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

STAINED CLASS (1978, 2001) COLUMBIA/LEGACY/SONY (Remastered)

Metal bands were so productive in the '70's. 'Stained Class' was released not even a whole year after 'Sin After Sin', and it would only go a few more months before Judas Priest's next offering was recorded and released. Still the quality of the material remained high, and I actually think that the frequency of albums helped the band delivering honest music. There simply wasn't time to second guess the songs, or killing them with overproduction.

'Stained Class' was the bands 4th studio album. To me this epitomizes the 70's sound from Judas Priest. This is the mold in which traditional heavy metal was formed. Blazing twin guitar work, air raid siren vocals, and a pummeling rhythm section. Gone were most of the bands early blues influences, arguably making this the first all-out metal effort from Judas Priest. This was the sound all those bands from the NWOBHM movement were going for a couple of years later. 'Stained Class' is also less experimental then the album that followed it, resulting in a more focused effort. This is just ballsy, powerful music,

Reading the track list for this CD reminds you why 'Stained Class' is such a classic, and a fan favorite. "Exciter" (a proto-thrash/speed metal romp), "Better By You, Better Than Me" (a cover song, written by Gary Wright, and originally recorded by Spooky Tooth, that would later be the target for a lawsuit against the band, claiming a subliminal message in the song drove two teenagers to commit suicide), "Invader" & "Beyond The Realms Of Death" (an epic ballad) are all immortal metal songs that helped cement Judas Priest's name in heavy metal history for all times. 'Stained Class' is a hallmark in early heavy metal, and remains one of my all time favorite Judas Priest albums.

The 2001 remastered version comes with 2 bonus tracks. "Fire Burns Below" was previously unreleased. It was recorded at PUK Studios in Denmark, during the 'Ram It Down' sessions from December 1987. The song was never finished back then, but Glenn and K.K. added some guitar work on a later occasion. "Better By You, Better Than Me" was recorded live at the Foundations Forum, Los Angeles, CA. September 13, 1990.

Trivia: The sleeve artwork, by Roslav Szaybo at CBS Records, introduced their classic logo, replacing the Gothic Script logo of earlier releases.

Killer tracks: Exciter, Better By You, Better Than Me, Stained Class, Invader, Beyond The Realms Of Death
 

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 been changed to 'Hell Bent For Leather', and the cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Green Manalishi" was also 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" (from 1984's 'Defenders Ff The Faith', recorded back in 1978. '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 1985 'Turbo' sessions. According to the liner notes "Grinder" 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

TURBO (1986, 2001) SONY/COLUMBIA (Remastered)

'Turbo' is one of the most frowned upon releases from Judas Priest. Some even rate is as their absolute worst. Why? Because Judas Priest dared to experiment and widen their musical horizon, that's why! And as we all know, that is not something a true metal band does! At least not the truest of the true, the band that serves as the blueprint for heavy metal, namely Judas Priest!

Well, excuse me, but have we already forgotten about 'Hell Bent For Leather', 'Screaming For Vengeance' or even 'British Steel'? The mighty Priest always prided themselves in being a versatile band, trying to blend together different styles to create something unique. Besides, some of the bands most known and loved songs are nothing but pop songs in a metal outfit. "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" and "Living After Midnight" comes to mind immediately, but the examples are many. Sure, 'Turbo' sports a more modern (for it's time) sound, and the synthesized guitars and keyboards can take some getting used to, if they don't turn you off completely. And people might even have a valid point when they claim that Judas Priest was going for a more MTV-friendly, Billy Idol-esq sound landscape. But since this band has continuously developed and changed their sound since their interception, this is hardly the time to scream sell-out!

'Cause when you actually take time to listen to this album, you'll find that it is compiled of a truckload of Judas Priest sounding songs! The songwriting is easily recognizable, and despite the dumbed down drum and bass work, the guitar work is actually very cool. The riffs are effective, and the solos as mind-blowing as you could expect from Glenn and K.K.. Rob doesn't deliver the most earth-shattering scream on 'Turbo'. But he could probably burp over a busy phone-signal, and still make it sound great, so what is the problem? As long as the songs make me wanna move around, bang my head and sing along, then they must be doing something right. And songs like "Turbo Lover" (remember the goofy music-video for this song?), "Locked In ", "Parental Guidance" and "Reckless" all have this effect on me. People claim that 'Turbo' is a glam version of Priest. But if this record sounds anything like T-Rex, The Sweet, Slade or even Poison to you, then you're hearing is faulty!

To me the conclusion is clear, 'Turbo' is a darned fine Judas Priest record, and only rivals 'Ram It Down' as the bands most underrated album. I'll go as far as to hail 'Turbo' as one of my favorites from the Brits.

As with all the other remastered albums in this series, 'Turbo' also comes with 2 bonus tracks. Initially this was going to be a double album, entitled 'Twin Turbo'. So the band recorded enough material for 2 full albums. But the record company declined, and the more commercial songs for were picked for  'Turbo'. Several of the songs that were scrapped back then are now brought back as bonus tracks for these remastered CD's. Here we get a solid rocker called "All Fired Up". The live version of "Locked In" was recorded at Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, Missouri, May 23, 1986, on the tour following this album.

Trivia: "Reckless" was asked to be on the soundtrack for the movie, 'Top Gun', but Judas Priest declined, both because they thought the film would flop and because it would have meant leaving the song off 'Turbo'. "Parental Guidance" was written and recorded in response to Tipper Gore's attack on the band. Her organization, the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), placed "Eat Me Alive" (from 'Defenders of the Faith') at #3 on their list of offensive songs (a.k.a. the "Filthy Fifteen"), as it allegedly was about performing oral sex at gunpoint.

Killer tracks: Turbo Lover, Locked In, Parental Guidance, Out In The Cold, Reckless

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 was not a big Priest fan when I first bought this CD. 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

Ian Hill, Glenn Tipton, Tim "Ripper" Owens, K.K. Downing, Scott Travis

DEMOLITION (2001) PRIEST MUSIC LTD./STEAMHAMMER/SPV

'Jugulator' didn't go down well with most of Judas Priest's fan base. And it certainly didn't win over any new fans. So it took the band 4 years to release a follow up. 'Demolition', their 14th studio album, became a melting pot of different styles and eras of the band, trying to please as many different fans as possible.

This attempt bombed terribly, and it all backfired in the worst possible way. To think that the band used 4 years to try to figure out what went wrong with 'Jugulator' and then to return with this incoherent release is beyond comprehension. Of course the fans blamed it all on the "new" guy. But how is "Ripper" to blame? He didn't write these mediocre song? Fact is, he sings darned good here, and sounds more reminiscent of the owner of the shoes he's hired to fill than was the case with 'Jugulator'. I'm not even sure that it is the songwriting that hurts this album the most. Judas Priest always tried to be diverse. And during the '80's most fans accepted flirtations with more radio friendly songs, and even forgave attempts to modernize their sound ('Turbo'). But when they flirt with the flavor-of-the-day sounds, with industrial-style beats, samples and nu-metal quasi-rapping, they totally loose me. And what is up with the saxophone sounding keyboards in "Jekyll And Hyde"? I can't believe that this is the work of legendary keyboardist, Don Airey! Yes, the main problem here is the production. 'Demolition' is a dark and sinister album. There are no immediate "hit" songs here, and unfortunately we also get a lot of lackluster fillers, such as "Devil Digger" and "Bloodsuckers".

'Demolition' is probably the worst album to ever have the name Judas Priest printed on the cover. However, I got to admit that I don't find it to be all bad. There are some good songs here too. "Machine Man", "One On One" and the ballads, "Close To You" and "Lost And Found" are all great. It's just a shame that many potential classics are ruined by an out-of-character modern soundscape.

Killer tracks: Machine Man, One On One, Close To You, Lost And Found

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, after his successful stint with Halfords solo efforts. Once again he lets us know who is boss when it comes to producing classic metal in the new millennium. Roy 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'

Ti m "Ripper" Owens guest appearances:

Avantasia - 'The Wicked Symphony'

Related artists:

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