In 1987, Judas Priest released
Priest...Live!, their first album since Stained Class to not go gold. Judas Priest then released
Ram it Down in 1988 which was a more raw and metal album and Dave Holland was replaced by Scott Travis. A lot had changed in the Judas Priest camp and it shows on this album. This album is far more raw and energetic than anything Priest had ever released.
I only got this album recently but it is already my favourite Priest album. The reason for buying this is because I had heard
All guns Blazing and it had blown me away. I have never heard anyone who can quite scream like Rob on this track and unlike the majority of other songs by them it actually has very good lyrics. It is a brilliant song but it was the solo which was the selling point. Absolutely mind blowing.
I got home and instantly put the CD into my CD player.
Painkiller started with its very catchy drum intro and fantastic guitaring all the way through. Unfortunately, this song has some terrible lyrics like "Faster than a lazer bullet" but still remains a classic. Then it is time for
Hell Patrol which is less impressive but just as good as
Painkiller. I have already commented on the third track,
All Guns Blazing , and then it is on to
Leather Rebel. This song has some far calmer and less high pitched vocals but has some fantastic effects in it.
Metal Meltdown has one of the most amazing guitar intros ever made and has fantastic riffs all the way through it and is one of my favourite Priest songs.
Night Crawler is probably the worst on the entire album because of the lack of originality.
Between the Hammer & The Anvil is the heaviest and darkest song on the album and a fantastic solo. I love it. One of the best songs on the album.
A touch of Evil is probably my favourite Priest song of all time. Everything in it fits perfectly and it just works fantastically.
Battle Hymn has some very impressive guitar work but lacks structure and interest.
One Shot at Glory is the only slow song on the entire album and is a brilliant way to close this album.
In conclusion it is ten songs of pure genius. :)
