Tim 'Ripper' Owens is without doubt among the most important metal vocalists of the past ten years. When he succeeded Rob Halford, joining Judas Priest in May 1996, the press rubbed their eyes, surprised as well as impressed. Owens had previously been a fairly unknown quantity to international music journalists but recorded his first Priest album, Jugulator, with more aplomb than even insiders had expected. Following successful tours with the British metal legends, the strong studio recording, Demolition (2001), and the live recordings, Meltdown - 98 Live (1998) and Live In London (2003), Halford's return put an end to Owens' stint with Judas Priest. More or less immediately, he was enlisted by Jon Schaffer to team up with Iced Earth and sang on The Glorious Burdon in spring 2004. Yet there was never any doubt in Owens' mind that he wanted to release an album featuring his own material as soon as possible. He now carries out his ambitious plan with Beyond Fear, the debut by his same-named new band. "I didn't feel like a solo recording, I'd much rather perform my songs with a permanent band. That's how Beyond Fear came about."