The Bottom Line
Ripper steps out with his own band.
Pros
- Ripper's great vocals.
Cons
- A couple filler songs that aren't that good.
Description
- Released in North America May 9, 2006 on SPV Records.
- Produced by Jim Morris.
- This is the band's debut album.
Guide Review - Beyond Fear - Self-Titled
After doing stints in Judas Priest and Iced Earth, Tim "Ripper" Owens has put together his own band. Instead of being more of a hired gun like he was in those bands, Owens is a full-fledged band member here and has written or co-written all of the songs on the album.
Beyond Fear's style is traditional metal in the vein of Judas Priest, but also has a little harder and thrashier edge. The songs are very well-written with a lot of diversity in styles and tempo. The probably could have been shortened by a couple of songs, which seem like throw ins.
There's a reason bands like Priest and Iced Earth wanted Owens in their band. The dude can sing. He's got a great set of pipes and knows how to use them. We knew his voice was going to shine no matter what the setting, but he has also proved he's an excellent songwriter as well.
