Review Summary: A Screaming Metal Monster
From the beginning drum solo on the title cut, to the last chorus on "One shot at glory", this is one of the best metal albums not just in the Judas Priest catalog but in the entire metal world. They lost their edge around the heavily overrated "British Steel" and didn't get it back until "Painkiller". Sure "Screaming For Vengeance" and "Defenders Of The Faith" were pretty good, but they don't compare to the thrash based "Painkiller". Judas Priest were in a tough position in the last years of the 80's. With 2 horrendous albums that have just been released by the band ("Turbo" and "Ram it Down"), Judas Priest had to think of something good to give them back their title as Metal Gods. With new drummer on board in the name of Scott Travis, Rob Halford and the boys went back into the studio and recorded some of their most mean, heavy, fast, and in your face songs. The 2 Axe men, Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, pulled off some of their most technical and melodic solos on here, and have never sounded better. Ian Hill plays his bass better than anyone, and is easily as good as Steve Harris from Iron Maiden. Scott Travis uses his double bass pedals and creates a fast pace atmostphere. But the most important "feature" on this album is the return of the high pitched screaming Rob Halford. He pulls off some of his best shrieks on this album. I've never heard him sound this good since Sad Wings Of Destiny. Unfortunately Halford left the band because of the internal conflicts with the band and created his very succesful solo project, "Halford". Luckily for us though, he returned in 2005 and he did lead vocals on Judas Priest's latest CD "Angel of Retribution" (get it!). But I'm not going to write about another CD here. If i haven't convinced you into buying this album yet, read on about the track by track reviews.
Painkiller:10/10
Like i said in the intro paragraph, Scott Travis creates a fast pace atmosphere. You wil be able to find this here. The guitar work on this song is mind blowing and the last scream at the end of the song made by Rob Halford speaks to my heart. "PAAAAIIIN!!!!!!!! PAIN!". Gotta love it.
Hell Patrol:10/10
Many people think this is a filler track, but i must disagree. Again the guitars are in work here and the chorus is very addictive.
All Guns Blazing:9/10
This song is a bit un memorable because of the amazing tracks surrounding it.
Leather Rebel:10/10
The solo on this song is incredible. my spine tingles when i listen to this chorus.
Metal Meltdown:10/10
This is one of my few guilty pleasures. Sure, the lyrics are very cheesy but the chorus is head bangable and i love singing along.
NightCrawler:9/10
Similar to All Guns Blazing but has a bit of a ballad type sound mixed in with it.
Between the hammer and the anvil:9/10
A very heavy song. Although its heavy (and i love heavy), this isn't one of my personal favs. Not that great really.
A Touch of Evil:10/10
This song may not be fast but it has a heavy ass riff accompanied by Halfords Haunting vocals.
Battle Hymm/One shot at glory:9/10
The album ender begins with a 50 second instrumental which opens up to "One Shot at Glory". I love this song. Even though its over 5 and a half minutes i still get pumped up and inspired whenever i listen to it.
Thus ends one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time. Like I said in the title this album is a "screaming metal monster". Everything about this album is perfect. I advise this for any die hard priest fans or even any rock fans. This album has been as influential to me as "Number of the beast", "Diary of a Madman", and "Rust in peace". Highly Recomended
A Touch of Evil
