Powerhouse American singer Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) says that he "knows nothing" about the new YNGWIE MALMSTEEN album, "Relentless", despite the fact that Owens' vocals are featured on most of the CD.

Speaking to Sweden Rock Magazine at his September 12, 2010 solo concert at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg, Sweden, Owens said about the new Malmsteen album, "Every day people ask me if I'm gonna sing on [the new Yngwie CD], but your guess is as good as mine. It's quite possible [that my vocals will appear on it] because we recorded a bunch of songs last time around [during the sessions for 2008's 'Perpetual Flame'], but I would have to check my contract to see if they're allowed to be used on another record. I'm not really surprised that I haven't been asked to do it, even if [Yngwie and I] had a cup of coffee as late as a couple of months ago. We're both busy doing our own stuff, so I won't be hurt if he picks another singer."

When contacted earlier today (Wednesday, November 24) by BLABBERMOUTH.NET for clarification regarding his Sweden Rock comments, Owens said in an e-mail, "I know nothing about [the new Malmsteen album]!!! Sorry! Better ask Yngwie and his camp. I do have to say I enjoy working with Yngwie; he is a pleasure to be around.. But I have no comments on this CD because I know nothing about it!"