Live Review: Tim 'Ripper' Owens - Amplifier

It was heavy metal madness at Amplifier on Monday night with a killer throwback line-up ready to rock. Leather, chains and dangly bits were the window dressing for sheer class as well-established Perth rockers Emerald City took to the stage. Vocalist Sal Abate lit up the stage with a blistering performance. A solid set with the addition of a cracking new track. Excellent triceps, too. Consummate professionals Diamond Eye chimed in with a rock solid set. One less member meant Will Kelly dropped his guitar and picked up the drumsticks. In a superb show of musicianship, his signature vocals were flawless despite the challenge.

The charismatic Tim 'Ripper' Owens owns one of the most awesome stories in metal, indeed his tale was loosely represented by Mark Wahlberg in the Hollywood film Rockstar. From the first note, Owens owned the entire room with rocking 'Priest track Painkiller. The power, the clarity, and the sheer magnitude of his voice overwhelmed the myth and cemented his place as one of the best that's ever been. The band looked a little familiar, of course being Doug Dalton's Killrazer, the band that supported Paul Di'Anno under similar circumstances, but Owens was in a class of his own. This was a rare and genuine gift, the likes of which is not often seen. If Iced Earth's When The Eagle Cries inspired, Owens touching tribute to the late, great Ronnie James Dio sent chills across the skin. Stand Up And Shout was brilliant, but Dio-era Sabbath's Heaven And Hell stole the show.