Charred Walls of the Damned: "Ghost Town"

I already have the new album from the Charred Walls of the Damned supergroup featuring drummer Richard Christy (Death), vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (Beyond Fear, Iced Earth, Judas Priest) and bassist Steve DiGiorgio (Death, Control Denied, Testament) on my home computer and iPod (legally of course!).

What you may be wondering is, is it actually any good? As of right now, I have to say it will definitely satisfy the later Death fans in sheer technicality and Ripper sings his ass off. However, the songs somehow fail to stick into my brain like a good song should.

I feel like this is one of those albums that takes repeat listens to appreciate though. Strangely enough I find myself liking the "slower" songs better than some of the fast ones...

You can check out a brand new video for the first "single," "Ghost Town" below. I can say that if you like this track, there are far better ones on the album.

Tim Ripper Owens: The Scream Machine Releases Solo Album Details

The madman that has filled in on vocal-duty for epic metal groups Judas Priest and Iced Earth recently released details on his new solo album, "Play My Game", which is coming out on May 19.

I have always felt that the Beyond Fear album was solid and proved that Ripper could hammer out face-melting metal music, even when not having the safety-net of a great back-catalog of songs.

Many give the man shit for being the "fill-in" guy, but that gig pays good and he has filled in for some damn good bands! Now the true test comes when he releases his solo album on the world.

Ripper plans on getting out and touring this summer (2009) and his tour line-up will be as follows:

Tim "Ripper" Owens - Vocals
Chris Caffery (SAVATAGE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORHCESTRA) - Guitar
John Comprix (BEYOND FEAR, RINGWORM) - Guitar
David Ellefson (MEGADETH, F5) - Bass
Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO) - Drums

I was actually most excited to see Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra veteran Chris Caffery on this list. The man can shred, although he can't sing very well (no offense either can Dave Mustaine), so him backing the Ripper is a dream come true!



Now check out the massive list of guest musicians on the album:

Guitar:

Bob Kulick
Bruce Kulick (GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, ex-KISS)
Carlos Cavazo (RATT, ex-QUIET RIOT)
Craig Goldy (DIO)
Zeil Zaza
Chris Caffery (SAVATAGE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA)
Mike Callahan (ex-EARSHOT)
John Comprix (BEYOND FEAR, RINGWORM).
Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE)
Michael Wilton (QUEENSRŸCHE)
Jeff Loomis (NEVERMORE)
Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL)

Bass:

Marco Mendoza (ex-WHITESNAKE)
Billy Sheehan (MR BIG, ex-DAVID LEE ROTH)
Dave Ellefson (ex-MEGADETH)
Rudy Sarzo (DIO, ex-OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT)
James Lomenzo (MEGADETH)
Tony Franklin (ex-BLUE MURDER)
Dennis Hayes (BEYOND FEAR)

Drums:

Simon Wright (DIO, ex-AC/DC)
Vinny Appice (HEAVEN AND HELL, BLACK SABBATH, DIO)
Ray Luzier (KORN, DAVID LEE ROTH)
Bobby Jarzombek (SEBASTIAN BACH, RIOT, HALFORD)
Brett Chassen

Will this be the recipe for success for Ripper? We will just have to wait and see. If you are unfamiliar with his vocals check out the Beyond Fear live performance of Words of Wisdom below.



Also now available, a gydget! Although I thought they were called wydgets or something, I guess there are multiple names for these things...