Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton recorded his first solo material during the band's lengthy hiatus between 1992 and 1997. Fans would be pleasantly surprised to hear that Tipton had not attempted to relinquish his heritage with 'Baptizm Of Fire' but conjoured up a proud Heavy Metal album, one in which the guitarist also delivered his first lead vocal performance. However, unbeknown to most fans, the guitarist had in fact laid down a wealth of material beforehand, using the esteemed duo of The Who bassist John Entwistle and drummer Cozy Powell, a seasoned campaigner with Rainbow, Whitesnake and Black Sabbath credentials. Album tracks were laid down in Wales with engineer Sean Lynch. Strangely, the record company, Atlantic Records, thought such an illustrious trio would not sell and requested Tipton work with younger players in the USA.

Titled 'Baptizm Of Fire' the resulting album featured many guest contributers including Mr. Big bassist Billy Sheehan, Ozzy Osbourne and Suicidal Tendencies bassist Rob Trujillo and the Ugly Kid Joe pair of vocalist Whitfield Crane and drummer Shannon Larkin. Ex-Dear Mr. President and Stevie Salas Colorcode bassist CJ De Villar and erstwhile Bad 4 Good drummer Brooks Wackerman also appear.

Amongst the Tipton penned tracks on the album the guitarist chose to also include a cover of the Rolling Stones chestnut 'Paint It Black'. The guitarist returned to action with Judas Priest shortly after, appearing on their comeback 1996 'Jugulator' album. Successive outings with Judas Priest ensued but upon the reunion of the group's classic line-up, fronted by Rob Halford, Tipton chose to re-visit his earlier solo works. Rhino Records not only re-issued 'Baptism Of Fire', with extra tracks, but also put out the antecedent sessions, billed as 'Edge Of The World' and credited to Tipton, Entwistle & Powell.

(Source: MusicMight)