For over four decades this band has defined and redefined the term "Heavy Metal". From the first record "Rocka Rolla" to the platinum "British Steel", double platinum "Screaming for Vengeance", they have been filling arenas and rocking the world with one goal: to be Hell bent for Leather!
I first heard of Judas Priest back in 1980. I had never heard such vocals backed by screaming guitars and a powerful rhythm section. Sure Iron Maiden had just hit the scene, but Rob Halford's voice! Need I say more? Which leaves us here, exactly 40 years later after their first studio release (not to mention the solo releases by Rob Halford and 5 insane live records).
We begin with "Dragonaut". 14 seconds of a quiet storm until the guitars break the silence and hurtle you into a tumult of sound. I have the same to say about the songs "Redeemer of Souls" and "Halls of Valhalla". Rob has not lost his touch and he lets out a few good ones in "Valhalla" too. "Sword of Damocles" is a wild story with the hook to match and during "March of the Damned" Rob shows his Ozzy side...
The classic tones of mid '80's Priest raise its head in "Down in Flames". "Hell and Back revs down the groove, but still moves. Keeping with the mello-centric mood, "Cold Blooded" chills you to the bone. Then there's Metalizer" - a bit of thrash from SFV days. "Crossfire" and "Secrets of the Dead" bring it down some again, but these songs won’t bring you down. Ending things off are the tunes "Battle Cry" which is heavy in its own way and "Beginning of the End". That, for me, should have been the first track. It's a great song, just not a good closer.
What do I say that you don't already know about the great and powerful Judas Priest.? Any metalhead who claims to be one knows what I know. 1974-2014 and still free wheel burning! Downside is the closing number. It left me flat. I wanted a classic speedy ditty to drive me off a cliff. Instead I was tucked safely in bed with a good night kiss on the check.
br/>Upside are trax 1-12 - powerful, edgy, heavy and melodic. From the guy who invented wearing studded leather on stage and the heavy metal scream, he gives you a masterpiece on disc. So in return, I give him a 9.
Tim Duran, HMS
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