KK’s Priest—the band featuring Judas Priest alumni K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals), along with A.J. Mills (guitar), Tony Newton (bass) and Sean Elg (drums)—has shared “Strike of the Viper,” the third single from its upcoming sophomore album, “The Sinner Rides Again” (Sept. 29, 2023, Napalm Records; pre-order here).
“Beware—‘Strike of the Viper’ is now here …,” Downing said. “These demons can sting and bite their way into your brain, what world are they from? I would very much like to see this one send all mosh pits spinning into a blur as KK’s Priest deliver up some fast and furious metal. Strike after strike—just like the viper.”
After stepping out of the Judas Priest spotlight, Downing’s return was uncertain. Nearly 10 years after its onset, the genre-defining guitar icon returned from his hiatus, taking part in acclaimed international comeback performances (including with his former Judas Priest bandmates when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022) that would act as harbingers of the formation of KK’s Priest.Downing recently was quoted saying, “We’ve lost a lot of great people–Dio, Lemmy, for example–but this amazing and unique style of music must be preserved for as long as possible and I feel it within me to continue to play my role, as I always have, and to defend this metal genre, which we all know and love.”The art for “The Sinner Rides Again” was created by artist Andy Pilkington.
“The Sinner Rides Again” track listing:
1. Sons of the Sentinel
2. Strike of the Viper
3. Reap the Whirlwind
4. One More Shot at Glory
5. Hymn 66
6. The Sinner Rides Again
7. Keeper of the Graves
8. Pledge Your Souls
9. Wash Away Your Sins
“The Sinner Rides Again” will be available in the following formats:
- Digital Album
- 1CD Digipak Edition
- 1LP Gatefold in Black
- Wooden Box Edition (incl. Digipak, Flag, Logo Wristband, Artprint, Patch) – Napalm Mail Order only, limited to 500
- 1LP Gatefold in Marbled Orange and Black – Napalm International (excl. North America) Mail Order only, limited to 300
- 1LP Gatefold in Transparent Orange – Napalm North American Mail Order only, limited to 300
- 1LP Gatefold in Orange, Blue and Black Inkspot – Napalm Mail Order only, limited to 500
- Cassette Tape Edition in Red with White Print – Napalm Mail Order only, limited to 200
KK’s Priest with Paul Di’Anno and Burning Witches in the U.K.:
October 7, 2023 – Birmingham @ O2 Institute
October 8, 2023 – Glasgow @ SWG3
October 10, 2023 – Nottingham @ Rock City
October 11, 2023 – Manchester @ O2 Ritz
October 12, 2023 – London @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
KK’s Priest live one-offs:
March 2-7, 2024 – Monsters of Rock Cruise
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