Yeah, that's well written, really great album (maybe topped much later by Painkiller). Regarding Cannibal Corpse lyrics - they're certainly not realistic and not even gruesome imo, just inconsistent gore-drivel tbh .

Written by Cryzpin on 01.02.2012 at 21:44

Yeah, that's well written, really great album (maybe topped much later by Painkiller). Regarding Cannibal Corpse lyrics - they're certainly not realistic and not even gruesome imo, just inconsistent gore-drivel tbh .

What I meant is, the Priest lyrics aren't as morbidly detailed. There's a big difference between "I smile when I'm sneaking through shadows by the wall/I laugh when I'm creeping, but you won't here me at all" of The Ripper and "Soon your life will end/I'll see you die at my feet, eternally I smash your face/Facial bones collapse as I crack your skull in half" of Hammer Smashed Face.

Written by Auntie Sahar on 01.02.2012 at 21:54

What I meant is, the Priest lyrics aren't as morbidly detailed. There's a big difference between "I smile when I'm sneaking through shadows by the wall/I laugh when I'm creeping, but you won't here me at all" of The Ripper and "Soon your life will end/I'll see you die at my feet, eternally I smash your face/Facial bones collapse as I crack your skull in half" of Hammer Smashed Face.

Exactly. I just wanted to stress how much better are JP's lyrics in comparisson to those of CC, not only different, from my point of view.

This is my favourite Priest album for sure, and Tyrant my favourite Priest track. This is a really good review too, very informative. I had no idea this particular album was so important for the NWOBHM. Might have to read up on my metal history some more.

This is among my ten favourite metal albums of all time.It is a historic album!

I think this album shows Priest finding their direction. Their first album (Rocka Rolla) had some good moments but seemed to lack direction. IMO this album was the beginning of Priest's peak years. BTW I still find Halford's abilities to be impressive, think there is too much criticism of older vocalists for not being as good as they were when they were young. I think people should concentrate on how impressive many of them still are instead of criticizing them for not being able to sing like they did 30 or 40 years ago. Rob Halford at 75 or even 50 percent of what he used to be still makes for a better vocalist than most bands have.

Written by Cryzpin on 01.02.2012 at 21:44

Yeah, that's well written, really great album (maybe topped much later by Painkiller)

Topped by Painkiller? Hardly. For me Painkiller got old fast. Sad wings... is timeless.

Written by LWR88 on 13.02.2012 at 07:25

I still find Halford's abilities to be impressive, think there is too much criticism of older vocalists for not being as good as they were when they were young. I think people should concentrate on how impressive many of them still are instead of criticizing them for not being able to sing like they did 30 or 40 years ago. Rob Halford at 75 or even 50 percent of what he used to be still makes for a better vocalist than most bands have.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Written by [user id=17278] on 13.02.2012 at 08:06

Topped by Painkiller? Hardly. For me Painkiller got old fast. Sad wings... is timeless.

Hardly...but still I mean, both albums being near-perfect, i miss rampancy and energy of Painkiller a little bit here.

Written by Cryzpin on 13.02.2012 at 18:28

Written by [user id=17278] on 13.02.2012 at 08:06

Topped by Painkiller? Hardly. For me Painkiller got old fast. Sad wings... is timeless.

Hardly...but still I mean, both albums being near-perfect, i miss rampancy and energy of Painkiller a little bit here.

for 1976, it was full of energy; and the album still stands the test of time.

Written by [user id=17278] on 14.02.2012 at 00:36

for 1976, it was full of energy; and the album still stands the test of time.

It indeed does, whereas Painkiller doesn't. That one clearly sounds as a product of its time.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 14.02.2012 at 07:36

It indeed does, whereas Painkiller doesn't. That one clearly sounds as a product of its time.

"To stand the test of time" or "to be a product of its time" - now these categories are abstract/ambiguous enough to stop any arguments, aren't they?
Anyway i guess not everybody tends to appreciate album with regards to their "time".

Written by Cryzpin on 14.02.2012 at 10:36

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 14.02.2012 at 07:36

It indeed does, whereas Painkiller doesn't. That one clearly sounds as a product of its time.

"To stand the test of time" or "to be a product of its time" - now these categories are abstract/ambiguous enough to stop any arguments, aren't they?
Anyway i guess not everybody tends to appreciate album with regards to their "time".

no one wants to to stop any arguments. Mentioning Painkiller here was like opening Pandora's box and guys like me bitching come out. Why do people have to compare every single JP release to Painkiller. It happens way too often and I for one am losing patience and I apologize.

Painkiller has always been an overhyped album since day one. I'm surely glad people like it and every new generation discovers and enjoys it but the downfall to all this situation is that all the praising has become somewhat exaggerated IMO.

Great review - brilliantly written - I really enjoyed reading it. I agree with all the points you make about this seminal album.

Written by [user id=17278] on 13.02.2012 at 08:06

Written by Cryzpin on 01.02.2012 at 21:44

Yeah, that's well written, really great album (maybe topped much later by Painkiller)

Topped by Painkiller? Hardly. For me Painkiller got old fast. Sad wings... is timeless.

Absolutely, right.
almost 37 years later and this is still Judas Priest's best album by miles.
The vocals are more varied than on any other release and the song writing is way more intricate too. This is toally Priest's most accomplished album. Unlike Painkiller which is very sstraight forward and has cringe worthy lyrics. Somehow here Rob could still write proper lyrics unlike later on in Priest's career

Have you seen the old footage of them playing "Dreamer Deceiver" on The Old Grey Whistle Test? They look like a bunch of hippies, with Halford seemingly trying to look like Robert Plant. It was before the shocking leather and studs look that they ended up with. I think they made some brilliant albums after this but certainly this is my favourite Judas Priest album and so I think it is their best as well.

Not their best one, but still, a very enjoyable and solid record.

"Victim Of Changes" is an amazing song.