Owens, Tim "Ripper" - 'Play My Game'

Tim "Ripper" Owens is an in-demand vocalist. The former Judas Priest and Iced Earth singer was just announced as the vocalist for drummer Richard Christy's new band Charred Walls Of The Damned. He also sings for Yngwie Malmsteen, has his own band Beyond Fear, and has just released his first solo CD.

Owens has gathered a star-studded cast for Play My Game. Here's a list of some of the musicians that contribute to the CD: guitarists Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), Bruce Kulick (Kiss), Michael Wilton (Queensryche), Jeff Loomis (Nevermore), Craig Goldy (Dio), Carlos Cavaza (Quiet Riot) and Steve Stevens; bassists Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), Dave Ellefson (Megadeth), Rudy Sarzo (Dio), James Lomenzo (Megadeth), Tony Franklin (Blue Murder) and Dennis Hayes (Beyond Fear); drummers Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath), Simon Wright (AC/DC), Ray Luzier (Korn) and Bobby Jarzombek (Halford).

The songs on Play My Game are traditional heavy metal, very melodic with an old-school vibe. Even with the incredible variety of musicians, the music has a consistent sound. "Pick Yourself Up" is thick and sludgy with plenty of guitar solos from Steve Stevens. "It Is Me" is a little punchier, but still with plenty of melody.

Ripper is one of the best vocalists in metal, and his performance on Play My Game is excellent. He sings quite a bit in a comfortable middle range, but does showcase more of his vocal prowess on tracks such as "The World Is Blind," where his range is on full display.

Owens has been a hired gun in many bands and hasn't had the opportunity to write a lot of songs. He does some collaborating on Play My Game, but handles most of the songwriting duties himself. His songwriting chops aren't as good as his vocal ones, but he does a credible job on this CD.

(released May 19, 2009 on SPV Records)