KK is back on the frontline after almost 10 years of absence. OK he might have worked as a producer for a couple of bands, but not seeing him on a stage thundering the masses is not the most normal thing.
With two familiar faces, Tim “Ripper” Owens and Les Binks, both members of Judas Priest in totally different eras of the band, KK’s Priest offers an album that surely has his moments. What stands out from the first spin of course is the guitars… because they have a carte blanche. Sharp and venomous riffs, devastating and unstoppable. And wait until you get to the solos… they are wild! Well, KK hasn’t released an album for 10 years, what did you expect?
There are some moments when you listen to the album that it sounds more Priest even than Judas Priest. Track after track you get the feeling that the speed is increasing and the songs are getting heavier. Like being on a battlefield with bombs exploding all around you.
I am sure that this is the way KK, who is hurt – at least that’s what his statements and interviews he gave, including the one we did shows- from his ex-bandmates wants to shout that he is here and capable of competing with them. Of course, “Ripper” plays a very important role in the albums passion, energy and tenacity, screaming on every song like it was his last. The truth is that the choruses are helping him a lot to do so. I bet that he as well wants to send a message to whoever is concerned.
The truth is that the first samples of the album that were released as singles and videos are representative of “Sermons Of The Sinner”, but not the best it has to offer. The ones that I picked out –except from “Brothers On The Road”- were the 9-minute long “Return Of The Sentinel”, with melodies that give you goosebumps and a very smart alteration of “The Sentinel” classic riff, the fast “Sacredote Y Diablo” and “Hail To The Priest”.
