Album Review-Judas Priest: Turbo 30th Anniversary

Happy New Years everybody! We made it to 2017 and I gotta say, there is a lot to be excited about this year. With new music slowly but surely sprouting up, it definitely is looking to be a good one. However, I am starting this year of with a review of an album that is thirty years old. Yes like when I first began almost three years ago, I am going back to an album that I want to put my two cents in for and also it is having a 30^th anniversary edition released this year as well. The album of course in question Judas Priests “Turbo” which was released on April 14^th, 1986(not quite hitting the mark but close enough). Now a lot of people I know absolutely loath this album and others say it it is their favorite Priest album. I am going to dig into this new three disc edition and tell you if the album still is worth a listen and if the extra goodies really make it worth while.

Part 1: Turbo (official album: disc 1)

1.Turbo Lover- First off, the title track on the album today is still the most popular song and is the one that turned a lot of people off for one main reason: The major emphasis on guitar effects, mainly synthesizers. While yes there are synths used clearly here, I like how they are done in conjunction with Glenn's wickedly flanged out guitar tones. I think it adds a nice layer of musicianship and creativity. Not to mention, the build up and chorus are insanely catchy and just explode with its extreme gleaming 80's feel. This seems to be the only song that still makes it into their live set today but played without any flanger or synths(sad yes) but still does very well as a live song and is a very well written 80's heavy metal song even if it isn't quite as “heavy”.

2.Locked In- I always liked the riffs on this song and always found it to be one of the most catchy tunes on the album as well. It does kind of make Priest sound pop-ish however it still works especially when the razor sharp solo comes in with Glenn and KK having more distinctive sounds to their solo's especially on this album. It is a lot softer than say “screaming for vengeance” but the hooks are their and the super sharp production that I love from this era of the band.

3.Private Property- Glenn uses more more synth effects here as well and pulls of the hookiness of the song as well. I always love to blast this song when driving in the summer, its just one of those catchy tunes with an insanely big chorus as well. The solo has a bit more of a hard rock feel to it but overall this is one of those tunes I want to see make it back into their live set.

4.Parental Guidance- This song is borderline glam metal but still has that Priest edge to it and serves as a big F-U to the PMRC as well even though it kind of sticks to the “young forever” stigma a lot of bands were using at the time. Another tune with very catchy hooks and catches the band in an interesting period.

5.Rock You All Around The World- This is probably the fastest song on the album with that ripneck soloing we all know and love with really big hooks and possibly the best chorus on the whole album. This is easily in my top three tracks on the album for just how big it sounds alone. Another one I want to come back because I believe it would gel well with their earlier material as well as their newer stuff after this period.

6.Out In The Cold- This would be considered the ballad on the album and is a really epic song in my opinion. The synth composition at the beginning is really atmospheric and cool (coming from someone who thoroughly enjoys synth based music as well). It is a song that stays very mid paced throughout but that pace is done very well. One of the best Priest songs of the 80's bar none.

7.Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days- This song literally feels like a Poison song if it werent for Halfords voice. I dig the vocals in the verses and the bridge to the chorus but when that chorus hits it kind of falls flat to me. It just doesn't have as much of the creative flow I felt the other six songs really had. Still not a bad tune but not the best on the album.

8.Hot For Love-This song has more that speed metal influence to it but with that somewhat commercial flare to it. I still love the riffs and the really frantic synths at the beginning. The rhythm section just has that signature Judas Priest kind of bounce to it and is a great song to rediscover from this remaster.

9.Reckless- My favorite song on the album and one of their most underrated tunes of all time. The main riff is so damn infectious and the verses are written for being in a live set I swear. It is a great finisher to the album and I really hope they pull this out for the next tour it is just that good of an 80s heavy metal song.

Part 2: Judas Priest Live In Kansas City(disc 2)

Now for this live show, I am not going to look at each individual track but an overall presentation of how it sounds and the overall setlist as well. When I first saw this I was a bit skeptical because we already had “Priest...Live!” from this tour and I was worried that this show would just be a watered down version of the official live album from that tour. The production I have to say was a bit more on a bootleg-ish side with less bass output it felt like. However it was clear enough to not be a bootleg. “Out In The Cold” still has enough punch as the opener for the show and still has the energy we have seen from other live versions. This second disc I think holds the real meat of this package because it has more of the live tracks from “Turbo”. Some songs like Metal Gods felt a bit lacking in the mix but songs like Love Bites I really enjoy the more trebled versions of. I also like that on this show I can hear Glenn fiddling with his synth effects more and Desert Plains is also a really nice addition as well. I think this disc captures these songs in their live atmosphere very well and feels honestly more like you are at the show or listening on the radio more than say “Priest..Live” does.

Part 3:Judas Priest Live In Kansas City(disc 3)

This disc includes the last half of the Kansas City show and includes more older Priest tunes that we know and love. I really dig this version of “Electric Eye” I don't know why but it just is a really solid version of the song. I really dig this version of Turbo too because I really like the effects used live, it adds some really cool flair. The rest of the album is standard Priest fair but I honestly think this is the band in their prime in terms of energy and capabilities. Freewheel burning is a real treat and ending with an extremely energetic version of “Hell Bent For Leather” is awesome as well. Overall a solid disc to complete the live package even though it is sort of something we have heard before.

Overall, I give the album a solid 8 out of 10. The album I still think holds up with catchy hooks, good riffs and a very satisfying production that always makes me gush. Being someone that just loves the 80's, this album is a direct product of that time. It has the energy and the creativity that makes it stand out I think. It isn't for everyone I will admit because in 1986, we had bands become heavier and faster while the older guard was acting more experimental but still retained their main image, just with more 80's flair to it. This is an album that isn't as heavy as Defenders or Screaming, but it has enough substance to it to make it an at least enjoyable album to listen ot and captures Judas Priest in an interesting creative time in their history.

But what about the package overall? Does this 30^th anniversary edition really satisfy what it really was suppose to achieve? In a way yes. It gave us the album(obviously) and a live show that captured Priest on that tour. It is a simple package but works and serves as a susceptible companion to the Defenders Of The Faith 30^th anniversary edition. I only wish that they included the Dallas show on blu Ray or dvd which would have been awesome to see. Also, if you already have the early 2000's remaster and “Priest...Live!” then this version may just be something to gloss over. However, if you are like me and you go crazy for anything Judas Priest, then pick it up because more Judas Priest is never ever a bad thing and with the band working on a new album we can only hope they dig out some rarities from this album to resurrect on tour.

Album Review- Judas Priest: Redeemer Of Souls

Redeemer Of Souls is the 17th studio album by British Heavy Metal band Judas Priest and was released on July 8th 2014. Ok.... FINALLY!!!! looking back from last year i am very grateful to have witnessed a Black Sabbath album in my time and now im happy that i get to witness my first Judas Priest album. Granted, Nostradamus came out in 2008 when i was starting freshman year of high school, however, i was not a music freak as i am now. Ever since i heard the title track i knew i had to have more. Now before i get to the actual review of the musical content, i want to go over the packaging. Now i dont normally do this with alot of albums but this one is just unique to me. When i received my deluxe edition in the mail the day it came out, i was shocked to see that the whole album was made holographic which just made me amped to listen to the album. I like the short paragraph that they wrote about the "Redeemer Of Souls" character like they did with albums Screaming For Vengeance and Defenders Of The Faith (which is my favorite Priest album). I could tell that they really captured that classic 80s vibe with this album even with new guitarist Ritchie Faulkner, i was still excited to see what they could bring to the table. However, since it is my most anticipated release for 2014, does it even hold up to their classic albums or even their most recent releases?

Track Rundown

1. Dragonaut- Starting off with what Guitarist Glenn Tipton describes as a " Fucking Clap of Thunder", The track leads into a cool heavy riff with the whole band firing on all cylinders. When Robs vocals come in singing "Welcome to my world of steel/master of my domain" I cant help but head bang my ass off. the pre chorus and chorus are more than worthy of a Priest opener. Ritchie and Glenn really blend with their tones. Ian Hill is really audible on this album as well which i like it adds more bump to it. Near perfect opener and just makes me go crazy for whats up next.

2. Redeemer Of Souls- The first single off the record, and the one that got me pumped for the album. The pure 80s guitar tone is what makes priest i think and this track has plenty of it and Robs epic vocals make the track even more enjoyable. The chorus is really fist pumping and i even hear faint synthesizers in the song which i feel was a bold move. It is a more simple track but i feel it to be really enjoyable.

3.Halls Of Valhalla- Wow just wow. The epic riffs a just ooze out of this one. i absolutely lose my mind at the beginning when Rob screams "VALHALLLLAAAAAA!!!!" and it kicks into a solo. I believe Ritchie solos here and i think its good i cant tell the solos apart because he meshes so well with a band this far into their career. The chorus is really strong as well and anyone that says Rob cant scream anymore. He does it all through this track and the scream before the main solo is just so amazing. This is like the new Sentinel and my favorite track on the album.

4.Sword of Damocles- An equally epic track, this one has more of a prog feel with it and even i think has a tinge of sad wings era Priest to it. I really think this would work as a live track and Scott Travis' drumming really shines here as well. Another home run for me. Robs lyrical content here is nothing short of an epic feel to them. Pure traditional heavy metal here.

5.March Of The Damned- The new Metal Gods. This song is. Like Redeemer Of Souls, a more simple Priest song but nothing short of being Badass. Rob does peel back a bit here but i think it works for this kind of track. It even has the loud marching sounds like Metal Gods did and even though this song is a bit more of a rip off than original, i still find it enjoyable and fits into what Priest was going for with this album.

6.Down In Flames- this track has a bit more of that "pop" flavor from Priest and honestly without changing anything, i would throw this on Defenders along with songs like Rock Hard, Ride Free and JawBreaker. I find the chorus really infectious too this one is definitely one of my favorites.

7.Hell & Back- This song starts with the first acoustic guitars we hear on the album but quickly turns into another 80s sounding Priest track. I think they really captured their British Steel-Turbo era brilliantly on this record. This is a more mid paced song and not one of my favorites but its still pretty good.

8.Cold Blooded- This sounds like a song that could be on Turbo (an album that i actually didn't mind) or even an album like British Steel with the end being heavy but not too heavy. This song has a more ballad tone to it but its a nice change up but keeps it consistent with some nice riffs and a pretty good solo.

9.Metalizer- Now stepping into Painkiller-esque territory, this song is really reminiscent with Metal Meltdown off that album in which rob sings in a robotic way during the chorus. I really like is kind of laid back scream in the mix in the beginning. It s a pretty good track definitely the most thrashiest so far.

10.Crossfire- This track is very unique as it centers around the blues with more groovy riffs than heaavy riffing. Its another one of my favorites and the beginning reminds me of the intro riff to Black Sabbaths I off of Dehumanizer. It even sounds like it has a Hendrix feel to it. Robs vocals are awesome too and its cool to hear him sing to a more bluesy hard rock song ever since Rocka Rolla came out. I feel they were channeling that album more here. Definitely a stand out track.

11.Secrets of the Dead- I like how this one opens with the echoing guitars it really sets the mood. This one harkens a bit back with Halls of Valhalla with more epic riffs on it however its got more chugging going on than a full blast metal song. It reminds me of something off of Ram It Down like a Blood Red Skies kind of song with less synths laid over it. It's still pretty good. there are some interesting guitar synthesizers over the solo which i thing adds another layer of character to this track.


12.Battle Cry- While its still a good song, It sounds like the most traditional priest song you can get which is never a bad thing. I really like, the intro to this song and it fits the mood very perfectly and the fast riffing is really catchy and the chorus is actually quite strong with Robs vocals escalating to a steady wail at the end. This song would work very well live and is just an anthemic tune for hard rock and heavy metal fans.

13.Beginning of the End- This is a very 70s Priest sounding acoustic song at least to me. It really ends the album on a really beautiful yet very depressing note. Rob voice still is just as powerful as ever especially during the chorus. Its also possibly a telling of the future of one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time. well...lets hope not.

Normally, i would end here, but im going to include the bonus tracks. why? cause i can!

Bonus Tracks

1.SnakeBite- Right away, this track just sounds like pure 80s Judas Priest. I could throw this on Screaming For Vengeance and couldnt tell that it was from an album 30 years later. I would throw this on the original record because its one of my favorite songs in both discs. I even like the backround vocals which reminds me of Devils Child alot. Also, i shouldve mentioned this before but i can hardly tell that KK is missing even though Ritchie has a more somber guitar tone in his solos he still works very well.

2. Tears Of Blood- Another song you could throw on one their old records and it reminds me alot of the Sentinel again but also with a style all its own. Another pure classic sounding Priest track.

3.Creatures-I like the riff here but it is a bit less developed than their other tracks. it sounds more like a jam they were working on. Its not bad but but again its not the greatest.

4.Bring It On- This starts out really fist pumping and with a pretty good riff and sounds like a more radio friendly song off Defenders which i could do with. I feel alot of Defenders Of The Faith on alot of the songs on these to discs which is a very good thing for me at least

5.Never Forget- This song reminds me alot of a more rare Priest song which is Last Rose Of Summer off of Sin After Sin (Check out that review) and its another beautiful song that i really admire to end both discs. The guitars sound really beautiful here too.

Overall, I give this album a 9.5 of a 10. Hands down this record is my top of the year. Alot of people will probably give me shit about giving not alot of "negative" comments here but listen i review things i either really like or dont understand why people like it. This album just shows Priest going over their whole discography and writing songs from each era. sure they didnt rewrite anything in Metal but they dont need to since they have multiple times. Im also happy they didnt just stick to the Painkiller sound there is much more to them. id even put this in my top 5 Priest albums as well. However, i do think hands down this is their best release since Painkiller and i may not get to see them this year (damn venues 21 and up) but i will bask in this fresh slab of classic heavy metal over and over again.

Album Review- Judas Priest: Sin After Sin

Sin After Sin is the third album by Heavy Metal band Judas Priest ans was released in 1977. What really intrigued me most about this album was how heavy it was for its time and is quite underrated as well. I lately have been on a Priest splurge and after a horrifying day i thought it would be an album i would be interested in reviewing so lets start.

Track Rundown

1.Sinner: This song is very reminiscent with Victim Of Changes with its composure with the slow part in the middle but i really like the guitar sound here too and the solos are pretty memorable and Halfords vocals are as strong as ever and make the chorus really shine here. a great opener and an immediate classic.

2.Diamonds and Rust- This is a pretty good cover of the Joan Baez song but the album version doesn't beat the power of the live version off of Unleashed In the East this one is a bit tamer but still very good.

3.Starbreaker- My all time favorite Priest song just the riffs and vocals on this song are so heavy and the solo tradeoffs are just gold and the harmonizing solo is just enough to make your eardrums explode even Arch Enemy covered it!!!! just perfection right here.

4.The Last Rose of Summer- a much more tame and ballad worthy track Robs vocals are very nice to hear its a nice change of pace but not very memorable.

5.Let Us Prey/Call For the Priest- the song sounds like something off UFOs Obsession but actually sounds heavier after the intro it could be a song on Stained Glass or Hell Bent For Leather it is that heavy very reminiscent of Exciter but has a softer middle spot with some thundering drum beats which is interesting to me i like it alot.

6.Raw Deal- This tracks riff is pretty bluesy sounding and has a good rhythm to it and Rob Halfords vocals get pretty high during the chorus which has an interesting sound with this kind of song an ok track but nothing amazing.

7.Here Comes The Tears- This song sounds like it would be on Rocka Rolla it is very ballady sounding with some piano even thrown in its alot better than the previous one with more composure to it the chorus is pretty heavy it reminds me of Deep Purples Child In Time its pretty good.

8.Dissident Aggressor- arguably one of the heaviest Judas Priest songs ever recorded the riff from KK Downing and Glenn Tipton with the double bass drums is so awesome this song is one to really bang your head to and the fact that Slayer covered it on South Of Heaven is even cooler. A real highlight on this album and a perfect closer to the original album.

9(Bonus Track)Race With the Devil- This song should have been on the original pressing its really infectious its like Priests own Doctor Doctor really solid bonus track.

Overall i give the album a 8.5 out of 10. Its definitely a great album but after the next few albums you could see Priest were still maturing at this point with power escalating to each album but this is still an underrated classic.