Beyond Fear is somewhat a continuation of the music Ripper made with Priest. And before anything is said, no this isn't a tribute or even close to it. It's just the real deal Heavy Metal: loud and unrelenting. Those of you who've always enjoyed the "Metal Monster" tunes Priest is known for, will automatically identify with album opener "Scream Machine". Just like "Jugulator" this track lives and breathes raging Metal about a "Monster" that will rip your heart out. Call it corny if ya want, but I'm all about this type of song writing. I, too, like Ripper was raised on Priest and real deal Metal. Musically, the bandmates that back Owens are monsters themselves. Guitarist, John Comprix sets this album afire with blistering leadbreaks on "Machine", not to mention Owens' vocals are flat out SICK! The second track, "And...You Will Die" is loaded with a mid-tempo, heavier than thou rhythm section that'll shatter your speakers and eardrums on impact. Owens, again commands the outcome of the tune, like a true Metal God. There are so many songs on this cd that'll have you pumping fist and screaming to the top of your lungs, namely, "Save Me", "Your Time Has Come" and The Human Race". However, the tune "Dreams Come True", gets my vote for best of the bunch. Simply put, Owens bares his soul for the world to revel in. Whether you like this kind of stuff matters not. Given all that I've been through in my life, the lyrics hit me like a ton of bricks. "When You Sleep, Your Dreams Come True", says its all. Sickness nor death can ever hurt you and your loved ones again, your parents are there and the life you once knew returns if only for a little while. I know I've had this dream a million times, it's breathtaking to know that someone feels the same way.

Aside from the name of the band, Ripper Owens has struck gold with Beyond Fear. Out of twelve tunes, maybe one or two could be called filler, but not much more than that. It goes without saying, Owens had alot to prove with this release not only to himself but to the Metal World. Regardless of what anyone says, Owens is one of the most important Metal vocalist to come out in the last ten years. Beyond Fear's self-titled disc is only the beginning of an already illustrious career, wherein Owens and his band will step out of the shadows of Priest and IE.