I’m going to admit something I never thought I would. I grew up loving the wicked sounds of Judas Priest, especially from the mouth of that twig-like Rob Halford. No one could curve your spine and shrivel your balls like that cat. British Steel and Hell Bent For Leather were classics, and now after the highly acclaimed Jugulator, Demolition is the fourteenth album from this living and breathing metal group.
What is different about Judas Priest isn’t age, it’s lead singer Ripper Owens. The guy’s voice is pretty amazing, but he’s no Rob Halford, even though some clown came up with the idea of making a movie about this guy called Rock Star. Yes, it was surreal. Owens fronted a Judas Priest cover band and then made it into the real band, but a movie? Listening to Demolition, it’s apparent what the original members heard in Owens. His gnarl and satin growl are perfect for their onslaught. It’s not classic Priest, yet the licks still sound strong and familiar.
“Devil Digger” is raw and inspires thoughts of old school metal and leather while “One On One” crunches your bones. “Subterfuge” might be the heaviest these guys have ever gotten.
+ cc morris
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