This album is the second time Tim Owens appears in Judas Priest. This is the last album he created, because Rob Halford returned to the band and took his place. Overall, I think this album is one of Priest’s top albums (With Painkiller being the best). Some songs seem like fillers, but overall, the drumming, guitars, and singing create a well rounded album.
Following the Jugulator, which was not as successful as other albums, Priest was looking for a way to create another “Painkiller”. You can see by the song Machine Man, but I’ll review each song in a second.
The typical stereotype of this album is usually:
“Oh, it’s not Halford, therefore, its garbage.”
“Another Jugulator? Screw this.”
“Tim Owens? Oh God not again”
“They were washed up after Painkiller, don’t buy this album”
Let me tell you, this album is good. I’ve played probably half of these songs on my drums, including Machine Man, and it is quite a blast. Scott Travis still has his amazing drum technique, Glenn and KK still can work masterpieces, and Tim Owens can hit those high notes like no other. I can not understand how this album is hated more then the Jugulator, its quite heavy, and has some heart touching tracks.
Review:
Machine Man – 5/5: I love the intro. The overall riffs are great, and the song has an onslaught feeling behind it. Of course, when the guitarists write it, you get uninspired music. I wish Glenn wrote like he did on the Baptizm Of Fire, nonetheless, this song still is good lyrically. This is probably the best song on the album.
One On One – 4/5: Catchy lyrics and riffs, I love playing this when I’m getting pumped up for events. This is probably Downing and Tipton’s best creation on this album.
Hell Is Home – 3.5/5: I like this song because of the acousticness of it. It’s a lot calmer then the previous two tracks. I liked it at first, but it grew off of me overtime.
Jekyll And Hyde – 3/5: Heavy and fast, but not up to par as they could have been. It’s worth looking at though…
Close To You – 4/5: At first this song annoyed me, but analyzing it further, it soothingly is touching. I was contemplating on putting it on my MP3 player, but held off.
Devil Digger – 2.5/5: They tried. This song isn’t bad, but became tedious, quick.
Bloodsuckers – 3/5: Took a while to get into, but once this song got going, it got better.
In Between – 2/5: A soft/metal hybrid. Does not mix well, and changes too much. It almost sounds emo as it goes from calm to heavy (lol).
Feed On Me – 2.5/5: Decent drumming, though I personally do not like it.
Subterfuge – 4/5: I learned a new word. Great song
Lost And Found – 5/5: Great soft song. Worth getting
Cyberface – 2/5: Well this song is definitely annoying. I got mad at it after the 3rd time I listened to it. Oh well…
Metal Messiah – 4/5: Great ending song. Love the theme.
