In a new interview with Chile's Radio Futuro, former JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens reflected on his time with the legendary British heavy metal band.

The Ohio-based singer created two studio albums with PRIEST — 1997's 'Jugulator' and 2001's 'Demolition' — before the band reunited with Rob Halford.

Speaking about the fact that musical tastes shifted seemingly overnight from hair metal to Seattle grunge after the 1991 release of NIRVANA's sophomore studio album, "Nevermind", Tim said: "Yeah, it was a hard time, wasn't it? It was a hard time.

I couldn't have joined JUDAS PRIEST at a worse time [for] heavy metal, could I?" Owens noted that the band needed Rob Halford back to bring about a resurgence in heavy metal.

Owens also talked about the current status of KK'S PRIEST in which he is joined by former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Kenneth "K.K." Downing, alongside guitarist A.J.

Mills, bassist Tony Newton, and drummer Sean Elg.

He discussed their two-month tour with W.A.S.P.

in America starting in September.

The vocalist expressed admiration for KK'S PRIEST's sound, saying: "Listen, the KK'S PRIEST stuff is unbelievable...

I mean, live we are really good." Owens credited his time fronting a JUDAS PRIEST cover band before being tapped to become the new lead singer of the actual group.

He discussed how K.K.'s guitarist skills and experience had influenced many other guitarists.

Owens' comments come as part of a larger conversation about heavy metal's past and present, with his own work continuing to evolve within KK'S PRIEST.

Their extensive tour schedule continues into October.

The interview highlights Tim Owens' experiences in both JUDAS PRIEST and KK'S PRIEST, showcasing the evolution of his career within the genre.