Metal Underground.com

Tim Ripper Owens Announce Side Project Drummer

Former JUDAS PRIEST/current ICED EARTH singer Tim "Ripper" Owens has recruited drummer Eric Elkins (ALL YOU FEAR) for his BEYOND FEAR side project. Elkins hooked up with the singer shortly after Owens' original choice, ICED EARTH/HALFORD's Bobby Jarzombek, was forced to withdraw from the project because he has "too many coals in the fire," according to Owens.

As previously reported, BLABBERMOUTH.NET recently had an opportunity to hear the BEYOND FEAR demo recordings, which boast a thick, heavy riffing style and extremely powerful vocals from Owens. Traces of JUDAS PRIEST, PANTERA and BLACK SABBATH are all present along with a healthy dose of double-bass drumming, which adds a modern edge to what is essentially a traditional metal approach.

Elkins and Owens will be joined on BEYOND FEAR's upcoming full-length debut by guitarist John Comprix (13 FACES, SPAWN). Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "I Don't Need This", "And You Will Die", "It Is Me", "Telling Lies" and "The Faith". A tentative late 2005/early 2006 release through an as-yet-undetermined label is expected.

Source: blabbermouth