In a new feature for Classic Rock, former Judas Priest guitarist, K.K. Downing, picks his records, artists and gigs of lasting significance, and reveals why he prefers his new stuff to the old stuff. An excerpt follows...

The best record I made: "[Laughing] No apologies, I must pick my albums by KK’s Priest: Sermons Of The Sinner [2021] and the new one, Sinner Rides Again. They’re both very, very kick-ass and I’m proud of them both. They epitomize everything about me and who I am. They continue my legacy [with Judas Priest] and carry the hallmarks of the past.

The worst record I made: "Jesus, I’ll have to go with [Judas Priest’s 1981 album] Point Of Entry. But then again there are some great songs on that one. That’s so, so hard to answer."

Find more of K.K.'s selections, where he names The Kinks, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple's Ian Gillan, Mountain's Leslie West, Scorpions, AC/DC and more, at Classic Rock.

The iconic KK's Priest - featuring Judas Priest alum and Grammy Award musicians K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals) - recently announced their upcoming US headline tour, kicking off on March 7, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, FL and featuring support from special guests L.A. Guns and Napalm Records label mates Burning Witches. This tour is scheduled to be the first of at least a two leg US tour, planned to continue later in 2024.

Tickets for this monumental tour are on sale now. Check local venues or visit kkspriest.com to buy yours.

K.K. Downing says: "It has been far too long! I am very excited to announce that KK's Priest will soon have the honour of playing our first ever shows in the USA starting March 7th 2024. Finally, KK's Priest metal is coming to my dear home away from home.

"We will be very proud to bring you the finest British steel from England — where the embryo of this beloved music was conceived so many years ago.  The sands of time have moved so quickly for us all, but I am sure we all feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this nostalgic journey.  I look forward to seeing everyone again — rest assured that it will be “Blood and Thunder,” with “Hellfire Thunderbolts” and much more.  We promise to make history again together with you on this very special occasion. See you very soon!"

Tour dates:

March
7 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room
9 - Destin, FL - Club LA
10 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theater
12 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live
13 - Buffalo, NY - Riverworks
15 - St. Charles, IL - Arcada Theatre
16 - Columbus, OH - King Of Clubs
17 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage Ae
19 - Newport, KY - Megacorp Pavilion
20 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Theater
22 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
23 - Patchogue, NY - Patchogue Theatre
24 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre

This past September, KK's Priest unveiled their blistering sophomore offering, The Sinner Rides Again, to rave reviews.

With The Sinner Rides Again, KK's Priest double down on the ripping melodic force of their debut, Sermons Of The Sinner. The Sinner Rides Again wields nine tracks of pure hellfire, produced and written by Downing and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen. The celebrated new album is a call for the classics while speeding full force into the future, delivered by some of heavy metal’s most essential performers.

Order The Sinner Rides Again here.

Tracklisting:

“Sons Of The Sentinel”
“Strike Of The Viper”
“Reap The Whirlwind”
“One More Shot At Glory”
“Hymn 66”
“The Sinner Rides Again”
“Keeper Of The Graves”
“Pledge Your Souls”
“Wash Away Your Sins”

“Sons Of The Sentinel” video:

"Hymn 66" video:

"Strike Of The Viper" video:

"Reap The Whirlwind" video:

“One More Shot At Glory” video:

KK's Priest is:

Tim "Ripper" Owens - Vocals
K.K. Downing - Guitar
A.J. Mills - Guitar
Tony Newton - Bass
Sean Elg - Drums