Artist: JUDAS PRIEST
Album: ANGEL OF RETRIBUTION (CD)

Release date: 2005
EAN/UPS: 5099751930020
Media type: CD

After so many bands had reunited in Metal over the last four or five years, there were always whispers and even downright cries that English Metal gods JUDAS PRIEST should be the next logical supergroup to come together in their original line-up (sans the drumming position which has had numerous changes). But, the break up of this formative band in the New Wave of British Metal was so bitter at the end, many thought it was a hope never to be realized. So when in 2003 official news broke that original members Glen Tipton, K.K. Downing and Ian Hill had joined forces with singer Rob Halford, it was near euphoric for old time fans of JUDAS PRIEST like myself and others. The band joined the Ozzfest Tour in 2004 and were welcomed rousingly at every venue. The PRIEST were back...and that meant a studio album wasn't far off.

Having listened now to the album in question, "Angel Of Retribution", I can firmly say that JUDAS PRIEST are again a force in Heavy Metal. "Angel Of Retribution" is in many ways a throw back to pre-"Turbo" days when JUDAS PRIEST had a solid footing in Metal and were never in question as to their place as Metallic legends. “Judas Is Rising”, the opening track on the album sprints out of the gate and could easily be a tune off of “Defenders Of The Faith” with a hard and fast thrust that can’t be mistaken for anyone but JUDAS PRIEST. Evident on the following few tracks like “Deal With The Devil” and “Worth Fighting For” is that the band has gone back to their roots of slightly blues infused Metal. Many may dismiss this, but on albums like “Screaming For Vengeance” and “British Steel”, Glenn Tipton’s Blues background served well when he used that early influence to channel great breaks every four bars or so during the verses of songs. Tipton and Downing are in top form here, great leads and some kicking grooved out Metal chugging.

I am loving this album more with each listening; appreciating far greater song writing than the band has displayed in 20 years. Songs with good intro lead-ins and classic PRIEST driving choruses that blend in with the edgier verses. Rob Halford doesn’t disappoint either, getting back to using his range in a tighter fashion than on his solo efforts or his last few albums with JUDAS PRIEST. Always known for some of the best pipes in the Metal world, he captures his form without being shrill (as he did on the overrated “Painkiller”). There is the power ballad “Angel” which takes it’s time getting to the crescendo that doesn’t pay off to well, but that is the only slight low point on the album. The rest is great stuff, bringing back memories of why I loved PRIEST so much 20 years ago in the first place. As they comment on the accompanying DVD, SABBATH were heavy, but JUDAS PRIEST are Metal. In spades they prove this with the likes of “Hellrider” and “Demonizer”. “Lochness”, the closing track is a layered epic, with a slightly mellowed chorus, but has some biting riffs throughout. While it may seem a bit like a delve into “Monsters And Goblins” territory, that is no real departure for PRIEST. Look back on older albums and you’ll find plenty of likewise songs; “The Sentinel” and “The Green Manalishi”. Also, I was born and raised in Scotland, so I’m fine with it as ‘Nessie’ is a real and cherished National institution!

TRACKLISTING:

01 Judas Is Rising
02 Deal With The Devil
03 Revolution
04 Worth Fighting For
05 Demonizer
06 Wheels Of Fire
07 Angel
08 Hellrider
09 Eulogy
10 Lochness

LINE UP:

Vocals: Rob Halford
Guitar: Glenn Tipton
Guitar: K.K. Downing
Bass: Ian Hill
Drums: Scott Travis