Beyond Fear
American heavy metal side-project founded by Tim 'Ripper' Owens.
Beyond Fear is an American heavy metal band formed in March 2005 by vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens. Owens started the group as a side project after leaving Judas Priest, separate from his work with Iced Earth. The main reason for forming the band was Owens’ wish to write songs for a heavy metal album, something he had little chance to do in most of his earlier bands. Songwriting duties are shared between Owens and guitarist John Comprix.
The band recorded a demo about a month after forming, and their debut album came out roughly a year later. Later in 2006, rhythm guitarist Dwayne Bihary left the group; the reasons were not made public.
In an interview with Metal Asylum, Owens discussed the direction of Beyond Fear’s next album. He said it would stay rooted in classic metal but might include more aggressive songs, similar to tracks like “Scream Machine” from the debut, which had less serious, cliché metal lyrics. He added that he and Comprix had been writing for a while, and he had many ideas and melodies he could not use elsewhere. Owens noted that Iced Earth kept him busy, but he enjoyed working on Beyond Fear at his own pace, combining all his influences into one album.
Band members (2005–present): Tim "Ripper" Owens (vocals), John Comprix (lead and rhythm guitar), Dennis Hayes (bass), Eric Elkins (drums). Former member: Dwayne Bihary (rhythm guitar, 2005–2006).
Discography: *Beyond Fear* (2006).
- Formed
- March 2005
- Origin
- United States
- Genre
- Heavy metal
- Founder
- Tim 'Ripper' Owens
- Known for
- Side-project of Tim Owens focusing on songwriting collaboration with guitarist John Comprix
Lore & Background
Beyond Fear was started in March 2005 by Tim 'Ripper' Owens after he left Judas Priest, as a side-project apart from his former work with Iced Earth. The band was largely formed to satisfy Owens' desire to be involved in songwriting on a heavy metal album, something denied to him on most of his previous musical ventures. Writing duties are split between Owens and guitarist John Comprix. A demo was recorded after a month, and the debut album was released about a year later. Later that same year, guitarist Dwayne Bihary quit the band, with the reasons kept private.
In an interview with Metal Asylum, Owens commented on the band's next studio album, stating that it would remain classic metal but might include more aggression and cliché metal lyrics, as seen in songs like 'Scream Machine.' He noted that he and Comprix had been writing for a while, and that he had many ideas and melodies he could not use elsewhere. Owens emphasized that he enjoys taking time with Beyond Fear and incorporating all his influences into one album.
Reader's Guide
Beyond Fear represents a creative outlet for Tim 'Ripper' Owens, allowing him to engage in songwriting—a role he was largely denied in his previous high-profile bands Judas Priest and Iced Earth. The band's debut album, released in 2006, established a classic heavy metal sound, with Owens and guitarist John Comprix sharing writing duties. The departure of rhythm guitarist Dwayne Bihary shortly after the album's release, for undisclosed reasons, marked an early lineup change. Owens' comments about future material suggest a willingness to blend serious themes with more playful, cliché metal lyrics, reflecting his personal influences. Though the band has not released a second album as of the source article, its significance lies in demonstrating Owens' versatility and desire for creative control within the heavy metal genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Beyond Fear?
Beyond Fear is a heavy metal band from the United States, put together in early 2005 by former Judas Priest vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens. It functions as a personal side project for Owens, entirely separate from his long-running work with Iced Earth.
Why did Tim Owens start Beyond Fear?
Owens created the band because he wanted a dedicated outlet for writing and recording heavy metal material, a creative freedom he felt was limited in his other projects. The group also gave him a space to collaborate closely on songwriting with guitarist John Comprix.
Who handles songwriting for Beyond Fear?
The band's material is a joint effort between Owens and guitarist John Comprix, who share the writing responsibilities. This collaborative approach was central to the project's purpose from the very beginning.
What has Beyond Fear released?
The group recorded a demo roughly a month after its March 2005 formation, followed by a debut studio album approximately a year later. Beyond that initial period, the band's catalog remains limited.
What lineup changes has Beyond Fear experienced?
In late 2006, rhythm guitarist Dwayne Bihary departed the group, marking one of the band's early personnel shifts. The core creative partnership between Owens and Comprix has remained the project's defining unit throughout.
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