wash Away Your Sins” is the final track on the album, and what a way to end. The intro is ethereal, this track surprised me as I was expecting it to carry on in that vein, but then the whole band kicks in and the riffs take off again. This final song has quite a few twists and turns in tempo and feel, the solos, the vocals, the band working in unison, they are such a tight unit. I am looking forward to being able to catch them live to experience this in person.
If you are a fan of Judas Priest, KK Downing or Tim Ripper Owens, or if you are a fan of old school metal, power metal, and excellent heavy metal musicianship, this album is a must buy,
KK’s Priest: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: Napalm Records
Category: Album
Country: International
Reviewed by ForsakenMisery
