The band Freight was formed by schoolmates Kenneth "K.K." Downing and Ian Hill in 1969. They quickly found drummer John Ellis, and decided that they needed a vocalist. In 1970, a band called Judas Priest had broken up, and Al Atkins was out of a job. He was quickly hired by Ian and K.K., who then renamed their band Judas Priest, since the name now was available. A demo was recorded in July, 1971, and the band opened for acts like Budgie and Slade. In 1971, drummer Alan "Skip" Moore came in for a brief while, but was then replaced by Chris "Congo" Campbell. Al Atkins left in early 1973. Campbell thought the band had little future and left too. The band nearly broke up, before Ian Hill's girlfriend Sue suggested her brother Rob for a vocalist. He arrived in May 1973, bringing his Hiroshima band mate, drummer John Hinch with him. In April, 1974, Glenn Tipton of the Flying Hat Band came in as second guitarist, and the debut album, 'Rocka Rolla', was recorded for Gull Records. Gull wanted the band to add a horn section, but mercifully the band refused, honing their guitar driven attack instead. In the fall of 1975, Hinch was fired for incompetence, and "Skip" Moore returned. The band recorded the 'Sad Wings of Destiny' album, and were signed by CBS records. Moore left, and session drummer Simon Phillips appeared on the 'Sin After Sin' album. A US tour, opening for REO Speedwagon, was booked, and drummer Les Binks was found in June of 1977. This lineup would record the next two studio albums, and the legendary live release, 'Priest in the East'. Then, Les Binks left - he disappeared for many years after an appearance in Tytan in 1981, possibly killed in a bizarre gardening accident, before surfacing in the Fainting Goats with former Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton in 1999. Dave Holland was brought in, and six studio albums and a live album were recorded with this lineup. As the band was preparing to record the album 'Painkiller' in late 1988, a lawsuit was filed against them by the parents of two kids that had ostensibly attempted suicide (one succeeded, one was left disfigured) after listening to 'Stained Class' backwards, while on drugs. The lawsuit took up most of 1989, and drummer Dave Holland left, sick of the rock and roll lifestyle. Scott Travis of Racer X was found in 1989 and the album finally recorded, being released in 1990. In July of 1991, Halford announced his departure (via fax!) effective the end of the tour. August 17th, 1991 was his last gig with Priest. He went on to form numerous bands: Fight, Two, and his solo project Halford. Judas Priest stagnated for several years, before finding vocalist Tim 'Ripper' Owens of Winters Bane, who also played in a Priest tribute band. He was hired in 1996, and two studio albums and two live albums were recorded by this lineup. Constant rumors of a Halford reunion over the six-year tenure of Owens heated up around 2002, and ended up being confirmed in July 2003.

The band takes their name from the song "The ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest," by Bob Dylan.

SIN AFTER SIN (1977, 2001) SONY/COLUMBIA (Remastered)

'Sin After Sin' was Priests 3rd album. They were still not the metal masters we all know them as now, but they were still one of the heaviest acts around. Just listen to stuff like "Dissident Aggressor" and "Sinner", and look at the year of this albums release! These British lads also had a knack for doin' cover tunes, and really turning them into their own. "Diamonds And Rust" is a well known number of theirs, but it was originally recorded by none other then Joan Baez!?! Still, my favorite track on the album is the ballad "Here Comes The Tears". Rob does a killer vocal-job on it, and I love the way it climaxes towards the end. Not my favorite Priest album, but still one with some memorable songs on.

I have the 2001 remastered version, including 2 bonus tracks. "Race With The Devil", a previously unreleased track, was recorded in Birmingham, England's Savage Studios 1978, and is a Gun cover. "Jawbreaker" was recorded live on ABC Rock Network broadcast at Long Beach Sports Arena, Long Beach, California on May 5, 1984.

Killer tracks: Diamonds And Rust, Here Comes The Tears, Dissident Aggressor

HELL BENT FOR LEATHER (1978, 2001) COLUMBIA/LEGACY/SONY (Remastered)

'Hell Bent For Leather' was originally released in 1978, then entitled 'Killing Machine'. This first version of the album was released in Europe only. But when they released it in the US the year after, the title had changed, and the cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Green Manalishi" had been added. So whenever I see the cover on this CD, I'm thinking 'Killing Machine', but reading 'Hell Bent For Leather'.

But now onto the contains of this silver disc. As said, the year was 1978, and the NWOBHM movement was still unheard of, at least to the mass media. Judas Priest though, had been going on for years already, and this was their 5th studio album. In the liner-notes the band prides themselves with being a multi-faced band, trying to accomplish a versatile style by blending together many different sounds. And while this is true, it is also this album's Achilles' heel. On one hand you got the metal numbers, such as the title track(s), and the classic opener, "Delivering The Goods". And of course you get the obligatory ballad. And what a fantastic song "Before The Dawn" really is! But you also get some tunes that are neither "fish nor bird". "Evening Star" is such a song. Was this an attempt at rocking disco? One of my favorite songs on this album is "Take On The World". This might be the first metal anthem ever recorded! All in all "Killing Machine" lands a little in-between chairs. It's not my favorite, albeit a metal classic.

The remastered version includes 2 bonus tracks. "Fight For Your Life" was originally an early demo of "Rock Hard Ride Free", recorded during the 1984 'Defenders Of The Faith' sessions. "Riding On The Wind" was recorded live at the US Festival, Glen Helen Park, Devore, CA. May 29, 1983.

Killer tracks: Delivering The Goods, Hell Bent For Leather, Take On The World, Burnin' Up, Before The Dawn

BRITISH STEEL (1980, 2001) SONY/COLUMBIA/LEGACY (Remastered)

The year was 1980, and the place was Birmingham, England. Judas Priest released their 6th studio effort on April 14. Following albums by newcomers Saxon and Def Leppard, and released on the same day as Iron Maiden's self titled debut, 'British Steel' quickly helped Judas Priest to fit in with the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal uproar. Other acts that had been around as long as Priest were still considered outdated dinosaurs, but the Birmingham quintet managed to keep up appearance, and help front the new wave made popular by a new crowd of longhairs.

In truth 'British Steel' just offers more of the same metal Priest had already been delivering for years. However, this might be the bands first full-on metal album, as it doesn't vary as much in style as it's predecessors. Still, there are songs on 'British Steel' also that one might not call metal by today's standards. But at the time it was released, this was as blatantly a metal album as they came. The album also sheds most of the blues leanings so prevalent in the '70's metal movement. This is riff based, anthemic metal with twin lead guitars and the piercing siren-like vocal delivery from Rob Halford. This is the very definition of Heavy Metal.

The 2001 remastered edition of 'British Steel' comes with 2 bonus tracks. According to the liner-notes "Red, White & Blue" was written during the early years of the bands career. However, according to Wikipedia it was recorded during the 1985 'Turbo' sessions. The same happens with the live version of "Grinder". According to the liner notes it was recorded during the US leg of the 'British Steel' tour, but Wikipedia (and other websites) states that it was in truth captured on tape at Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, California; May 5, 1984, on the 'Defenders Of The Faith' world tour.

Killer tracks: Rapid Fire, Metal Gods, Breaking The Law, Grinder, United

SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE (1982, 2001) SONY/COLUMBIA/LEGACY (Remastered)

Kickin' off with one of the most recognizable intros in metal history, 'Screaming For Vengeance', the bands 8th studio release, went on to become the most successful Judas Priest album. So it's not a surprise that many a fan regard 'Screaming For Vengeance' as a favorite.

I, on the other hand, am a bit more reluctant. Sure, the album opens on a strong note, with 'The Hellion' and 'Electric Eye' being the classics they are. And "Riding On The Wind" is another fast paced killer. But with "Bloodstone" they are already loosing me. And "(Take These) Chains" is an obvious attempt at making a radio hit. They even hired one Bob Halligan, Jr. to help them with the song. The remaining songs are all pretty uninteresting, save for the title track maybe. Yes, I include "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" here. I've never understood why songs like that one, and others like "Breakin' The Law" and "Living After Midnight" became so popular. To me these songs sound like something the band wrote and recorded to fill the wax on the vinyl. Now, don't misunderstand me, I do not hate this album. It's just that I never understood why it gets the praise it does, as Judas Priest have delivered other much stronger albums than 'Screaming for Vengeance'. So, while this is not my favorite CD from them, I still relate to the fact that is is a classic metal milestone.

The remastered version comes with 2 bonus tracks. "Prisoner Of You Eyes" is a fine ballad. This was recorded during the 'Turbo'-sessions, in 2 different versions. Not sure why they keep putting bonus songs from the wrong era of the band on these discs. The live version of "Devil's Child" was recorded at Midsouth Coliseum, Memphis, Tennessee on December 12, 1982.

Trivia: Bob Halligan, Jr. is the founder of and lead vocalist for the band Ceili Rain, which combines Celtic, rock and  contemporary Christian music. In addition to co-writing "(Take These) Chains" on this album, he also write the single "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll" from 'Defenders of the Faith', and "Twist" from Rob's second Halford release, 'Resurrection'. Bob also wrote the song "Rise to It" to Kiss' 'Hot in the Shade' album.

Killer tracks: The Hellion/Electric Eye, Riding On The Wind, (Take These) Chains, Screaming For Vengeance

PAINKILLER (1990, 2001) SONY/COLUMBIA (Remastered)

I could never seem to get into Judas Priest all that much in the past. And that is pretty strange, considering my love for classic metal. When I grew up in the late '70's and the 80's, Judas Priest were the rulers of my favorite genre. Still, they always left me somewhat lukewarm. After I got online a newfound friend of mine from across the big oceans decided it was time for me to start learning. So he sent me 'Painkiller' (thanks Scott). And my days of Judas Priest disliking is now officially over!

This album SMOKES! It easily ranks at the top of any best classic metal album list, and it is truly one of the most important metal albums of all times. And it was certainly an important release for the band themselves, after having released a couple of albums most die hard fans thought lesser of. The furious title track opens the ball. This song is perhaps single handedly responsible for the modern power metal genre, combining power, speed and pristine production. But it doesn't stop there. "All Guns Blazing", "Between The Hammer & The Anvil" and "One Shot At Glory" are all metal hymns of the best quality imaginable. And the killer power ballad "A Touch Of Evil" is yet another tune that instantly became a Judas Priest favorite. There were 2 key factors that made 'Painkiller' the heaviest album from Priest. Scott Travis (Razor X), replaced long time drummer, Dave Holland, bringing a much more powerful drum style to the band. The second factor is the change of producers. Chris Tsangarides was brought in, giving the band a fresh sound for the new decade.

I find 'Painkiller' to be Judas Priest's most consistent album. It's just an all-out metal frenzy, with no songs trying to be anything else. There are no radio flirts here (besides the ballad perhaps), and the band never sounded better. It's a shame that within a short period of time Rob Halford left Priest, and the band never got to ride on the newfound success. Nor did they get to show the fans that 'Painkiller' was not just a lucky one-off effort.

The 2001 remastered version of 'Painkiller' comes with 2 bonus tracks. "Living Bad Dreams" was recorded for the 'Painkiller' album, but never before released. The live version of "Leather Rebel" was recorded at the Foundations Forum, Los Angeles, CA, September 13, 1990.

Killer tracks: All of them!

JUGULATOR (1997) SPV

I have to admit that I'm not a big Priest fan. I know these guys are supposed to be one of the biggest, and best, bands around, but I never quite got it. I like some songs here and there, but as a whole, it never tickled my fancy. So I decided to start my Priest collection in the wrong end. Rob Halford is gone, and "Ripper" Owens takes his place. And let me just say that 'Jugulator' is first and foremost a good heavy metal platter! No holds barred, no frills HEAVY METAL. They've kept the formula from 'Painkiller', and released yet another furious metal album, that borders to speed and thrash. But the problem here is the same as with all the other Priest albums I've heard; not all of the songs hold water. While the opening track, and the next, are killer material, others get lost from my mind in the instant the next one begins. But this album did inspire me to get some more Judas Priest in the future.

Killer tracks: Jugulator, Blood Stained, Decapitate

ANGEL OF RETRIBUTION (2004) SONY

One of the most anticipated reunions in metal history is a now a fact. And so it is time to see if the band can do more then feed the fans nostalgic hunger in a live environment. The new album is out, and the verdicts are in! The priests have returned with bravura! From the opening "Judas Rising" to the surprisingly different sounding "Lochness", this album showcases a band that are still relevant in the metal world today. It might not be their best effort, but it is far from their weakest one either. Getting Roy Z to produce was almost a given. Once again he lets us know who is boss when it comes to producing classic metal in the new millennium. The producer has given the band a fresh and updated sound, but without taking anything away from their integrity and/or legacy. Everything is as it should be on 'Angel Of Retribution'. Welcome back, Priest.

Killer tracks: Judas Rising, Deal With The Devil, Worth Fighting For, Hellrider, Lochness

NOSTRADAMUS (2008) SONY

After the successful return with 'Angel Of Retribution' Judas Priest fans eagerly awaited the bands next move. Soon it was official: Priest's next album would be a concept album, based around the legendary Nostradamus. It took the band 2 years to finish the album. But finally the double album saw the light of day in June, 2008. Since this is Priest's first concept album, it's sort of a different band we get to hear this time around. After all one cannot expect a bunch of 3 minute "Breaking The Law"-type songs to tell the story of the visionary French doctor (or madman?) that was Michel de Nostredame. Here Priest delivers epic length mid-paced songs, all woven into the story, bound together by interludes, heavy orchestration, keyboards, choirs and everything you'd expect from a band trying to create a mystery surrounding fitting the story at hand. The story is definitely the key ingredient, and the music is just built around it. The album is not an easy listen, but demands your attention, or else it quickly gets a little dull. But given the right attention, this is actually a great album. There are some heavier, more signature Priest numbers here as well. But the brother part are longer, more intricate songs. Rob is also more proficient as a band member here, as the usual twin guitar-attack and soloing is not as upfront this time. Not to worry though, as you can count on Rob delivering some stellar vocals gymnastics! The concept format also gives room for more ballads, and "Peace" might just as well be one of the bands more somber moments. 'Nostradamus' is certainly not the best effort from Judas Priest, and it will probably not even go down in history as a landmark album (besides the fact that it might be their one and only conceptual album, that is), but if you listen to it with an open mind, and embrace the project for what it is meant to be, than I'm sure you are going to spend some memorable hours together with one of Britain's premier heavy metal bands once more. I can understand that the band are proud of their achievement with this double album, and rightfully so. But now they need to get back in the studio, and record another 10 or 12 tracks of blistering classic heavy metal again.

Killer tracks: Prophecy, Revelations, Pestilence And Plague, Peace, Exiled

Judas Priest also appear on:  

V/A - 'Pondus - Flat Fuzzpedal'

Rob Halford guest appearances:

V/A - 'Hear 'n Aid: Stars'

Skid Row - 'B-Side Ourselves'

Scott Travis guest appearances:

V/A - 'Spacewalk - A Tribute To Ace Frehley'

Related artists:

Halford, Fight, Iced Earth, Winters Bane, Beyond Fear, Yngwie Malmsteen