Acclaimed heavy metal singer Tim “Ripper” Owens (BEYOND FEAR, ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH), who has been fronting Yngwie Malmsteen’s band both live and in the studio since February 2008, does not appear on the legendary Swedish guitarist’s new album, “Spell Bound“, which is scheduled for release on December 5.
Owens was unable to join Malmsteen at the Getaway Rock in July due to scheduling conflicts with Tim’s official Ronnie James Dio tribute band DIO DISCIPLES. Handling most of the lead vocals during Yngwie’s set at the Getaway Rock Festival was bassist Ralph Ciavolino.
Swedish bassist Bjorn Englen, who was a member of Yngwie’s touring band for five years, left the group earlier this year and is preparing to hit the road with DIO DISCIPLES, which is fully supported by Dio’s widow/manager, Wendy.
Yngwie’s most recent album, “Relentless”, came out on November 22, 2010 via Malmsteen’s own Rising Force Records.
Yngwie is working on his autobiography. Described as “the only real and true story written by Malmsteen himself,” “Relentless”, will be released in early 2013. Yngwie has also launched an instructional web site, RelentlessShred.com.
Source: www.blabbermouth.net