Beyond Fear - Beyond Fear
- Released: 2006
- Label: SPV
- Rating:
Tim “Ripper” Owens is a man who needs no introduction in heavy metal circles. For that very reason, I will skip the history lesson and get right to the matter at hand; Tim’s new project, Beyond Fear.
What we have here is twelve slabs of prime traditional metal. The album opens in fine fashion with “Scream Machine” with a lot of the high vocal acrobatics that Owens is best known for. The album is a metallic rollercoaster of tempos and tunings. Songs like “And…You Will Die” and “Save Me” have an enjoyable pummel factor along with the excellent “The Human Race”. Next up “Coming At You,” the song with an immediate sing along chorus. “Dreams Come True” is the album’s ballad, and is an autobiographical account of Owens’ rise to stardom.
There is no letdown during the second portion of the album either. From the plodding “Telling Lies” and “I Don’t Need This” to “Words Of Wisdom”. “My Last Words”, will remind some of Paradise Lost. Bringing up the rear of the album is the punchy “Your Time Has Come” and the finale “The Faith” The production courtesy of Jim Morris is outstanding and I commend the overall performances of the entire band.
I must single out, besides the vocal work of Owens the excellent guitar work of John Comprix and bassist Dennis Hayes. These guys are consumate professionals who work their way around the fretboard with ease. Most of the material is pure headbanging delight. Sure, sometimes the lyrics might be a bit on the hoaky side, but it doesn’t hinder the album at all. This is the type of album that takes me back to my youth and contains all the ingredients that made me a metal fan in the first place. That is what makes Beyond Fear so much fun to listen to. So go ahead and feel free to throw those horns in the air while cranking up this album! A fine effort for a debut. Beyond Fear re-affirms my faith in heavy metal music and reminds me why I’m a fan. Beyond Fear is the genuine article.
Metal Mark | 06/23/2006