After a very lackluster 80's they finally released a consistent album focusing on speed and heavyness. And this time as well with a excellent drummer. Feels like a meaner follow up to Thundersteel and Privilege of Power by Riot. Really good stuff all around!

Sadly we never got to hear what a follow up to this album would have sounded like.

Not even best Judas Priest.

I rarely listen to this, I guess I overplayed it back in the day. But them again I can say the same about other Priest albums... they still get more listens than Painkiller.

I've never shared the enthusiasm that surrounds this album although I do understand it.
70s Priest has remained my favorite since first listen.

Written by John_Doe on 28.09.2020 at 14:09

I rarely listen to this, I guess I overplayed it back in the day. But them again I can say the same about other Priest albums... they still get more listens than Painkiller.

I've never shared the enthusiasm that surrounds this album although I do understand it.
70s Priest has remained my favorite since first listen.

Take some time off,; I was in this position, too much listens, the perception gets skewed, it's great an album but too much is too much, give it some rest. I would say it's best since Sad Wings

Written by JOPE OF STEELE on 31.10.2020 at 00:39

Written by John_Doe on 28.09.2020 at 14:09

I rarely listen to this, I guess I overplayed it back in the day. But them again I can say the same about other Priest albums... they still get more listens than Painkiller.

I've never shared the enthusiasm that surrounds this album although I do understand it.
70s Priest has remained my favorite since first listen.

Take some time off,; I was in this position, too much listens, the perception gets skewed, it's great an album but too much is too much, give it some rest. I would say it's second best since Sad Wings

WTF?! are you stalking me now , it's the third time you quote me in the last few days.
Give it a rest...

Written by John_Doe on 31.10.2020 at 00:42

Written by JOPE OF STEELE on 31.10.2020 at 00:39

Written by John_Doe on 28.09.2020 at 14:09

I rarely listen to this, I guess I overplayed it back in the day. But them again I can say the same about other Priest albums... they still get more listens than Painkiller.

I've never shared the enthusiasm that surrounds this album although I do understand it.
70s Priest has remained my favorite since first listen.

Take some time off,; I was in this position, too much listens, the perception gets skewed, it's great an album but too much is too much, give it some rest. I would say it's second best since Sad Wings

WTF?! are you stalking me now , it's the third time you quote me in the last few days.
Give it a rest...

Nope, this is one of the most popular metal albums ever and your comment is the most recent one so... no stalkin

Judas Priest --> Night Crawler
Jope of Steele --> Night Stalker

One of the most killer heavy metal album I've heard really. I remember when I was in upper secondary school and a lot of people were into this album and Judas Priest, and I was totally supporting their venture in further to metal -- I had of course, as true metaller of steele, heard the album already a couple of years ago -- encouraging people to listen to this music.

Whatever the result, I think the album is a masterpiece; I did kind of over-listen it in my early days and became indifferent towards it. But after some time the album sounds kicking ass as ever. I think all of the songs are essential and I do have some preferences as I've always been fond of the songs "Between The Hammer & The Anvil" and "One Shot At Glory", the whole album seems very consistent in quality. I can't but say that this is a return to form after Sad Wings of Destiny.

Written by JOPE OF STEELE on 31.10.2020 at 01:26

I've always been fond of the songs "Between The Hammer & The Anvil" and "One Shot At Glory"

I also mentioned this in the comment section of the article I wrote: have you noticed how these two songs share a very similar riff? "One Shot At Glory" is just slower. I love both tracks of course.

Written by nikarg on 31.10.2020 at 01:25

Judas Priest --> Night Crawler
Jope of Steele --> Night Stalker

Jope Stalker --> Night of Priest
Jope + Priest = Night of Stalking , according to John Doe logic, that is

Written by nikarg on 31.10.2020 at 01:31

Written by JOPE OF STEELE on 31.10.2020 at 01:26

I've always been fond of the songs "Between The Hammer & The Anvil" and "One Shot At Glory"

I also mentioned this in the comment section of the article I wrote: have you noticed how these two songs share a very similar riff? "One Shot At Glory" is just slower. I love both tracks of course.

Nope and probably never would unless somebody (you) pointed it out or maybe if I would hear both of the songs played simultaneously and synced so that the riffs play at the same time. I prefer not to be too analytical about it though; I mainly just wanna listen to music and I rarely even think anything about it, most of the thinking happens so that I can write or say something about the albums. I do enjoy these riffs immensely and maybe there is indeed some similarity taking place that makes me prefer these songs, but as I'm not really a reductionist, I am holistic thinker, so I can only safely say that both of the songs are just damn good heavy metal in their entirety

I have no words to describe this incredible album

Written by JOPE OF STEELE on 31.10.2020 at 01:34

Written by nikarg on 31.10.2020 at 01:25

Judas Priest --> Night Crawler
Jope of Steele --> Night Stalker

Jope Stalker --> Night of Priest
Jope + Priest = Night of Stalking , according to John Doe logic, that is

is that supposed to be an insult of some kind?

Written by John_Doe on 04.02.2021 at 10:14

Written by JOPE OF STEELE on 31.10.2020 at 01:34

Jope Stalker --> Night of Priest
Jope + Priest = Night of Stalking , according to John Doe logic, that is

is that supposed to be an insult of some kind?

Negatory. I tried to continue from what nikarg was doing and convey the message that I wasn't indeed Night Stalking. I may fail at it, but I try to make some jokes here when I can instead of writing something to be taken offense from

8.6 / 10

Just EPIC !

The song Painkiller would be a beast of a song to start off any album with, it's possibly the heaviest and fastest song in heavy metal, and the rest of the songs here follow with such a high level of energy, keeping the fast pace, and making the album consistent.

Leather Rebal, Night Crawler and One Shot At Glory are almost as good as the opener IMO, and I really am struggling to find a single song I dislike, so perfect 10 for me.

Probably alone on this one, but after 4 years of trying to get into it, I still find it immensely boring

The only problem I have with it is that there's no "breather" like a slower mellower song to tone it down from the ultra fast tempo and screams of other songs so I get it that some people might think it's boring and all the songs are the same ( not to me obviously )
it's also probably my introduction to metal
masterpiece classic album

Written by Roman Doez on 13.05.2021 at 22:08

Probably alone on this one, but after 4 years of trying to get into it, I still find it immensely boring

I just checked your albums votes. It seems we can agree that Crimson, Storm of the Light's Bane, and Rust in Peace are awesome. But I find it interesting that you hate Judas Priest and Dio (those two I especially love because they were my introduction to metal ). Also, I would give Death's Symbolic and Megadeth's Peace Sells more love. Haha - it's funny how opinions can be so different. Why do you find Painkiller boring ? - I find it the opposite! (I suppose you might not like it because it's constantly fast and intense. That's the reason why I don't like Reign in Blood, for example. But Painkiller I find more nuanced, and, well, amazing in every way.) I'd be interested to hear your reasoning!

Written by JOPE OF STEELE on 31.10.2020 at 01:26

One of the most killer heavy metal album I've heard really. I remember when I was in upper secondary school and a lot of people were into this album and Judas Priest, and I was totally supporting their venture in further to metal -- I had of course, as true metaller of steele, heard the album already a couple of years ago -- encouraging people to listen to this music.

Whatever the result, I think the album is a masterpiece; I did kind of over-listen it in my early days and became indifferent towards it. But after some time the album sounds kicking ass as ever. I think all of the songs are essential and I do have some preferences as I've always been fond of the songs "Between The Hammer & The Anvil" and "One Shot At Glory", the whole album seems very consistent in quality. I can't but say that this is a return to form after Sad Wings of Destiny.

I agree! This album is heavy metal perfection - every song is a 10/10 with everything you could hope for: extremely impressive vocals from Halford; KK and Tipton with their classic dual attack creating some of the most badass riffs and most melodic solos ever; along with Travis Scott's insane drumming... this is why it's my favorite metal album of all time! "Cant stop the Painkiller!"

Written by Mehrad on 26.05.2021 at 13:38

The only problem I have with it is that there's no "breather" like a slower mellower song to tone it down from the ultra fast tempo and screams of other songs so I get it that some people might think it's boring and all the songs are the same ( not to me obviously )
it's also probably my introduction to metal
masterpiece classic album

That's a good point. Usually I prefer albums that have a balance of faster and slower parts. The only exceptions for me are: Painkiller and Rust in Peace (although one could argue that the intro to Five Magics and Dawn Patrol are the slow parts)

Written by F3ynman on 23.06.2021 at 08:10

I just checked your albums votes. It seems we can agree that Crimson, Storm of the Light's Bane, and Rust in Peace are awesome. But I find it interesting that you hate Judas Priest and Dio (those two I especially love because they were my introduction to metal ). Also, I would give Death's Symbolic and Megadeth's Peace Sells more love. Haha - it's funny how opinions can be so different. Why do you find Painkiller boring ? - I find it the opposite! (I suppose you might not like it because it's constantly fast and intense. That's the reason why I don't like Reign in Blood, for example. But Painkiller I find more nuanced, and, well, amazing in every way.) I'd be interested to hear your reasoning!

I think you misinterpreted some of my ratings, 6/10 is still a good grade in my books ! I enjoy Dio's Holy Diver, just not enough to give it a better grade, by no means do I hate it !
I have some troubles with symbolic, I really don't like the vocals and I find the song to not be as interesting as the rest of Death's discography, in fact I only really like 4 or 5 out of the 9, but these songs I REALLY enjoy them which justifies not rating the album any lower.
Peace sells has some of the same problems for me, not enough interesting songs, but th eones I like I really like.
The reason why I find Painkiller boring is because the songs pretty much all sound the same to me, apart from the title track, and I don't find them interesting at all. In the end, I just don't really get any pleasure listening to this album, even to the point of being pretty painful. I have listened to a few other Judas Priest songs that aren't from this release and I found most of them pretty boring as well, so I'm more than likely never gonna check them out any further.
I see you like a lot of bands that I like too ! Bolt Thrower, Death, Dissection, Edge Of Sanity, we have a lot in common just as we have a lot of differences, I find that pretty neat !

Written by Roman Doez on 23.06.2021 at 14:57

The reason why I find Painkiller boring is because the songs pretty much all sound the same to me, apart from the title track, and I don't find them interesting at all. In the end, I just don't really get any pleasure listening to this album, even to the point of being pretty painful. I have listened to a few other Judas Priest songs that aren't from this release and I found most of them pretty boring as well, so I'm more than likely never gonna check them out any further.
I see you like a lot of bands that I like too ! Bolt Thrower, Death, Dissection, Edge Of Sanity, we have a lot in common just as we have a lot of differences, I find that pretty neat !

Yeah that is interesting. Since Judas Priest was my introduction to heavy metal, I'm probably biased in judging them... but I honestly can't find fault in them! Their songs are always catchy, the players are insanely talented, and Rob Halford's voice was so malleable in its prime (check out Dreamer Deceiver if you haven't already... his voice can go from super low to super high, and it always sounds effortless). Plus, they never get boring (in my opinion) because they have so much diversity throughout their discography. If you want slower songs, take Dreamer Deceiver, Beyond the Realms of Death, or Blood Red Skies. If you want fast epics, take Painkiller or The Sentinel. If you want catchy sing-alongs, take Living After Midnight, Breaking the Law, or Electric Eye! I respect your opinion, but I just love Judas Priest unconditionally!

Written by Roman Doez on 23.06.2021 at 14:57

I think you misinterpreted some of my ratings, 6/10 is still a good grade in my books ! I enjoy Dio's Holy Diver, just not enough to give it a better grade, by no means do I hate it !
I have some troubles with symbolic, I really don't like the vocals and I find the song to not be as interesting as the rest of Death's discography, in fact I only really like 4 or 5 out of the 9, but these songs I REALLY enjoy them which justifies not rating the album any lower.
Peace sells has some of the same problems for me, not enough interesting songs, but th eones I like I really like.

I think I know what you mean. I have the same issue with The Number of the Beast and Reign in Blood, for example. I really love some of the songs (Hallowed be thy name, children of the damned, Raining Blood). But the rest I don't find that good. It hurts giving the album a low score because it has like one masterpiece song, but all the rest are average or below average. However, I don't have this problem with Symbolic or Peace Sells. By those two, all of the songs are great (maybe except "I Ain't Superstitious", which is just average). Symbolic is the perfect balance between melodic and thrash elements, while Peace Sells has a dark but fun tone with the jazzy style mixed in with the thrash metal.
Which songs do you not like on Peace Sells?

Written by F3ynman on 23.06.2021 at 18:22

Which songs do you not like on Peace Sells?

I don't really dislike any song on Peace Sells, but I find Devils Island, Bad Omen and I Ain't Superstitious to be much less memorable than the rest. But now that I think of it, 7/10 might be a bit harsh, you made me reconsider my vote
And you didn't ask for Symbolic but I'm gonna answer anyways because why not, I find myself to not be particularly fond of the first 4 tracks. From 1000 Eyes onwards it's great but beforehand it's kinda eh for me, I never come back to these tracks

Best vocal performance ever, epic melodic speed metal, face melting pinch harmonics, machine drums, over the top lyrics, arguably best production and sound for it's time, masterclass in how to make a FUN, non pretentious metal album.

Written by WizardSlayer99 on 26.06.2021 at 20:37

Best vocal performance ever, epic melodic speed metal, face melting pinch harmonics, machine drums, over the top lyrics, arguably best production and sound for it's time, masterclass in how to make a FUN, non pretentious metal album.

Couldn't agree more! This album showed that Judas Priest are capable of balancing epic, heavy elements with their signature fun and catchy style!
By the way, I looked at your album votes - it seems we have a lot of interests in common. Check out my lists of favorite albums and songs - I think you'll appreciate my choices

Written by Roman Doez on 23.06.2021 at 18:44

Symbolic
I find myself to not be particularly fond of the first 4 tracks. From 1000 Eyes onwards it's great but beforehand it's kinda eh for me, I never come back to these tracks

Listening to Symbolic again, I had to think of your comment here. I agree that from 1000 Eyes onwards the songs are absolutely flawless, while for me Zero Tolerance is weaker. I do like the title track, Empty Words, and Sacred Serenity, but I'd also say that the second half of the album is definitely stronger
(Sorry for being kind of off topic - this thread is for Painkiller after all! )

I could never properly get into Judas Priest before hearing this album. I first heard British Steel, which was good but not the masterpiece Kerrang! magazine made it out to be IMO. Painkiller is a much better album and easily my favourite of theirs (although Defenders of the Faith is also fantastic!).

9.5/10 for me - 'Painkiller', 'All Guns Blazing' and 'Night Crawler' are the standout tracks. 'Hell Patrol', 'Metal Meltdown' and 'A Touch of Evil' are also all fantastic.

Written by nonZero on 15.03.2022 at 15:06

I first heard British Steel, which was good but not the masterpiece Kerrang! magazine made it out to be IMO.

That's what you get for taking the word of Kerrang!! Haha.