Spirits of Fire is another of those new projects that Frontiers Music seem to excel at creating. This one features Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens on vocals and Chris Caffery on guitar so it’ll come as no surprise that the band has an undeniably metal sound that combines some of the vibe of Judas Priest and Savatage! The band released their self-titled debut album through Frontiers on 22nd March. I included the single “Stand and Fight” on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 25th January and “It’s Everywhere” is included on the Show this week.



Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens is probably best known as the frontman for Judas Priest from 1996 to 2003, but he has been involved in numerous projects since, including Iced Earth, Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force and Charred Walls of the Damned. Most recently, I posted a recommendation for The Three Tremors debut album that was released in January (http://www.rockradioni.co.uk/back-stage/music-reviews/3529-ni-rocks-recommends-qthe-three-tremorsq-by-the-three-tremors.html )


Guitarist Chris Caffery is best known for his time with Savatage, but he has an extensive music catalogue that includes several solo albums and a long association with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He and Owens are joined in Spirits of Fire by bass player Steve DiGiorgio (Testament, Charred Walls of the Damned etc) and drummer Mark Zonder (American band Warlord and ex Fates Warning), so there’s a great all round musical pedigree in the band.


The band worked with producer / guitarist Roy Z to make the record. Co-incidentally, Roy Z is a member of the band West Bound (fronted by Chas West) who also released their debut album through Frontiers on the same date!

Check out the band’s Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/SpiritsOfFireBand/


About “NI Rocks Recommends”

The simple idea behind “NI Rocks Recommends” is to acknowledge and promote some of the great music being submitted to Rock Radio NI. The albums that I’ll be recommending are those that you’ll hear me playing tracks from on my shows. I'll not be giving marks or ratings or analyzing the tracks in great detail; just telling you something about the artist and the album. It’s a personal recommendation to go check something out, not a traditional “review”!