GiGinJapan Artwork of Japanese CDs (mostly) KK’s Priest / The Debut Gigs 2023 / 2CDR + 1DVDR / Shades
KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton, UK 6th July 2023
Folkets Park, Knislinge, Ostra Goinge, Sweden 9th July 2023
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K.K. Downing & Tim “Ripper” Owens formed a branch band of Steel God, KK’S PRIEST. A decision board set that allows you to experience the entire debut live 2 performances that has finally been realized is now available.
Included in this work is the full live album of the debut performance “Wolverhampton performance on July 6, 2023” on DISC 1-2, and the full live album of “TIME TO ROCK performance on July 9, 2023”. It is an audience 3-disc set with images arranged on DISC 3. One year and nine months after the album debut, they made their stage debut, but the release of the 2nd album is approaching as soon as possible. Let’s check their schedule and check the positioning of this work.
・July 6th: Wolverhampton performance ←★This work DISC 1★
・July 9th: TIME TO ROCK Appearance←★Disc 2★
・ August 12: Appearance at ALCATRAZ OPEN AIR
《“THE SINNER RIDES AGAIN” to be released on September 29》
・ October 8-13: UK (4 performances)
This is the 2023 schedule that has been announced so far. It has been announced sporadically so far, so it may be added soon, but for now it is a stack of one-off performances rather than a tour, and it is clear from the schedule that it has just started. Since there is still time until the next performance, this work is the first two performances set and at the same time it is also the complete performance at the moment. Let’s take a look at each record individually.
[DISC 1-2: The best full live album of the first day performance] The first thing to appear is the audience recording of KK’S PRIEST’s first stage. Although it is not mistaken for a sound board because it also sucks in hall noise, it is also a story of tone level. It is a famous recording that combines the strength and clarity of the core, and the vocals can be clearly understood word by word, and the guitar riffs are vividly drawn one by one. Moreover, this work is the highest peak update board that refined the recording of such a topic road with the latest mastering. In line with the significance of this work to know the ability of the new band, it has been polished so that the whole can be heard clearly and clearly.And with such a sound, it’s a full show that doesn’t live up to expectations. The live album is only on the first day, but let’s organize the two performances here for convenience.
● KK’s PRIEST (6 songs)
・SERMONS OF THE SINNER: Hellfire Thunderbolt/Sermons Of The Sinner/Brothers Of The Road/Raise Your Fists
・THE SINNER RIDES AGAIN: One More Shot At Glory／Reap The Whirlwind（★）
●JUDAS PRIEST (9 songs)
・Wings of Destiny: The Ripper/Victim Of Changes
・Painkiller: Night Crawler / Hell Patrol / Metal Meltdown (★)
・Other: Burn In Hell／Beyond The Realms Of Death／The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown)／Breaking The Law
* Note: “★” marks are songs played only at the Wolverhampton performance on the first day.
… and it looks like this. Basically on both days, two songs “Reap The Whirlwind” and “Metal Meltdown” were played a lot on the first day. It looks like it’s mainly JUDAS PRIEST’s representative songs, but the super classics such as “Hell Bent for Leather”, “Living After Midnight”, and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” are removed, and “PAINKILLER” numbers were selected. Hard iron set. Although it was only “Burn In Hell” during the ripper era that was whispered by some, it will show off plenty of KK’s PRIEST originals.
And the performance that spins the set is so awesome that you won’t believe it’s the premiere! K.K. Downing, the main character, is 71 years old, so I started listening to it with a feeling of respect for the elderly, but it’s outrageous. Perhaps they have rehearsed very carefully, and the ensemble is as good as a band that has toured for many years, and it is sharp.
“And then, the Ripper is intense and matchless!” He has played in various bands such as ICED EARH, Yngwie, and DIO DISCIPLES, but it was Priest who shined the most. In other bands, the idle doss and shouts are also decided with a bang, and the vocalization that adds Brutality to Rob expands the intensity and dignity of the song itself many times. “Victim Of Changes” The last amazing thing ……. It is a great performance that instantly clears the anger towards him who was like a Kopiban singer for a long time.
“What’s more, the sound is shocking.” Since it was the Swedish outdoor festival “TIME TO ROCK” on this day, there were no ceilings or walls to reflect sound. The sound that directly picks up the sound emitted by the PA has a very thick feeling that goes “just like a sound board” at times. It is a superb piece as a “live album with a picture”.
The complete video alone will fill you up, but this work also includes additional bonus footage. It is an audience shot of eight songs from the Wolverhampton performance on the first day. Contrary to the main second day video, it was filmed from a close seat (front seat?) on the right side of the stage, and KK and Ripper were right in front of me. Although it is 8 songs, the shocking “Hellfire Thunderbolt”, “Reap The Whirlwind” and “Metal Meltdown” that were not played on the second day, the new song “One More Shot At Glory” from the 2nd album, and Ripper’s singing are hot topics. “Victim Of Changes” …… and delicious songs are tightly held (especially “Metal Meltdown” only on the second day is a valuable image).
“Even so, it’s wonderful.” Their debut work “SERMONS OF THE SINNER” betrayed our expectations in a good way, but at their live performances, they hit us with a feeling of being active that far surpassed our expectations. Not only K.K. Downing, who is still alive after 70 years of age, but also Ripper Owens, who shows his true potential like a fish out of water, is amazing. Too awesome. A must-listen and must-see 3-disc set for metal people living in 2023. Go ahead and beat me to your heart’s content!
★ A 3-disc audience set with the superb recording of “July 6, 2023 Wolverhampton performance” on DISC 1-2, and the spectacular full video of “July 9, TIME TO ROCK performance” on DISC 3. Both of them have super-thick sounds, and you can fully experience the two debut performances of the topic. Furthermore, the first shot on the first day is also a set of 3 decision boards with 8 bonus bonuses added. The powerful vocals of Ripper Owens, which shines in a different order from other bands, are a must-listen and must-see!
K・K・ダウニング＆ティム “リッパー” オーウェンズによって結成された鋼鉄神の分家バンドKK’S PRIEST。遂に実現したデビュー・ライヴ２公演を丸ごと体験できる決定盤セットが登場です。
そんな本作に収められているのは、デビュー公演「2023年７月６日ウルヴァーハンプトン公演」のフル・ライヴアルバムをDISC 1-2に、「同７月９日TIME TO ROCK公演」のフル映像をDISC 3に配したオーディエンス３枚組です。アルバム・デビューから１年９ヶ月を経てステージ・デビューを飾ったわけですが、早くも2ndアルバムの発売も迫っている。そんな彼らの近況をスケジュールでチェックし、本作の位置づけも確かめておきましょう。
・７月６日：ウルヴァーハンプトン公演 ←★本作DISC 1★
・７月９日：TIME TO ROCK出演 ←★本作DISC 2★
・８月12日：ALCATRAZ OPEN AIR出演
《９月29日『THE SINNER RIDES AGAIN』発売》
・10月８日ー13日：英国（４公演）
これが現在までに公表されている2023年のスケジュール。これまでも散発的に発表されてきたのですぐ追加されるかも知れませんが、今のところはツアーと言うよりは単発公演の積み重ねで、まだまだスタートしたばかりなのが日程からも透ける。次公演までまだ間があることもあり、本作は最初の２公演セットであると同時に現時点での全公演コンプリートでもあるわけです。それでは、それぞれの記録を個別にご紹介していきましょう。
【DISC 1-2：初日公演の極上フル・ライヴアルバム】
まず登場するのは、KK’S PRIESTの初ステージを完全収録したオーディエンス録音。ホール鳴りも吸い込んでいるのでサウンドボードと間違えはしないものの、それも音色レベルの話。芯の力強さとクリアさを併せ持った名録音でして、ヴォーカルは歌詞の一語一語までハッキリ分かりますし、ギター・リフも１つひとつが鮮やか画かれる。しかも、本作はそんな話題路の録音を最新マスタリングで磨き込んだ最高峰更新盤。新バンドの実力を知るという本作の意義に合わせ、全体がくっきり鮮明に聴き取れるように磨き上げています。
そして、そんなサウンドで画かれるのは期待に応えるどころでは済まされないフルショウ。ライヴアルバムは初日のみですが、ここで便宜的に２公演まとめて整理しておきましょう。
●KK’s PRIEST（６曲）
・SERMONS OF THE SINNER：Hellfire Thunderbolt／Sermons Of The Sinner／Brothers Of The Road／Raise Your Fists
・THE SINNER RIDES AGAIN：One More Shot At Glory／Reap The Whirlwind（★）
●JUDAS PRIEST（９曲）
・運命の翼：The Ripper／Victim Of Changes
・ペインキラー：Night Crawler／Hell Patrol／Metal Meltdown（★）
・その他：Burn In Hell／Beyond The Realms Of Death／The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown)／Breaking The Law
※注：「★」印は初日ウルヴァーハンプトン公演だけで演奏された曲。
……と、このようになっています。基本的に両日とも共通で、初日は２曲「Reap The Whirlwind」「Metal Meltdown」が多く演奏されました。JUDAS PRIESTの代表曲中心なように見えて「Hell Bent for Leather」「Living After Midnight」「You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’」といった超ド定番は外しており、『PAINKILLER』ナンバーを多めに選んだ剛鉄セット。一部で囁かれていたリッパー時代は「Burn In Hell」だけでしたが、その分KK’s PRIESTのオリジナルをたっぷりと披露してくれます。
そして、そのセットを紡ぐパフォーマンスは初演とは思えない凄まじさ！ 主役のK・K・ダウニングが71歳だけに敬老気分で聴き始めたのですが、とんでもない。よほど入念にリハーサルを積んだのか、何年もツアーをこなしたバンドのようにアンサンブルがこなれ、キレも良い。
そしてそして、強烈無比なのがリッパー！ ICED EARHやイングヴェイ、DIO DISCIPLES等々、様々バンドを渡り歩いてきましたが、やはり彼が一番輝くのはプリーストでした。他バンドでは空回りなドスやシャウトもビッシビシと決まりまくり、ロブにブルータリティを加えたようなヴォーカリゼーションは曲自体の激しさと威厳を何倍にも拡大している。「Victim Of Changes」ラストの超絶唱の凄まじい事……。長らくコピバン・シンガーのようだった彼に対する鬱憤が一気に晴れる大熱演です。
【DISC 3：２日目の完全映像＋初日ボーナス映像】
そんな初日に続くのは、２日目の完全映像。会場後方から遠景で捉えた絶景オーディエンス・ショットです。ズームはそこそこ程度でわりと淡々とステージ全景を捉えているのですが、これが新バンドのショウをトータルで知るにはイイ感じ。
しかも、衝撃なのがサウンド。この日はスウェーデンの野外フェス“TIME TO ROCK”だったこともあり、音を反射する天井も壁もなし。PAが吐き出す出音をダイレクトに拾ったサウンドは「まるでサウンドボード」を時で行く極太感。「画付きのライヴアルバム」として極上な１枚なのです。
そんな完全映像だけでもお腹いっぱいですが、本作はさらにボーナス映像も追加収録しています。それは初日ウルヴァーハンプトン公演から８曲分のオーディエンス・ショット。メインの２日目映像とは逆にステージ右側の間近席（最前席？）から撮影されており、ＫＫもリッパーもすぐ目の前というド迫力。８曲ではありますが、衝撃の「Hellfire Thunderbolt」や２日目には演奏しなかった「Reap The Whirlwind」「Metal Meltdown」、2ndアルバムの新曲「One More Shot At Glory」、それにリッパーの絶唱が話題を呼んでいる「Victim Of Changes」……と、美味しい曲はきっちり押さえられています（特に２日目だけの「Metal Meltdown」は貴重映像です）。
それにしても素晴らしい。デビュー作『SERMONS OF THE SINNER』でも良い意味で期待を裏切ってくれましたが、ライヴでも予想の遙か上の現役感を叩きつけてくれました。古希を超えてなお健在を見せつけるK・K・ダウニングだけでなく、水を得た魚の如く本領発揮のリッパー・オーウェンズもスゴい。凄すぎる。2023年に生きるメタル者にとって必聴・必見の３枚組。どうぞ、存分にぶちのめせてください！
★「2023年７月６日ウルヴァーハンプトン公演」の極上録音をDISC 1-2に、「同７月９日TIME TO ROCK公演」の絶景フル映像をDISC 3に配したオーディエンス３枚組。どちらも極太サウンドが超強力で、話題のデビュー２公演を丸ごとフル体験できる。さらに初日の最前ショットも８曲分ボーナス追加された決定盤３枚組。他バンドとはケタ違いに輝くリッパー・オーウェンズのド迫力ヴォーカルは必聴・必見！
KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton, UK 6th July 2023
Disc 1 (46:10)
1. Incarnation
2. Hellfire Thunderbolt
3. One More Shot At Glory
4. The Ripper
5. Reap The Whirlwind
6. Night Crawler
7. Sermons Of The Sinner
8. Burn In Hell
9. Beyond The Realms Of Death
Disc 2 (37:26)
1. Hell Patrol
2. Brothers Of The Road
3. Metal Meltdown
4. The Green Manalishi
5. Breaking The Law
6. Victim Of Changes
7. Raise Your Fists
DVD
Folkets Park, Knislinge, Ostra Goinge, Sweden 9th July 2023
1. Incarnation
2. Hellfire Thunderbolt
3. One More Shot At Glory
4. The Ripper
5. Night Crawler
6. Sermons Of The Sinner
7. Burn In Hell
8. Beyond The Realms Of Death
9. Hell Patrol
10. Brothers Of The Road
11. The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown)
12. Breaking The Law
13. Victim Of Changes
14. Raise Your Fists
BONUS FOOTAGE
KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton, UK 6th July 2023
15. Hellfire Thunderbolt
16. One More Shot At Glory
17. The Ripper
18. Reap The Whirlwind
19. Night Crawler
20. Brothers Of The Road
21. Metal Meltdown
22. Victim Of Changes
COLOUR NTSC Approx.112min.
K.K. Downing – Guitar
Tim Ripper Owens – Vocals
A.J. Mills – Guitar
Tony Newton – Bass
Sean Elg – Drums
Shades 1818
