Posts tagged Rob Halford

(Review from amazon, popmatters.com)

Made of song recordings scattered across the Angel of Vengeance 2005 and Nostradamus 2008 tours this is not such much a complete live show rather a greatest live moments of those tours, a collection of live souvenirs if you will. Indeed the songs have not been connected to run as one show and all of these recordings are stellar as is the band performance in delivering them. It’s an interesting decision, one that might stick in the craw of those fusspots who would rather hear a complete show uninterrupted, but for all its various locales and fade-outs after tracks, this album turns out to be quite the revelation.

With four of the 11 tracks from the last two albums – Angel of Retribution and the vastly underrated Nostradamus – and seven cuts dipping deep into the back catalog — to some more obscure songs, there is an eclectic mix that generates powerful electricity. Avoiding concert staples (which are always present in live albums), this makes for a much-welcomed and refreshing song list.

“Judas Rising” and “Hellrider” are faithful, energetic renditions that mine the classic Priest sound of 1982-1984, while the two cuts from last year’s Nostradamus are much more revelatory — “Prophecy” deliciously theatrical and “Death” transformed into a powerful doom metal dirge.

The real treat, though, is the older material, on which the entire band sounds rejuvenated. 1977’s “Dissident Aggressor” is a pummeling rendition, the rhythm section of drummer Scott Travis and bassist Ian Hill anchoring the track with a formidable bottom end. Originally appearing on 1978’s influential Stained Class, the new version of the epic “Beyond the Realm of Death” is reinvented, Halford smartly avoiding trying to replicate the multi-octave screeches of the original, playing to his current strengths, his more mid-range delivery lending the song a more somber, less bombastic air. The more straightforward “Riding on the Wind”, from 1982′s Screaming For Vengeance, is great fun, Halford’s high-pitched snarl belying his age, Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing trading leads as slickly as they’ve ever done. The lascivious “Eat Me Alive”, from 1984′s Defenders of the Faith, is dusted off and given a good spit and polish here, as is Painkiller’s “Between the Hammer and the Anvil”.

Interestingly, “A Touch of Evil Live” is limited to just an hour-long running time, and while it makes for a good, concise listen that’s never for a moment dull, fans will be wondering why such recently performed rarities as “Devil’s Child”, “Hell Patrol”, and “Rock Hard, Ride Free” were not included, but when we hear the band roar through the classic “Painkiller”, Halford turning in one of his most ferocious, maniacal vocal performances on record, it’s hard to complain.

Rarely do live albums drift away from the comfort zone of cranking out fan favorites while easily (lazily?) helping to fulfill the number of titles required in the contractual deal with the record company. Judas Priest breaks that mold.

Line-up:
* Rob Halford – vocals
* K. K. Downing – guitar
* Glenn Tipton – guitar
* Ian Hill – bass
* Scott Travis – drums

Track List:
01. Judas Rising – 4:23
02. Hellrider – 5:37
03. Between The Hammer & The Anvil – 4:34
04. Riding On The Wind – 3:28
05. Death – 7:52
06. Beyond The Realms Of Death – 6:51
07. Dissident Aggressor – 3:03
08. A Touch Of Evil – 6:10
09. Eat Me Alive – 4:35
10. Prophecy – 6:07
11. Painkiller – 7:12

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Judas Priest – Live in Concert 25th June 1980 (@256)

26 May 2009

6 comments

(Review from amazon)

There was a time when British Steel was the hottest, hardest, and most awesome substance on the planet. This concert by the mighty Judas Priest was performed and recorded at the The Rainbow Music Hall, Denver, Colorado, 25th of June 1980. Judas Priest had just released the ‘British Steel’ album in April of 1980 and were once again touring the great expanse of North America. This concert is the bands first ever performance in Colorado and they make sure it is a special night for the sold-out audience.

This album captures Judas Priest on a night when they were “on” as they say in the ‘biz. The show opens with the famous “thunder” intro to “Metal Gods”. The band then rips not into “Metal Gods” but “Hell Bent For Leather”. The band then proceeds into “The Ripper” and “Running Wild”. Halford then introduces their new single at the time “Living After Midnight” and Tipton exhorts the rabid audience to “come on!”

The renditions of “Sinner” and “Beyond The Realms Of Death” are great but the real winners here are the new songs off of ‘British Steel’; “You Don’t Have To Be Old To Be Wise”; “Grinder” and especially “Steeler” really rock. Getting to hear the band perform “Steeler” live is a real treat because they rarely play this song live!

Amazingly, Judas Pries manages to up the energy even more with a fantastic back-to-back performance of “Genocide” and “Tyrant”! The ‘explosions’ heard at the end of “Tyrant” occured when Halford came on stage with a faux machine gun and pretended to spray the audience with bullets! The night closes out with the Peter Green penned “Green Manalishi”.

The audio quality of this album is generally good; yes, there are some minor audio fluctuations in the very beginning but this occurs during the echo portions of Halford’s vocals when he is singing “The Ripper” and “Running Wild”. The audio dips slightly during “Living After Midnight” but is brought to equilibrium halfway through.

Line-up:
* Rob Halford – vocals
* K.K. Downing – guitars
* Glenn Tipton – guitars
* Ian Hill – bass guitar
* Dave Holland – drums

Track List:
01. Hell Bent for Leather – 2:54
02. The Ripper – 2:51
03. Running Wild – 3:30
04. Living After Midnight – 3:44
05. Sinner – 7:50
06. Beyond the Realms of Death – 6:50
07. You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise – 5:42
08. Grinder – 4:00
09. Victim of Changes – 7:50
10. Steeler – 5:34
11. Genocide – 10:43
12. Tyrant – 6:06
13. Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown) – 3:20

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Halford – Crucible (2002) (@256)

23 Dec 2008

(Review from amazon, metal-reviews.com)

‘Crucible’ is the second studio release from the Halford band. Paying no attention to current trends and sell-out bandwagons, the former Judas Priest frontman and his mighty crew stay true to traditional heavy metal, yet they never come across as dated.

This isn’t ‘Resurrection’ all over again; instead, there are several different styles apparent, some of which are hard to pinpoint exactly. You have your ‘Painkiller’-era rippers, a few Fight influenced tracks, perhaps, and then there are a couple that show a flair that’s maybe new to even Halford. There’s a little experimentation… but it’s still metal, though — not to worry there.

Guitar duo Patrick Lachman and Mike Chlasciak swap monstrous riffs and fluid solos that are as solid as a brick wall, while Halford himself is in top form, able to reach high notes with an ease that could put youngster shriekers to shame. Even when he belts out the album’s only ballad, the bonus track “She”, it’s with unsurpassed conviction. The album is a nonstop metallic assault complete with anthems (“One Will”), speed metal (“Betrayal”), and accessible midtempo rockers (“Sun”), as well as dark and moody moments, such as “Crystal” (which deals with the dangers of crystal-meth addiction).

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / Lead Vocals
- Patrick Lachman / Guitar
- Mike Chlasciak / Guitar
- Ray Riendeau / Bass
- Bobby Jarzombek / Drums

Track List:
01. Park Manor – 1:11
02. Crucible – 4:26
03. One Will – 3:32
04. Betrayal – 3:04
05. Handing Out Bullets – 3:16
06. Hearts Of Darkness – 3:48
07. Crystal – 4:37
08. Heretic – 3:49
09. Golgotha – 4:20
10. Wrath Of God – 3:11
11. Weaving Sorrow – 3:28
12. Sun – 3:48
13. Trail Of Tears – 5:56
14. She (Bonus) – 4:01
15. Fugitive (Bonus) – 4:01

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Halford, Rob Halford

Halford – Live Insurrection (2001) (@320)

22 Dec 2008

(Review from amazon, metal-reviews.com)

Capitolizing on the energy and success of his recently-completed world tour with Iron Maiden, Halford unleash a double album chock full of ripping, classic metal.

This impressive live album covers all phases of Rob Halford’s career. There are tracks from the band’s ‘Resurrection’ album, there’s Fight material, even 2wo and there’s also a generous spackling of Priest cuts — including several that haven’t seen the “live” light of day in over a decade.

The band attack Halford’s songs with taut force and accuracy. From newer gems such as “Made in Hell” to Priest staples “Electric Eye” and “Breaking the Law” to a duet with Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, this comprehensive collection was largely recorded at various venues throughout a seven-month tour.

After the live performance is over with there are three studio songs, one being a new Halford songs and the two others being lost Judas Priest songs that Halford has recorded. All three smoke with “Screaming in the Dark” sounding like a heavier “Resurrection”, “Heart of a Lion” being a Judas Priest rocker, and “Prisoner of Your Eyes” being a Judas Priest ballad.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / Lead Vocals
- Pat Lachman / Guitar
- Mike Chlasciak / Guitar
- Ray Riendeau / Bass
- Bobby Jarzombek / Drums
with
- Bruce Dickinson / Vocals (10)

Track List:
CD1
01. Resurrection – 4:02
02. Made in Hell – 4:13
03. Into the Pit – 4:15
04. Nailed to the Gun – 3:35
05. Light Comes Out of Black – 5:00
06. Stained Class – 5:32
07. Jawbreaker – 3:25
08. Running Wild – 3:02
09. Slow Down – 4:40
10. The One You Love to Hate – 3:11
11. Life in Black – 4:26
12. Hell’s Last Survivor – 3:24
13. Sad Wings – 3:33
14. Saviour – 2:57
15. Silent Screams – 7:32
CD2
01. Intro – 0:14
02. Cyberworld – 3:04
03. The Hellion – 0:48
04. Electric Eye – 3:29
05. Riding on the Wind – 3:10
06. Genocide [1st Encore] – 7:36
07. Beyond the Realms of Death – 6:51
08. Metal Gods [2nd Encore] – 4:34
09. Breaking the Law – 3:50
10. Tyrant – 4:41
11. Screaming in the Dark (Studio) – 3:41
12. Heart of a Lion (Studio) – 3:51
13. Prisoner of Your Eyes (Studio) – 4:33

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Bruce Dickinson, Halford, Live, Rob Halford

Halford – Resurrection (2000) (@320)

21 Dec 2008

(Review from allmusic)

Former Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford finally re-embraced his roots, formed a band simply called Halford. He brought out the leather and motorcycle and recruited guitarists Patrick Lachman and Mike Chlasciak, bassist Ray Riendeau, and drummer Bobby Jarzombek to start over. The band recorded 2000′s Resurrection, a tremendous album of pure heavy metal.

Halford stretches his voice out by utilizing everything from piercing falsetto wails to sinister, throaty rumbles. Some songs have autobiographical lyrics, particularly the stunning one-two opening punch of “Resurrection” and “Made in Hell”. The former features Halford admitting to past mistakes while the latter is a history lesson on the creation and rise of heavy metal. “Locked and Loaded” is a bit slower and the guitars settle into a groove, but the song’s power isn’t jeopardized. “Night Fall” sounds like a great lost Judas Priest song, and that’s meant as a compliment.

The seven-minute “Silent Screams” starts slowly and builds into a fiery rocker complete with Halford’s multi-tracked vocals. Heavy metal fans will quake with joy after hearing Halford’s duet with Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson on “The One You Love to Hate”, a brutal three-minute blowout. “Slow Down” is another example of Halford displaying a variety of vocal styles within the same song. “Drive” and “Saviour” include traces of speed metal, the style Judas Priest embraced on 1990′s Painkiller, Halford’s last with the band.

This is literally a “Resurrection” for Rob Halford.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / Vocals
- Patrick Lachman / Guitar
- Mike Chlasciak / Guitar
- Ray Riendeau / Bass
- Bobby Jarzombek / Drums
with
- Bruce Dickinson / Vocals (6)
- Pete Parada / Drums (6)
- Ed Ross / Keyboards (5,9)

Track List:
01. Resurrection – 3:58
02. Made in Hell – 4:12
03. Locked and Loaded – 3:19
04. Night Fall – 3:41
05. Silent Screams – 7:07
06. The One You Love to Hate – 3:12
07. Cyberworld – 3:09
08. Slow Down – 4:51
09. Twist – 4:09
10. Temptation – 3:32
11. Drive – 4:31
12. Saviour – 2:57

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Bruce Dickinson, Halford, Rob Halford

Two – Voyeurs (1997) (@256)

20 Dec 2008

1 comment

(Review from thelantern.com, allmusic)

Gone is the studded leather jacket Rob Halford used to wear as the frontman for Judas Priest. On the cover of “Voyeurs”, the debut album from his new project, 2wo, he looks disturbingly similar to the sinister strangers in “Dark City”, with his bald head and fuzzy-collared coat. Halford has also traded in his heavy metal for the typical industrial sound, complete with slap-and-pick bass lines, lyrics full of self-loathing.

Although “Two” does inherit some of Priest’s metal riffs and overall power, this is an almost completely electronic affair. Halford’s vocals are still unmistakable, but there’s less high-pitched shrieking and more of the singing/talking/screaming style that the techno genre demands. “Two” also tackle Tool’s demented alternative, evidenced in the near progressive track “Stutter Kiss” (with elements of latter-day David Bowie added as well). The overtly melodic “Water’s Leaking” is musical territory that Judas Priest would never have permitted Halford to explore, yet “Leave Me Alone” sounds an awful lot like electro-Priest.

“Voyeurs” sold poorly and Halford disbanded the ill-fated group.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / lead vocals
- John Lowery / lead guitar
- Bob Marlette / rhythm guitar, keyboards, synthesizers
- Ray Riendeau / bass
- Sid Riggs / drums

Track List:
01. I Am a Pig – 3:36
02. Stutter Kiss – 4:30
03. Water’s Leaking – 3:54
04. My Ceiling’s Low – 3:34
05. Leave Me Alone – 4:31
06. If – 5:06
07. Deep In The Ground – 5:12
08. Hey, Sha La La – 4:22
09. Wake Up – 3:32
10. Gimp – 3:41
11. Bed of Rust – 4:32

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Rob Halford

Fight – A Small Deadly Space (1995) (@256)

18 Dec 2008

(Review from metal-archives.com, amazon)

Fight’s second (and last) full studio album features a more collaborative songwriting approach from the band. It offers a slightly toned-down version of War of Words’ full-bore intensity, maintaining the straightforward metal sound and Halford’s darker, real-life horror lyrical themes..

The thrash ‘scoop’ guitar sound is still there, as is the heavy bass and double bass drums pounding away. But this is more experimental, and often lacks the drive and power of War of Words. Halford’s vocals being amazingly muted and sober, yet the music has more dynamic range and a larger variety of sounds.

The album’s highlight, “In a World of my Own Making” starts just like a Priest ballad (complete with piano!) and develops into heavy chorus – it stands out as the most Priest-like track of Halford’s whole solo career.

This was to be Fight’s final album, Rob Halford moved on to other projects.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / Vocals
- Brian Tilse / Guitar
- Mark Chaussee / Guitar
- Jack “Jay Jay” Brown / Bass
- Scott Travis / Drums

Track List:
01. I Am Alive – 4:56
02. Mouthpiece – 3:22
03. Legacy Of Hate – 4:34
04. Blowout In The Radio Room – 4:10
05. Never Again – 3:51
06. Small Deadly Space – 5:19
07. Gretna Greene – 3:52
08. Beneath The Violence – 4:43
09. Human Crate – 6:09
10. In A World Of My Own Making – 13:43

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Fight, Rob Halford

Fight – Mutations (EP 1994) (@256)

17 Dec 2008

(Review from metal-archives.com)

“Fight” slam back with this half-live/half-remix recording that manages to be more fun than a project such as this sounds. The band on the live tracks is cooking at double-time with main man Halford delivering a rather tense vocal performance at the mic. The remixes are rather tasteful, and while they will still only appeal to those of us with an interest in electronic music – they obviously had effort put into them. Halford hinted as his “2wo” effort with this, as well as kicking some ass in the live arena with carefully chosen Fight and Judas Priest tracks.

The live side bears three of the Fight “classics” in “Nailed to the Gun”, “Into the Pit” and “Little Crazy”. The band performs these with a formidable firepower. Even more brutal than in the studio – Fight slams through and takes names. The version of Judas Priest’s “Freewheel Burning” is also rather intimidating compared to the original. Of the remix’s, “War of Words”, “Immortal Sin” and “Kill It” seem to work best – with “Immortal Sin” taking on an extremely strange and haunting quality that should have been the sound of the “2wo” project.

This is hardly a “full-scale” effort that needs to be examined as the excellent first Fight record or the rather sub-par second one. Still, if you are a fan of Rob Halford – the live tracks alone will make this worth it for you! If you love electronic music… try the second half as well.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / Vocals
- Brian Tilse / Guitar
- Mark Chaussee / Guitar
- Jack “Jay Jay” Brown / Bass
- Scott Travis / Drums

Track List:
01. Into The Pit (Live) – 4:10
02. Nailed To The Gun (Live) – 3:34
03. Freewheel Burning (Live) – 4:45
04. Little Crazy (Live) – 4:56
05. War Of Words (Bloody Tongue Mix) – 6:47
06. Kill It (Dutch Death Mix) – 3:50
07. Vicious (Middle Finger Mix) – 6:05
08. Immortal Sin (Tolerance Mix) – 5:49
09. Little Crazy (Straight Jacket Mix) – 5:55

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Fight, Rob Halford

Fight – K5 War Of Word Demos (@256)

16 Dec 2008

(Review from draven99)

This is a collection of demos from Fight’s first album, covering the majority of those initial songs, as well as a few new ones that failed to make the original cut.

During the recording sessions Halford had the studio turn on the recorders, in order to create reference tracks to use while refining the music. This album contains those early recordings. It is fascinating to listen to these songs, slipping into their familiarity but being surprised by the differences. Many of the songs are slower than the final cuts, and there are a lot of little guitar fills and such that are not here. It is like listening to these songs for the first time. It also proves just how great Fight was.

The songs captured here are raw, intimate, and not perfect. When we are used to perfect mixes and spotless recordings, Rob Halford is secure enough to put his voice, and his band, out there, exposed to the world, warts and all.

For Fight diehards and Halford-lovers, this is a must have. It is fascinating to listen to these early takes and see the evolution from this form to the finished versions.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / vocals
- Brian Tilse / guitar
- Russ Parrish / guitar
- Scott Travis / drums
- Jack “Jay Jay” Brown / bass

Track List:
01. Into The Pit – 4:35
02. Nailed To The Gun – 3:35
03. Now You Die – 3:38
04. Life Is Black – 4:53
05. Kill It – 3:34
06. Controtion – 4:21
07. Forbidden – 4:44
08. War Of Words – 4:59
09. Psycho Suicide – 4:48
10. Down – 4:41
11. Vicious – 3:15
12. Beast Denies – 4:48
13. Laid To Rest – 5:23
14. Jesus Saves – 3:40
15. Dead Men Talk – 5:12
16. For All Eternity – 4:36

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Fight, Rob Halford

Fight – War of Words (1993) (@256)

16 Dec 2008

(Review from allmusic, metal-archives.com)

When lead singer Rob Halford left Judas Priest in the early 90s, he quickly rebounded with a ferocious new band called Fight. He took with him from Judas Priest drummer Scott Travis. The line-up was completed by Russ Parrish on guitar, Brian Tilse on guitar and keyboards and Jay Jay on bass guitar. Halford took Fight into the studio and recorded War of Words in 1993.

Taking a deliberate step away from the old-school tendencies and cartoon metal lyrics of his former band, Halford based Fight’s sound on the more sleek, thrash-oriented approach of newer metal outfits like Pantera and matched the intense sound with decidedly more topical and socially relevant lyrics.

Among the many highlights on this record include the double-time “Into the Pit” and “Nailed to the Gun” displayed a chugging machine-grind that benefits from Halford’s throaty delivery. Slower numbers like “Reality – A New Beginning”, “Little Crazy” and “Immortal Sin” give room for passionate vocal performances. “For All Eternity”, “Laid to Rest” and “War of Words” also provide strong moments for the band as well.

The album as a whole is a strong example of a man who wanted to try something new and embraced the sound as an honest personal expression.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / Vocals
- Jack “Jay Jay” Brown / Bass
- Russ Parrish / Guitar
- Brian Tilse / Guitar, Keyboards
- Scott Travis / Drums

Track List:
01. Into The Pit – 4:13
02. Nailed To The Gun – 3:38
03. Life In Black – 4:34
04. Immortal Sin – 4:39
05. War of Words – 4:29
06. Laid To Rest – 4:40
07. For All Eternity – 4:42
08. Little Crazy – 3:49
09. Contortion – 4:35
10. Kill It – 3:30
11. Vicious – 3:11
12. Reality, A New Beginning – 13:18

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Fight, Rob Halford

Judas Priest – Nostradamus (2008) (@256)

12 Dec 2008

(Review from blabbermouth.net, metal-archives.com)

Enter Priest’s first concept album, and a trip into a realm they seem to be visiting for purely artistic (or perhaps legacy) reasons. It’s not like these big metal operas are new to the underground (in fact Avantasia did this exact same concept album a few years back).

This is a huge departure, one only hinted at on previous songs like “Loch Ness” and “Cathedral Spires” — slower, more stately, with lots of acoustics and very little denim-and-leather sparks a-flyin’. It’s a more dignified Priest — one concerned with weighty and mystical concepts and theatrical pacing, rather than three-minute compact song flair. The band uses some very unconventional (for Priest-hood) features like choirs and strings. This of course creates a very epic mood to the album.

The album flows smoothly from one song to another and at no point does the music pause. This is achieved with guitars fading out from one riff or melody to another that starts a new song, the aforementioned strings, or a combination of both. Almost half the songs are interludes that progress the music from one song to another.

Nostradamus is no doubt an album that has split Priest fans in half. Some loved the new ground the band is exploring, others thought it was music that any other band could have made.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / vocals
- K.K. Downing / guitars, synthesized guitars
- Glenn Tipton / guitars, synthesized guitars
- Ian Hill / bass
- Scott Travis / drums
with
- Don Airey / keyboards

Track List:
CD1
01. Dawn Of Creation – 2:31
02. Prophecy – 5:26
03. Awakening – 0:52
04. Revelations – 7:05
05. The Four Horsemen – 1:35
06. War – 5:04
07. Sands Of Time – 2:36
08. Pestilence And Plague – 5:08
09. Death – 7:33
10. Peace – 2:21
11. Conquest – 4:42
12. Lost Love – 4:28
13. Persecution – 6:34
CD2
01. Solitude – 1:22
02. Exiled – 6:32
03. Alone – 7:50
04. Shadows In the Flame – 1:10
05. Visions – 5:24
06. Hope – 2:09
07. New Beginnings – 4:56
08. Calm Before The Storm – 2:05
09. Nostradamus – 6:43
10. Future of Mankind – 8:29

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Judas Priest – Angel of Retribution (2005) (@256)

11 Dec 2008

1 comment

(Review from rollingstone.com, wikipedia)

After almost twelve years apart, as well as an ever-growing demand for a reunion, Tim Owens parted amicably, Judas Priest and original lead vocalist Rob Halford announced they would reunite in July 2003. The band toured in 2004 and out the door came “Angel of Retribution” in 2005.

The quintet celebrates its return on the throttling opener “Judas Rising”, revisits its 80s heyday on the speedy “Deal With the Devil” and alludes to vintage song titles throughout. Instead of trend-hopping, there’s “Lochness”, a grinding thirteen-and-a-half-minute metal-folk tune devoted to the mythical Scottish water beast. You cannot get any more old-school than that.

On “Hellrider”, guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing revive the well-conceived solos that most heavy bands avoid these days. Halford is in excellent form, particularly on the ballads. His gayness has for decades given semihidden weight to the group’s outlaw lyrical metaphors (not to mention its leather dress code). Here it baldly informs “Angel”, where Halford calls out to a gender-indeterminate spirit he prays will bring him to a better place. It’s an honest power ballad from a band that understands power like few others, the centerpiece to an album that holds up well next to Priest’s strongest, most sustained recordings. Now that’s retribution.

Line-up:
* Rob Halford / Vocals
* Glenn Tipton / Guitar
* K. K. Downing / Guitar
* Ian Hill / Bass
* Scott Travis / Drums

Track List:
01. Judas Rising – 4:12
02. Deal With The Devil – 3:54
03. Revolution – 4:42
04. Worth Fighting For – 4:18
05. Demonizer – 4:37
06. Wheels Of Fire – 3:46
07. Angel – 4:24
08. Hellrider – 6:23
09. Eulogy – 2:52
10. Lochness – 13:29

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Judas Priest – Painkiller (1990) (@256)

03 Dec 2008

Thanks to Man in Silence for the review contribution.

(Review from allmusic, metal-archives.com, wikipedia)

“Painkiller” marked the debut of current drummer Scott Travis. Judas Priest dropped the 80s-style synths (except one track), returned to their classic 70s style, while borrowing contemporary speed metal techniques, resulting in their most critically acclaimed album in a decade. The album is viewed by some as the quintessential speed metal album and the style proved highly influential to European power metal bands such as Gamma Ray and Primal Fear.

The band’s performance of this album is incredible. Rob Halford’s singing is very diverse, ranging from high pitched screams (Painkiller or All Guns Blazing) to a mix of slightly high but more noticeably low pitched singing (Between the Hammer and the Anvil or Leather Rebel). K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton go crazy with their solos on the album, and often are not satisfied with just one. Ian Hill’s bass follows the guitars to create the perfect sound for the album. Scott Travis proves to be an amazing drummer on his debut here, most noticeably on the title track.

Songs like the title track, “Leather Rebel” and “Metal Meltdown” thrash like mad; Halford’s shrieking and growling is positively frightening, as he uses his incredible vocal range to an almost King Diamond-like effect. But it isn’t just the rediscovered power that makes “Painkiller” a great musical effort: the elegant “A Touch of Evil”, for example, is reminiscent of the progressive, intricately arranged pieces of their ’70s work. Seasoned keyboardist, Don Airey provided the beautiful keyboards on it, which greatly added to the atmosphere of the song.

Following the tour for this album, singer Rob Halford left the band and maintained little contact with his former bandmates throughout the 1990s. Judas Priest declared that they did not exist anymore after Halford had left.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / Vocals
- K.K. Downing / Guitar
- Glenn Tipton / Guitar
- Ian Hill / Bass
- Scott Travis / Drums

Track List:
01. Painkiller – 6:06
02. Hell Patrol – 3:36
03. All Guns Blazing – 3:57
04. Leather Rebel – 3:35
05. Metal Meltdown – 4:48
06. Night Crawler – 5:45
07. Between The Hammer & The Anvil – 4:48
08. A Touch Of Evil – 5:45
09. Battle Hymn – 0:56
10. One Shot At Glory – 6:47

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Glenn Tipton, Judas Priest, Rob Halford, Sakalli's Pick

Judas Priest – Ram It Down (1988) (@256)

01 Dec 2008

(Review from wikipedia, metal-archives.com, allmusic)

In 1986, Judas Priest had intended to record a double album called Twin Turbos of which half would be lighter, more commercial rock, and the other half would be similarly polished but heavier and less synth-driven. The first half of this album was released as “Turbo”. The heavier Twin Turbos material was relegated to this later album.

In this album, Judas Priest tones down the synths and returns to the basics, delivering a straight-ahead, much more typical Priest album with “Ram It Down” with elements such as the more technical drumming, high speeds and sci-fi themes. Even though “Ram It Down” backed away from the territory explored on “Turbo”, much of the album still has a too-polished, mechanical-sounding production, especially the drums.

The essential speed classics are present in all of their blazing glory, incarnate in the triumphant and unforgettable title track and the equally blazing cooker “Hard as Iron. From start to finish these tracks ratchet up the technical prowess of the guitars and drums, and showcase Halford back where he belongs, breaking the sound barrier with his high frequency banshee cries. Other tracks such as “Love Zone” and “Blood Red Skies” are a bit more mid tempo, but are still riff monsters loaded with themes and sci-fi inspired lyrics in the case of the latter.

Other tracks on here are still more in the 80s rock vain, particularly the somewhat Deep Purple inspired tracks “Come and Get it” and “I’m a Rocker”. We get something a bit slower yet menacing sounding in “Monster of Rock”, almost to the point of having a doom quality to it. “Heavy Metal” showcases further the technical excellence of Downing and Tipton, in addition to the heavier tendencies of this total album. “Love you to Death” is a bit more in the turbo vain, though it highlights the more positive riff driven aspects of it.

The guitar work in the Chuck Berry cover is a lot less primitive than the original version, venturing well outside of the repetitive blues riffs that Chuck Berry elected to play a little bit too fast for the mainstream of his day. Essentially metal can trace some of its roots back to this music, but when one compares this version with the original, it is obvious that evolution has created a completely different song.

This would be the final album involving long-time drummer Dave Holland and producer Tom Allom.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / Vocals
- K.K. Downing / Guitar
- Glenn Tipton / Guitar
- Ian Hill / Bass
- Dave Holland / Drums

Track List:
01. Ram It Down – 4:49
02. Heavy Metal – 5:58
03. Love Zone – 3:58
04. Come And Get It – 4:07
05. Hard As Iron – 4:08
06. Blood Red Skies – 7:51
07. I’m A Rocker – 3:58
08. Johnny B. Goode – 4:39
09. Love You To Death – 4:36
10. Monsters Of Rock – 5:31
11. Night Comes Down (Bonus Live) – 4:32
12. Bloodstone (Bonus Live) – 4:05

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Judas Priest – Priest, Live and Rare (1978-86) (@256)

30 Nov 2008

5 comments

Thanks to Man in Silence for the review contribution.

(Review from allmusic)

Like their Brit-metal peers Iron Maiden, Judas Priest issued quite a few singles in England during their heyday. And like the others, Priest would include non-album B-sides with many of the singles, to entice fans who already had the A-side on their full-length to splurge for the single.

“Priest, Live & Rare” is just what the title says — a ten-track compilation of their B-sides (nine of which are live recordings, one a remix). For fans of Priest’s late-’70s/early-’80s work (the group’s “heaviest” period), “Priest, Live & Rare” is quite a find, since it includes great live takes of forgotten classics. Included are such molten heavies as “Beyond the Realms of Death”, “White Heat, Red Hot” and “Starbreaker”, as well as the better-known compositions “Living After Midnight”, “The Green Manalishi”, “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” and two versions of “Breaking the Law”.

As usual for an archival compilation, not all of “Priest, Live & Rare” is top notch. Especially the inclusion of Turbo-era material — as evidenced by a preposterous remix of “Turbo Lover”, bordering on dance music!

Still the good definitely outweighs on “Priest, Live & Rare”.

Track List:
01. Beyond The Realms Of Death (Live) – 7:04
02. White Heat, Red Hot (Live) – 4:32
03. Starbreaker (Live) – 7:21
04. Breaking The Law (Live) – 2:35
05. Living After Midnight (Live) – 4:21
06. The Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown) (Live) – 5:01
07. Breaking The Law (Live) – 2:44
08. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ (Live) – 7:37
09. Private Property (Live) – 5:15
10. Turbo Lover (Hi-Octane Mix, Studio) – 7:21

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Judas Priest – Turbo (1986) (@256)

29 Nov 2008

(Review from wikipedia, amazon, allmusic, metal-archives)

Following the success of their previous album, Defenders of the Faith, Judas Priest initially recorded a double album called “Twin Turbos”, which was never released due to their record company’s rejection. Instead, the material was split, with the more commercial songs appearing on 1986′s Turbo.

Always searching for a way to retool their sound, Judas Priest attempted to accentuate their melodic side on “Turbo” by incorporating synthesizers and 80s pop-metal stylings. The album marked the band’s first use of guitar synthesizers which makes the whole album sound very 80s like. There is more of an emphasis on the mid-paced rock type songs and less of one on the speed metal type stuff present on most of their other releases.

The lead off track, “Turbo Lover”, is undoubtedly the masterpiece of the album, and a lost classic in the priest catalogue. The melding of the synths, guitar, and Halford’s robotic vocals give this song a unique feel that may be hard to appreciate for the average metal head. It is a very simple song, but the way it is constructed is mind blowing and the solo is one of the catchiest ever forged by Mr. Tipton.

The next song, “Locked In”, is much more in the vein of the classic Priest that we all know and love, with great inventive riffing and soaring vocals. The three songs that follow it are really the first signs of hair metal here, but the strength of the riffs, melodies, and as always, the solos, are enough to make them worth while.

The three closing songs are again in the vein of classic priest, with “Hot for Love” and “Reckless” standing out in particular with leads and dark riffs on the former. “Reckless” was asked to be on the Top Gun soundtrack, but Judas Priest declined, both because they thought the film would flop and because it would have meant leaving the song off Turbo.

The album got mixed reactions, because “Turbo” didn’t sound enough like Judas Priest to most fans. Their live album from the Turbo tour, “Priest… Live!” has more classic sounding and faster versions of the first six tracks.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / Vocals
- K.K. Downing / Guitar
- Glenn Tipton / Guitar
- Ian Hill / Bass
- Dave Holland / Drums

Track List:
01. Turbo Lover – 5:33
02. Locked In – 4:19
03. Private Property – 4:29
04. Parental Guidance – 3:26
05. Rock You All Around The World – 3:38
06. Out In The Cold – 6:27
07. Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days – 4:39
08. Hot For Love – 4:11
09. Reckless – 4:20
10. All Fired Up (Bonus) – 4:45
11. Locked In (Bonus Live) – 4:24

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Judas Priest – King Biscuit Flower Hour (Live 1984) (@256)

28 Nov 2008

4 comments

(Review from wolfgangsvault.com)

One of several shows recorded on the band’s 1984 U.S. tour for the King Biscuit Flower Hour, this red-hot Priest performance illustrates why they will always be one of metal’s best and most successful bands. Recorded during their commercial heyday, this show, and others like it, formulated the standard that future Priest and other metal shows have long been judged by.

Opening with “Love Bites,” Halford leads Priest through a blistering set of the music that would make them one of the most popular hard rock bands of all time. “Rock Hard Rock Free”, “Victim of Changes” and “Hellion – Electric Eye” are balanced with the band’s biggest radio hits: “Breaking The Law,” “Some Heads Are Gonna Roll,” “Living After Midnight,” “Hell Bent For Leather,” and the show closer “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’”.

One of the great things about radio broadcasts is the quality of the recording. The album sounds great and Judas Priest rocks hard.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / Vocals
- K.K. Downing / Guitar
- Glenn Tipton / Guitar
- Ian Hill / Bass
- Dave Holland / Drums

Track List:
01. KBFH Intro – Love Bites – 4:59
02. Breakin’ The Law – 2:22
03. Some Heads Are Gonna Roll – 4:22
04. Rock Hard Ride Free – 5:53
05. Hellion – Electric Eye – 4:14
06. Heavy Duty – Defenders Of The Faith – 5:09
07. Victim Of Changes – 7:46
08. Livin’ After Midnight – 4:26
09. Motorcycle Intro – 1:29
10. Hell Bent For Leather – 4:42
11. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming – 7:40

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Judas Priest – Defenders of the Faith (1984) (@256)

26 Nov 2008

Thanks to Man in Silence for the review contribution.

(Review from allmusic.com, amazon.com, metal-archives.com)

Having recaptured their heavyweight status with “Screaming for Vengeance”, Judas Priest stuck with their successful formula for the follow-up, “Defenders of the Faith”.

Sporting a darker, more violent side than “Screaming for Vengeance”, it nevertheless continued the same tradition of fast, rat-a-tat-tat drumming from Dave Holland, K.K. Downing/Glenn Tipton twin-Stratocaster guitar solos that intertwined with each other at blistering speeds, and high-pitched screeching courtesy of Rob Halford. It’s a solidly constructed, unapologetically commercial metal record.

Though the album didn’t produce any massive hits; there are more highlights than many previous albums. “Freewheel Burning” starts the album on a fast up tempo pace that never relents. Jawbreaker, Rock Hard Ride Free, The Sentinel, Love Bites, Some Heads Are Gonna Roll, … it’s hard to narrow the list of highlights.

This album may not be as popular as “British Steel” or “Screaming for Vengeance” but it just as influential and powerful as the two.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / Vocals
- K.K. Downing / Guitar
- Glenn Tipton / Guitar
- Ian Hill / Bass
- Dave Holland / Drums

Track List:
01. Freewheel Burning – 4:25
02. Jawbreaker – 3:27
03. Rock Hard Ride Free – 5:35
04. The Sentinel – 5:04
05. Love Bites – 4:47
06. Eat Me Alive – 3:35
07. Some Heads Are Gonna Roll – 4:07
08. Night Comes Down – 4:01
09. Heavy Duty – 2:25
10. Defenders Of The Faith – 1:28
11. Turn On Your Light – 5:23
12. Heavy Duty / Defenders Of The Faith (Bonus Live) – 5:26

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Glenn Tipton, Judas Priest, Rob Halford, Sakalli's Pick

Judas Priest – Point of Entry (1981) (@256)

26 Nov 2008

6 comments

Thanks to Man in Silence for the review contribution.

(Review from allmusic.com, metal-archives.com)

Having reinvented themselves as an arena metal act with the hugely successful “British Steel”, Judas Priest naturally opted to stay the course with “Point of Entry”, keeping things simple while adding a bluesy boogie in places, a sound they hadn’t really attempted in quite some time. It is more laid back, has a sader overall feeling.

“Heading Out to the Highway”, “Solar Angels” and “Desert Plains” are great, driving hard rock songs. British rock anthem hits “Don’t Go” and “Hot Rockin’” are typical Priest.

It’s like listening to an entire album of the lesser known songs off “British Steel” but without anything that leaps out and grabs you as immediately and effectively as the distinctive riffs from “Breaking the Law” or “Electric Eye”.

Sandwiched between the band’s great commercial successes in the form of “British Steel” and “Screaming for Vengeance”, “Point of Entry” seems to have ended up as the forgotten cousin in the Priest discography.

Line-up:
- Rob Halford / Vocals
- K.K. Downing / Guitar
- Glenn Tipton / Guitar
- Ian Hill / Bass
- Dave Holland / Drums

Track List:
01. Heading Out To The Highway – 3:47
02. Don’t Go – 3:18
03. Hot Rockin’ – 3:17
04. Turning Circles – 3:41
05. Desert Plains – 4:36
06. Solar Angels – 4:03
07. You Say Yes – 3:29
08. All The Way – 3:42
09. Troubleshooter – 4:00
10. On The Run – 3:47
11. Thunder Road (Bonus) – 5:11
12. Desert Plains (Bonus Live) – 5:05

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Judas Priest – British Steel (1980) (@256)

24 Nov 2008

5 comments

Thanks to Man in Silence for the review contribution.

(Review from allmusic, amazon, wikipedia)

With “Hell Bent for Leather”, Judas Priest had begun the task of developing their image for increased mainstream attention, reveling in leather-and-motorcycle trappings while beginning to simplify and streamline their sound. After Les Binks quit, in part because of the band’s direction, the band replaced him with Dave Holland, formerly from the band Trapeze.

“British Steel” brings that process full circle, offering the band’s catchiest, most accessible set of tunes yet, while retaining the precision guitar assault and quasi-operatic vocals that had come to define their sound. It was the simplest music Priest had yet attempted, but thanks to the (mostly) top-notch songwriting and AC/DC-like willingness to allow the songs’ grooves room to breathe, the record is a smashing success overall.

There are a couple of trends beginning here that would take their toll later on — the lyrics are a bit more juvenile, and the music seems to prize commercialism over complexity — but in this context, neither really matters, as Priest display a real penchant for stadium-ready anthems. The guitar riff from “Breaking the Law” is one of the most recognizable from early 1980s heavy metal. “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight” became genuine hit singles and deservedly so, while the album went platinum.

Line-up:
* Rob Halford – vocals
* K.K. Downing – guitars
* Glenn Tipton – guitars
* Ian Hill – bass guitar
* Dave Holland – drums

Track List:
01. Rapid Fire – 4:07
02. Metal Gods – 4:01
03. Breaking the Law – 2:35
04. Grinder – 3:57
05. United – 3:33
06. You Don’t Have To Be Old To Be Wise – 5:04
07. Living After Midnight – 3:31
08. The Rage – 4:44
09. Steeler – 4:31

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Judas Priest – Unleashed in the East (Live 1979) (@256)

24 Nov 2008

4 comments

Thanks to Man in Silence for the review contribution.

(Review from allmusic.com)

Judas Priest’s first official live recording has always been met with equal amounts of acclaim and controversy: acclaim from those who consider it an excellent summation of the egend’s 1970s output, and controversy from the critics and industry insiders who criticized what they believed to be a heavily overdubbed and studio-enhanced performance, mockingly naming it “Unleashed in the Studio” at times.

The track listing here is quite impressive. Along with powerful versions of such storming anthems as “Exciter” and “Running Wild”, the band delivers the definitive version of the progressive metallic “Sinner” and competent versions of their popular covers tunes, “Diamonds and Rust” and “The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)”. In most of the tracks from the classic “Sad Wings of Destiny” the band forfeit heaviness at the expense of speed.

This edition of the album includes 4 bonus tracks, they were recorded at the same time as the original nine tracks. All the extra songs are fully produced and are of the same quality.

Line-up:
* Rob Halford / Vocals
* K.K. Downing / Guitars
* Glenn Tipton / Guitars
* Ian Hill / Bass
* Les Binks / Drums

Track List:
01. Exciter – 5:38
02. Running Wild – 2:53
03. Sinner – 7:31
04. The Ripper – 2:44
05. The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown) – 3:16
06. Diamonds And Rust – 3:30
07. Victim Of Changes – 7:12
08. Genocide – 7:19
09. Tyrant – 4:32
10. Rock Forever (Bonus) – 3:27
11. Delivering The Goods (Bonus) – 4:07
12. Hell Bent For Leather (Bonus) – 2:40
13. Starbreaker (Bonus) – 6:00

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Judas Priest – Hell Bent for Leather (1979) (@256)

23 Nov 2008

Thanks to Man in Silence for the review contribution.

(Review from allmusic, wikipedia, metal-archives.com)

The band’s 1979 studio album, “Killing Machine” was retitled “Hell Bent for Leather” for US release, as the US branch of Columbia/CBS did not like the “murderous implications” of the album title. Additionally, the track “The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)”, an early Fleetwood Mac cover, was added to the running order; it was not on the UK release.

Judas Priest’s earlier albums so far had all been quite epic and melodic, but now they change sound completely, making shorter, punchier and more straight-forward heavy metal songs, while still remaining a great sense of melody. The bluesy sound that was very present on the first four albums is entirely gone now.

The songs are very memorable and catchy (with maybe one or two exceptions) and the entire album is a really fun listen. Halford’s vocals have changed a lot too. He doesn’t do the high-pitched vocals as often as on, say, “Stained Class” where he sung the verses on several song in high-pitched vocals only, although he still does some higher singing. His voice has gone a bit darker pitched, and he’s gained alot of attitude to fit the mood of the album.

Although gothic themes are present on such treasures as “The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown) — originally recorded by Fleetwood Mac — “Evil Fantasies” and “Before the Dawn”, the album generally isn’t as dark or morbid as “Stained Class” or “Sin After Sin”. But musically, the band is as aggressive and brutally intense as ever. The
two-guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing is characteristically blistering, and lead singer Rob Halford never sounded more inspired.

This edition of the album also includes two bonus tracks. “Fight For Your Life” is an older version of “Rock Hard Ride Free” from the album “Defenders of the Faith”. The older version was actually recorded as a demo in 1978, but remained in the vault until 1983 when the band found it again on a tape. Thus, the song (now known as “Rock Hard Ride Free”) ended up on “Defenders of the Faith” album. The other bonus track is a quite out-of-place live recording from 1983.

Line-up:
* Rob Halford / Lead Vocals
* K.K. Downing / Guitars
* Glenn Tipton / Guitars, Back Vocals
* Ian Hill / Bass Guitar
* Les Binks / Drums

Track List:
01. Delivering The Goods – 4:16
02. Rock Forever – 3:19
03. Evening Star – 4:06
04. Hell Bent For Leather – 2:41
05. Take On The World – 3:00
06. Burnin’ Up – 4:07
07. The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown) – 3:23
08. Killing Machine – 3:01
09. Running Wild – 2:58
10. Before The Dawn – 3:23
11. Evil Fantasies – 4:15
12. Fight For Your Life (Bonus Demo 1978) – 4:06
13. Riding On The Wind (Bonus Live 1983) – 3:15

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Judas Priest – Stained Class (1978) (@256)

22 Nov 2008

Thanks to Man in Silence for the review contribution.

(Review from allmusic)

An indisputable metal masterpiece, “Stained Class” is the apex of 70s Judas Priest, a sinister, muscular collection that ties the disparate strands of their style together while jacking the adrenaline rush up to previously undreamed-of levels. Even the lone slow-tempo track, “Beyond the Realms of Death,” has an exciting, visceral intensity, and the whole band is
at the absolute peak of its powers in terms of technical execution.

Lyrically, “Stained Class” is probably the darkest moment in a career filled with them; the whole second half of the record is positively obsessed with death. The air of malevolence about “Stained Class”, and the sheer power of its jackhammer guitar riffs, was unrivaled in heavy metal upon its release (even in Priest’s own catalog), stamping the album an instant classic and solidifying Judas Priest’s status as arguably the most original and musical metal band of its time.

More than any other Priest album, the style of “Stained Class” also laid the groundwork for the thrash and speed metal that would rise to dominance in the mid- to late 80s, making it a defining moment for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement and one of the genre’s all-time landmarks.

Line-up:
* Rob Halford / Lead Vocals
* K.K. Downing / Guitars
* Glenn Tipton / Guitars, Back Vocals
* Ian Hill / Bass Guitar
* Les Binks / Drums

Track List:
01. Exciter – 5:34
02. White Heat, Red Hot – 4:20
03. Better By You, Better Than Me – 3:24
04. Stained Class – 5:20
05. Invader – 4:15
06. Saints In Hell – 5:31
07. Savage – 3:27
08. Beyond The Realms Of Death – 6:54
09. Heroes End – 5:03

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Judas Priest – Sin After Sin (1977) (@256)

21 Nov 2008

4 comments

Thanks to Man in Silence for the review contribution.

(Review from allmusic)

Although “Sad Wings of Destiny” wasn’t a huge seller, it did land Judas Priest a major-label, Columbia. The band experimented fearlessly with their third studio album, “Sin After Sin”.

Retaining the progressive elements of its predecessor, “Sin After Sin” upped the levels of instrumental technique and melody while incorporating a greater variety of influences. It’s possible to hear touches of Jimi Hendrix, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Southern rock, not to mention one of the most effective left-field cover choices in metal history on the Joan Baez tune “Diamonds and Rust”.

As a result, it isn’t the most metallic or musically cohesive Priest album, but overall, it’s extremely close to the same level of brilliance as most of their 70s output. Every track is worthwhile, although “Sinner” and “Dissident Aggressor” (later covered by Slayer, a real testament to its heaviness) are two particular highlights.

Line-up:
* Rob Halford / vocals
* K.K. Downing / guitars
* Glenn Tipton / guitars, piano
* Ian Hill / bass guitar
* Simon Phillips / drums

Track List:
01. Sinner – 6:45
02. Diamonds And Rust – 3:27
03. Starbreaker – 4:49
04. Last Rose Of Summer – 5:37
05. Let Us Prey – Call For The Priest – 6:12
06. Raw Deal – 6:00
07. Here Come The Tears – 4:36
08. Dissident Aggressor – 3:07
09. Race With The Devil (Bonus) – 3:06
10. Jawbreaker (Bonus Live) – 4:02

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Judas Priest – Rock a Rolla (1974) (@256)

20 Nov 2008

6 comments

(Review from wikipedia, metal-archives.com,allmusic)

Judas Priest was one of the influential bands back in the 70s, fusing the gothic doom of Black Sabbath with the riffs and speed of Led Zeppelin, as well as adding a vicious two-lead guitar attack.

K. K. Downing and Ian Hill knew each other since their early childhoods. They shared similar musical interests (Jimi Hendrix, Who, Cream, Yardbirds) and learned to play instruments. After a local ensemble named Judas Priest broke up, the band’s singer Al Atkins approached Downing and Hill, who were playing as a power trio with drummer John Ellis and asked to be their vocalist. With Atkins now in the band, Downing desired to use the Judas Priest moniker, having been a fan of the name for years.

With Downing as leader, the band moved from their original bluesy tunes towards heavy rock. The band played around with various drummers until 1974, financial difficulties led the departure of their original vocalist. At the time, Ian Hill was dating a woman who suggested her brother, “Rob Halford”. Halford joined the band, bringing drummer John Hinch from his previous band. Before the band eventually entered the studio to record their first album, the record company suggested the band add another musician. As Downing was reluctant to add a keyboard player or horn player, he chose to add another lead guitarist, Glenn Tipton. Tipton reworked existing material and took over as main song writer.

Having established a large local fan-base with their loud, melodic, masculine rock, the burgeoning Judas Priest were quickly manhandled into a studio and assigned the famous local record producer Rodger Bain, whose results with the early albums of their contemporaries Black Sabbath are justifiably praised. Gull Records were confident that Bain would capture the heavy sound they were hoping to promote and gave him totalitarian control of the recording process.

Dominating the production of the album, Rodger Bain made decisions with which the band did not agree. He also chose to leave fan favorites from the band’s live performances, such as “Tyrant”, “Genocide”, and “The Ripper”, off the album (which were eventually included in the band’s groundbreaking second album). He cut the song “Caviar and Meths” from a 14-minute song down to a 2-minute instrumental.

The result is an odd ball in Judas Priest’s lengthy catalog, even for a debut. It is very bluesy and is based on a number of groovy, catchy riffs and is supported by solid and unpredictable drumming courtesy of John Hinch, and some of Ian Hill’s most evident and well emphasized basswork throughout their career. On top of it, we have Rob Halford’s vocals but he sounds more laid-back and calm here, which suits the overall mood on the album.

The best stuff on here is the two epic masterpieces. “Run of the Mill” is long, slow, dark, and absolutely beautiful. The song displays a pure emotion. Rob Halford shows that in every moment of the song, but especially during the absolutely out of this world ending section, where he screams his heart out in an insane falsetto. “Dying To Meet You” follows, another ballad in the same vein, which is not quite as mesmerizing but great nonetheless and goes into a speeded-up ending section which goes straight back into the groovy rocking songs.

Mainly because of the production issues surrounding this debut, the band’s next album, “Sad Wings of Destiny” is commonly seen as the first “real” Priest album. “Rocka Rolla” should not be easily written off though. It is murkier, less precise and powerful in its riff attack, and more blues-based; the stylistic debts to Black Sabbath and Deep Purple are obvious at this juncture, although they would become much less apparent on subsequent releases.

Line-up:
* Rob Halford – lead vocals, harmonica
* K.K. Downing – guitar
* Glenn Tipton – guitar, back vocals
* Ian Hill – bass
* John Hinch – drums

Track List:
01. One For The Road – 4:38
02. Rocka Rolla – 3:06
03. Winter – 1:41
04. Deep Freeze – 1:20
05. Winter Retreat – 3:27
06. Cheater – 2:57
07. Never Satisfied – 4:50
08. Run Of The Mill – 8:32
09. Dying To Meet You – 6:18
10. Caviar And Meths – 2:02
11. Diamonds And Rust (Bonus) – 3:12

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Judas Priest – Screaming for Vengeance (1982) (@256)

26 Oct 2007

5 comments

(Review from amazon)

In the early ’80s, a new musical movement, dubbed “The New Wave of British Metal”, swept across England. Judas Priest is often credited as the originator and leader of the pack. Rob Halford’s vocal histrionics and the dual guitar attack of K.K. Downing and Glen Tipton mesmerised metal-heads everywhere. While the band has been around since the early-’70s, the band’s big breakthrough in the USA came with 1982′s “Screaming for Vengeance”.

Screaming For Vengance finds Judas Priest running on all cylinders. The album opens with the driving “Hellion/Electric Eye”, one of their greatest tracks, and still remains their opening song on their live tours. “Riding on the Wind” and the title track continue the fury with the relentless guitar work of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton and Rob Halford’s powerful vocals. Tracks such as “Bloodstone”, “Devil’s Child”, and “(Take These) Chains” all contain great riffs and memorable melodies. But the big hit of the time was “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’”, getting heavy radio and TV play.

With its perfect balance of heavy riffing and melodicism, “Screaming for Vengeance” stands out as one of the best of Priest albums.

Line-up:
* Rob Halford: Vocals
* K.K. Downing: Guitars
* Glenn Tipton: Guitars
* Ian Hill: Bass Guitar
* Dave Holland: Drums

Track List:
01. The Hellion – 0:41
02. Electric Eye – 3:39
03. Riding on the Wind – 3:07
04. Bloodstone – 3:51
05. (Take These) Chains – 3:07
06. Pain and Pleasure – 4:17
07. Screaming for Vengeance – 4:43
08. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ – 5:09
09. Fever – 5:20
10. Devil’s Child – 4:48

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Judas Priest – Priest… Live! (1987) (@256)

07 Jun 2007

(Review from amazon.com)

Priest…Live! was recorded during two shows in their World Tour of 1986.

When it comes to the live albums, this one generally takes a beating from the fans because it doesn’t contain any of the 70′s Priest classics. Instead, this live album picks up after Hell Bent for Leather and showcases their best hits from British Steel to Turbo. It is missing some key songs such as ‘Grinder’ and ‘Hot Rockin’, but the songs that they do have here prove that the Priest is still the best when they’re live.

The album opens with the Turbo productional ballad ‘Out In The Cold’. It does get the crowd going, although I would have rather them open with ‘Electric Eye’. Next is ‘Heading Out To The Highway’ which proves to be much better than the original with the added guitar solos. Then it breaks into ‘Metal Gods’ which is heavier than the original, but missing the sound effects. ‘Breaking the Law’ is where the band starts kicking it into overdrive, as it is played faster and with more screaming than the original. ‘Love Bites’ was a very haunting Priest song in the studio, but it manages to play well in an arena setting. ‘Some Heads Are Gonna Roll’ is alright, but I prefer the original. Next is ‘The Sentinel’ played with sheer intensity as Halford screams out, “Condemn to Hell!!”. Even the more quiet bridge setting is excellent. The last track on the first disc is Turbo’s ‘Private Property’ which does rock, but isn’t epic like the last the last song.

Next up, ‘Rock You All Around The World’. I didn’t like the studio version much because it felt out of place, but in a live setting it fares much better. Now we get to ‘Electric Eye’ which contains cannons firing during ‘The Helion’. ‘Turbo Lover’, despite what everyones says, rocks the arena withh a passionate intensity not found in any other Turbo songs. I prefer the original, but Glenn and K.K. hold well with all the guitar synthesizer parts being played. Next is my favorite track on here:’Freewheel Burning’ opening with Halford driving in on a Harley! ‘Parential Guideance’ is the only song I think that shouldn’t be here. The album ends perfectly with sped up versions of ‘Living After Midnight’ and ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.

As a whole, this is a well-rounded live album. It has more variety in the song order than ‘Unleashed’, but ‘Unleashed’ is still the heavier of the two. Don’t listen to those who say that this album “has the heartless soul of Turbo”, when in fact they simply don’t have open minds due to their love for 70′s metal and hatred for 80′s metal. Priest is a metal band all about versitality, and this live show displays it perfectly. They rocked hard in the 70′s and still rocked in the 80′s.

Line-up:
* Rob Halford: Vocals
* K.K. Downing: Guitars
* Glenn Tipton: Guitars
* Ian Hill: Bass Guitar
* Dave Holland – Drums

Track List:
01. Out In The Cold
02. Heading Out To The Highway
03. Metal Gods
04. Breaking The Law
05. Love Bites
06. Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
07. The Sentinel
08. Private Property
09. Rock You All Around The World
10. Electric Eye
11. Turbo Lover
12. Freewheel Burning
13. Parental Guidance
14. Living After Midnight
15. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’

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