KK’S PRIEST, the new band featuring former JUDAS PRIEST members K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals), along with guitarist A.J. Mills (HOSTILE), bassist Tony Newton (VOODOO SIX) and drummer Sean Elg (DEATHRIDERS, CAGE), will release its debut album, “Sermons Of The Sinner”, on August 20 via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records. The album artwork was created by renowned artists Andy Pilkington of Very Metal Art.
Original KK’S PRIEST drummer Les Binks (ex-JUDAS PRIEST), unfortunately, sustained a wrist injury, but will make special guest live appearances when the band tours.
Today fans are able to pre-order the LP in various configurations, including an exclusive limited-edition autographed metal vinyl (silver disc) with bonus CD album, via the band’s online store. The album can be pre-saved via all global digital streaming partners as well.
The powerful first single from, “Sermons Of The Sinner”, titled “Hellfire Thunderbolt”, is also available today and features a stunning new performance video. Of the song, Downing explains: “We are delighted to finally be able to release our first track to the world. It gives a real flavor of the sound and showcases the amazing players I’ve got in this band. We can’t wait for the fans to hear the record.”
“Sermons Of The Sinner” is a musical statement that KK Downing’s heavy metal ride is far from over after his extended hiatus. “The whole concept is the fact that I continue proudly to be who I am and what I am and do what I do,” declares Downing. “It’s been nearly 10 years. I’m back making music.”
Downing says the word “sinner” in the album title refers to his famous solo in that classic song of the same name, noting that fans are always hoping for new music to sound like the Judas Priest classics.
KK’s Priest‘s new material is most certainly a homage. They have unleashed an album with a modern sound that hearkens back to what fans have always loved about Downing and his music and which still sounds fresh. The high speed album opener “Hellfire Thunderbolt” offers a fictitious take on how metal arrived before the masses were ready for it. Rousing rockers like “Raise Your Fists” and “Wild And Free” revel in the passion and excess that metal fans embrace. The guitar interplay is intense and inspiring, and the band is firing on all cylinders. “Sermons Of The Sinner” is an incredible collection of future metal classics, sure to be one of the stand-out metal releases of 2021.
“Sermons Of The Sinner” track listing:
1. Incarnation
2. Hellfire Thunderbolt
3. Sermons Of The Sinner
4. Sacerdote Y Diablo
5. Raise Your Fists
6. Brothers Of The Road
7. Metal Through And Through
8. Wild And Free
9. Hail For The Priest
10. Return Of The Sentinel
KK’S PRIEST, which pays homage to Downing‘s past, will play select shows to mark the 50th anniversary of PRIEST and Downing‘s career as a founding member. KK’S PRIEST‘s setlist will consist of PRIEST classics and new songs.
Owens joined PRIEST in 1996 and recorded two studio albums with the band — 1997’s “Jugulator” and 2001’s “Demolition” — before PRIEST reunited with Rob Halford in 2003. Downing left PRIEST in 2011 amid claims of band conflict, shoddy management and declining quality of performance. He was replaced by Richie Faulkner, nearly three decades his junior.o retire from touring.