BEYOND FEAR - Beyond Fear

BEYOND FEAR
Beyond Fear
SPV Records
8/10




On the self-titled debut from Tim “Ripper” Owens’ all-new outfit, “Beyond Fear”, Owens proves to be a highly capable metal songwriter in his own right, fomenting hammering heavy metal anthems that are on occasion akin to the Judas Priest-style that fans expect from the frontman, and during other times, Beyond Fear launch into self-confident hard rock that’s executed with both clout and fervor.

While cuts like the thundering “Scream Machine” attack with a classic metal vengeance, it’s the mid-tempo, rock oriented material such as “Coming At You” that allow Owens to open up his range and display the true nature of his vocal diversity. A heartfelt power ballad, “Dream Come True” lays out the story of the vocalist’s own life and experiences. Herein, you’ll discover a progressive influence that shows that Owens is a student of Tate as well as Halford. Featuring an impassioned vocal performance, this cut is the most likely to receive critical public praise. Although such material is a bit conventional, it’s executed in top-notch fashion, with the prevailing vocal control of Owens setting the pace for his band mates to capably follow.

Hot tracks include the chugging monster “And…You Will Die”, a cut set off by a piercing Owens scream and further strengthened by a burly, wall-of-steel guitar rhythm. “The Human Race” proves to be relentless, a double-kick fueled flurry of thick, slashing riffage and spite-filled tongue-lashing. It’s during moments like these that it becomes apparent Owens could front practically any band of his choice and gain an exactly similar, commanding effect.

In terms of production quality, this record really stands out. Studio master Tom Morris ensured that the hard-hitting instrumentation of Beyond Fear would pack a sufficient punch to back up the mighty vox of Owens. This record blasts from the cones as loudly as any other record out there, doing so with a crisp, clear force that perfectly matches the aggressive grooves and powerfully built attack of the band

While fans wait in earnest for the next Iced Earth album to hit the store shelves, this earnest exercise in the fundamentally appealing qualities of heavy metal should tide them over nicely. Yet another success in what’s becoming a long line of Ripper Owens’ sonic victories, Beyond Fear finds the vocalist continuing to have his finger on the pulse of the metal scene with yet another fantastic new project.


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