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Tim “Ripper” Owens - Play My Game

Tim Owens has been one of the most important metal vocalists for over a decade. His career has seen him move from small time bands and a tribute act, to replacing Rob Halford in Judas Priest and (more recently) vocals for Yngwie Malmsteen. "The Ripper" has just released is first solo album featuring some special guests such as Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), Michael Wilton (Queensrÿche), and James Lomenzo (Megadeth). Read on to find out what we think of it.

Background

Tim Owens has been very much in demand after performing with Judas Priest and Iced Earth. He has his own band "Beyond Fear" and more recently takes vocal duties for Yngwie Malmsteen. Having never had a chance to write many songs himself, this album was a chance for him to showcase his abilities.

What’s It Like

From the start, this album is very much an old school melodic heavy metal durge. Tim’s vocals are very much pitched down the middle of his range for most of the tracks. Yuo get this sense that it’s almost as if he’s singing over some heavy backing tracks rather than try and work the vocals together with the rest of the artists.

Despite the array of talent that Owens has brought on board, you never really get a true sense of individuality from any of the tracks. There are a few glimmers of hope in the form of "Pick Yourself Up" which could almost fit onto a Black Label Society album due to not only to the vocals, but a nice wah soaked solo. "Death Race" is a nice change that dips into a sort of thrash metal pace, and also features a half decent solo.

Track Listing

1. "Starting Over" - 3:33
2. "Believe" - 4:35
3. "The Cover Up" - 4:30
4. "Pick Yourself Up" - 4:32
5. "It Is Me" - 2:53
6. "No Good Goodbyes" - 3:35
7. "The World Is Blind" - 4:50
8. "To Live Again" - 6:00
9. "The Light" - 4:36
10. "Play My Game" - 4:43
11. "Death Race" - 3:29
12. "The Shadows Are Alive" - 5:35
13. "A Challenge" (iTunes bonus track)

Overall

Bit of a disappointment really. I had high hopes that this album would be pretty special taking all the best parts from the various bands and projects he has worked on. It all felt very similar, no tracks really stood out as amazing. After listening to it a few times over, it has grown slightly on me, but I still think he’s best when teamed up with other existing bands. Let me know what you think in the comments.