It appeared for a spell in the '90s that the "classic
metal
singer" -- specifically of the
Rob Halford
,
Bruce Dickinson
, and
Geoff Tate
mold -- was a near extinct beast. But along came
Halford
disciple
Tim "Ripper" Owens
, and the floodgates opened once more. Having appeared on releases by
Judas Priest
and
Iced Earth
, it wasn't until
Owens
launched
Beyond Fear
that he was able to truly take center stage in the songwriting department. Although adamant that
is not just a solo project (he enlists the aid of longtime musician pals), it's
' voice that is the main focus throughout
. Expectedly, the material is akin to vintage '80s-era
thrash metal
; in fact, the album-opening
"Scream Machine"
sounds quite similar to veteran thrash 'n' scream metallists
Overkill
. Other standouts that prove
is a cut above most modern-day metal shriekers include
"Save Me"
"Telling Lies,"
while on the tranquil
"Dreams Come True,"
does the "
crooning thang."
' legion of admirers will undoubtedly snap up
simply because of his affiliation with the project, but the album should also appeal to fans of
(heavy on chug-a-lug riffs) in general. ~ Greg Prato