The 6th of July this year was a Thursday. I know this because that night I was attending my third gig of the week. The first two had been Iron Maiden. That day, though, was KK’s Priest, and people tell you metal is dying? But anyway, I digress.
That night, in the venue he owns, KK Downing played the first show with that line up of KK’s Priest. Indeed it was only his second show anywhere in years (I’d been at the first, too in 2019).
In the summer, I wrote in my review: “Something special happened here. It really did. A metal phenomenon was born.” It certainly felt that way. Which brings us to “The Sinner Rides Again”. The second album of the band (and it is a band not just a collective), the first was rather derailed by the pandemic, this one, though is a relentless journey through classic metal realms. ‘Sons Of The Sentinel’ reaffirms your faith in metal within five minutes— a classic, brutal beauty that echoes the essence of Priest. ‘Strike Of The Viper’ surprises with a modern and heavier touch, showcasing KK’s sensational guitar skills. ‘Reap The Whirlwind’ is ominous by design, setting a haunting tone. ‘One More Shot At Glory’ kicks off with a Harris-like rumble, blending thrash groove and powerful drums. ‘Hymn 66’ asserts that the Devil indeed has the best tunes.
The title track, whether autobiographical or not, serves as a powerful vehicle for Ripper Owens to showcase his incredible vocal prowess. ‘Keeper Of The Graves’ is adorned with haunting background vocals, while ‘Pledge Your Souls’ unleashes a power metal onslaught that leaves nothing in its wake, thanks to Owens’ blood-curdling scream. ‘Wash Away Your Sins’ is a slow, almost biblical build-up with a prophetic message— ‘You can’t escape.’ The album proves that metal, in all its glory, is alive and well. Even down to having nine songs, like all metal albums used to. In old money, it goes on one side of a C90, no problem.
And KK Downing? Well as much as he seems to want to stay out of the limelight, this is in his blood.
Rating 8.5/10
2023 ROUND UP: KK’S PRIEST- THE SINNER RIDES AGAIN (2023)
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