New Judas Priest CD

[Turdus]

I was on the fence about picking this one up, then did so yesterday. I've mentioned before that I saw them in '79 in a club. I was a huge fan until '81 or so.

My thoughts on the new album..... I must have matured more than I realize. I can no longer deal with the constant double kick drum. Halford still sounds great, with one song not even really sounding like him (#4). Overall, the songs are not what I expected from JP. In my opinion, this is certainly no "Stained Class", or "Hell Bent". I was expecting to be transported back to their glory days, but feel this one does not quite get you there.

What do other long time fans think of this one?

[BCR Greg]

The first song is the worst.

If they had started with the second tune, the album would have a different feel.

I had to listen to it a few times to really like it.

[formula73]

+1. I dig it a lot more now then when I bought it a month ago.

[will_rawlings]

My thoughs are it's a mix of some Painkiller, some Point of Entry, and maybe one song had a Rockarolla vibe to me. But it's no Killing Machine for sure !

[Bluesking]

I bought the new Priest the day it was released and made a concerted effort not to expect another Stained Class or Unleashed In The East. Frankly, I was prepared to accept a sub-par comeback disc just so I could catch the original Priest on tour. I was happily proved wrong by KK and company.

I've had it in my truck and portable CD player at the gym for several weeks and I have to say it kicks ass up one side and down the other. I've heard and read many comments comparing it to their classic albums of the past. My response:

Is it the greatest Priest album ever? No.

Is it on par with Screaming For Vengeance? No. (what is?)

Is it one of the best metal releases in the last 10 years? You bet your ass.

The album does have a few tracks that aren't as strong as the rest of the tunes and some of the lyrics are a bit hokey, but I really don't care. The riffs, majesty and power of one of the originators of metal is present throughout the disc. Priest has shown that time hasn't made them into old rockers who only show glimpses of their former greatness -they can still bring it.

Plus, when was the last time you could call a buddy and ask him if he's heard the new Priest record? Its been years since I had such anticipation with an upcoming release and I hope that some of the younger people latch onto it and go from there.

Can't wait for the tour to come around and hear the masters belt through the classics. The Green Manalishi is the best cover song ever.

P.S. Make all the jokes you want about Halford's lifestyle - he is THE voice of metal and the new album proves he can still wail like no other. I personally think he's got a lot of character to "come out" and be honest with the world. Metal fans aren't exactly the most forgiving or open minded people around, so Halford took a substantial risk that might have ended his career. I don't personally agree with his choices in life, but who gives a damn? He rocks and that's what matters.

[Stevieconlon]

+1. Agree it's good, kick-ass Priest, but not best.

[RobB]

Imagine if you were in a rock band that had been slugging it out, up and down, for 30+ years. THAT in itself is an accomplishment.

Why would any artist want to time-trip back to '79? That's what keeps music from evolving, the old-schoolers expecting a "return to form", or whatever. When Metallica got huge in '91, all the "true believers" dissed them because their moms and girlfriends liked the pretty ballads. This kind of selfishness keeps artists in tidy little boxes that their selfish fans won't release them from.

Beatlenerdz are the worst offenders, with their assaults on Linda/Yoko and losing their cuddly lil' Moptops to family life and maturity.

Compare the new Priest disc to any of the heavy releases of the last ten years. For Jebus' sakes, these guys are over 50! Plenty of cheese to be had, but that's always been part of the fun of metal. Anyone who takes it seriously needs to have their head examined...It's just rock, people.

After living with it for a few weeks, ElFundoo sez: "Check it out." I like that Tipton/Downing have identifiable styles and work with each other. I like the non-busy, bonehead basslines. And, dudes, the DVD from Ozzfest, come on now...

[Turdus]

Why would any artist want to time-trip back to '79? That's what keeps music from evolving, the old-schoolers expecting a "return to form", or whatever.

My comment on being transported back to the glory days was more about the strength of the material. Let's face it.... excepting Painkiller, the best JP material was pre '81 or so. Granted, Halford has been absent for a period of time since then.

Even after 3 listens, the material has not clicked with me. That is usually the breaking point. But, I'll give it a few more spins, as I really want to like this for whatever reason.

[BCR Greg]

The "best" is subjective.

Stained Class and Screaming for Vengeance are BOTH killer albums, but very different.

Priest kicks ass, Halford is a god. He's gay? SO FUCKING WHAT?

[Steve Haynie]

I will be 11 rows away from Glenn Tipton's side of the stage in Hershey, PA.

I got the Angel of Retribution album with the DVD. I am ready for JP this summer. I have the new CD in one car, and I have been listening to Painkiller on cassette in the other car.

[silentman]

I think that new 'single' on the radio bites hard. Seems very boring and mediocre. If it wasn't JP, I'd doubt it would even be on the radio. That's all I've heard though.

Edited to add: I'm really a big fan of the new System of a Down song BYOB

[Brooks]

I think that new 'single' on the radio bites hard. Seems very boring and mediocre. If it wasn't JP, I'd doubt it would even be on the radio. That's all I've heard though.

+1. I'M NOT INCLINED TO BUY IT FROM WHAT I HEARD.

oops, cap lock off.

priest was always a 2nd or 3rd tier band for me;

i liked 'em, but not on the same level as zep/sabs/lizzy/etc

[MCChris]

I think that new 'single' on the radio bites hard. Seems very boring and mediocre. If it wasn't JP, I'd doubt it would even be on the radio.

Nonsense, Lou. Radio is teeming with boring, mediocre stuff these days.

[silentman]

I think that new 'single' on the radio bites hard.  Seems very boring and mediocre.  If it wasn't JP, I'd doubt it would even be on the radio.

Nonsense, Lou. Radio is teeming with boring, mediocre stuff these days.

True. But this was a letdown. I'd hardly consider it worthy of JP name.

I guess that's why I like the SOAD song so much. It really grabbed my attention. Very unique.