The band Freight was formed by schoolmates Kenneth "K.K." Downing and Ian Hill in 1969. They quickly found drummer John Ellis, and decided that they needed a vocalist. In 1970, a band called Judas Priest had broken up, and Al Atkins was out of a job. He was quickly hired by Ian and K.K., who then renamed their band Judas Priest, since the name now was available. A demo was recorded in July, 1971, and the band opened for acts like Budgie and Slade. In 1971, drummer Alan "Skip" Moore came in for a brief while, but was then replaced by Chris "Congo" Campbell. Al Atkins left in early 1973. Campbell thought the band had little future and left too. The band nearly broke up, before Ian Hill's girlfriend Sue suggested her brother Rob for a vocalist. He arrived in May 1973, bringing his Hiroshima band mate, drummer John Hinch with him. In April, 1974, Glenn Tipton of the Flying Hat Band came in as second guitarist, and the debut album, 'Rocka Rolla', was recorded for Gull Records. Gull wanted the band to add a horn section, but mercifully the band refused, honing their guitar driven attack instead. In the fall of 1975, Hinch was fired for incompetence, and "Skip" Moore returned. The band recorded the 'Sad Wings of Destiny' album, and were signed by CBS records. Moore left, and session drummer Simon Phillips appeared on the 'Sin After Sin' album. A US tour, opening for REO Speedwagon, was booked, and drummer Les Binks was found in June of 1977. This lineup would record the next two studio albums, and the legendary live release, 'Priest in the East'. Then, Les Binks left - he disappeared for many years after an appearance in Tytan in 1981, possibly killed in a bizarre gardening accident, before surfacing in the Fainting Goats with former Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton in 1999. Dave Holland was brought in, and six studio albums and a live album were recorded with this lineup. As the band was preparing to record the album 'Painkiller' in late 1988, a lawsuit was filed against them by the parents of two kids that had ostensibly attempted suicide (one succeeded, one was left disfigured) after listening to 'Stained Class' backwards, while on drugs. The lawsuit took up most of 1989, and drummer Dave Holland left, sick of the rock and roll lifestyle. Scott Travis of Racer X was found in 1989 and the album finally recorded, being released in 1990. In July of 1991, Halford announced his departure (via fax!) effective the end of the tour. August 17th, 1991 was his last gig with Priest. He went on to form numerous bands: Fight, Two, and his solo project Halford. Judas Priest stagnated for several years, before finding vocalist Tim 'Ripper' Owens of Winters Bane, who also played in a Priest tribute band. He was hired in 1996, and two studio albums and two live albums were recorded by this lineup. Constant rumors of a Halford reunion over the six-year tenure of Owens heated up around 2002, and ended up being confirmed in July 2003.

The band takes their name from the song "The ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest," by Bob Dylan.
 

SIN AFTER SIN (1977, 2001) SONY/COLUMBIA (Remastered)

'Sin After Sin' was Priests 3rd album. They were still not the metal masters we all know them as now, but they were still one of the heaviest acts around. Just listen to stuff like "Dissident Aggressor" and "Sinner", and look at the year of this albums release! These British lads also had a knack for doin' cover tunes, and really turning them into their own. "Diamonds And Rust" is a well known number of theirs, but it was originally recorded by no other then Joan Baez!?! Still, my favorite track on the album is the ballad "Here Comes The Tears". Rob does a killer vocal-job on it, and I love the way it climaxes towards the end. Not my favorite Priest album, but still one with some memorable songs on. I have the 2001 remastered version, including 2 bonus tracks. "Race With The Devil", a previously unreleased track, was recorded in Birmingham, England's Savage Studios 1978, and is a Gun cover. "Jawbreaker" was recorded live on ABC Rock Network broadcast at Long Beach Sports Arena, Long Beach, California on May 5, 1984.

Killer tracks: Diamonds And Rust, Here Comes The Tears, Dissident Aggressor

HELL BENT FOR LEATHER (1978, 2001) COLUMBIA/LEGACY/SONY (Remastered)

'Hell Bent For Leather' was originally released in 1978, then entitled 'Killing Machine'. This first version of the album was released in Europe only. But when they released it in the US the year after, the title had changed, and the cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Green Manalishi" had been added. So whenever I see the cover on this CD, I'm thinking 'Killing Machine', but reading 'Hell Bent For Leather'. But now onto the contains of this silver CD. As said, the year was 1978, and the NWOBHM was still unheard of, at least to the media masses. Judas Priest though, had been going on for years already, and this was their 5th full-length album. In the liner-notes the band prides themselves with being a multi-faced band, trying to accomplish a versatile style by blending together many different sounds. And while this is true, it is also this albums Achilles' heel. On one hand you got the metal numbers, such as the title tracks, and the classic opener, "Delivering The Goods". And of course you get the obligatory ballad. And what a fantastic song "Before The Dawn" really is! But you also get some tunes that are neither "fish nor bird". "Evening Star" is such a song. Was this an attempt at rocking disco? One of my favorite songs on this album is "Take On The World". This might be the first metal anthem ever recorded! All in all "Killing Machine" lands a little in-between chairs. It's not my favorite, albeit a metal classic. The remastered version includes 2 bonus tracks. "Fight For Your Life" was originally an early demo of "Rock Hard Ride Free", recorded during the 1984 'Defenders Of The Faith' sessions. "Riding On The Wind" was recorded live at the US Festival, Glen Helen Park, Devore, CA. May 29, 1983.

Killer tracks: Delivering The Goods, Hell Bent For Leather, Take On The World, Burnin' Up, Before The Dawn

PAINKILLER (1990) CBS/COLUMBIA

I could never seem to get into the Priest that much. And that is pretty strange, considering my love for classic metal. But a friend of mine decided it was time for me to start learning, so he sent me 'Painkiller' (thanks Scott). And my days of Judas Priest disliking is now officially OVER: This album SMOKES! Man, it easily ranks on top of the all-time-classic-metal high, as one of the best metal-albums ever made! The furious title track opens the ball, but it just doesn't stop there. "All Guns Blazing", "Between The Hammer & The Anvil" and "One Shot At Glory" are all metal hymns of the best quality imaginable. And the killer power ballad "A Touch Of Evil" is just yet another tune that instantly became a classic Priest favorite. After playing the heck out of this CD, I will now try and get the remastered edition. And I've also expanded my Priest collection, because I liked this one so immensely.

Killer tracks: All of them!

JUGULATOR (1997) SPV

I have to admit that I'm not a big Priest fan. I know these guys are supposed to be one of the biggest, and best, bands around, but I never quite got it. I like some songs here and there, but as a whole, it never tickled my fancy. So I decided to start my Priest collection in the wrong end. Rob Halford is gone, and "Ripper" Owens takes his place. And let me just say that 'Jugulator' is first and foremost a good heavy metal platter! No holds barred, no frills HEAVY METAL. They've kept the formula from 'Painkiller', and released yet another furious metal album, that borders to speed and thrash. But the problem here is the same as with all the other Priest albums I've heard; not all of the songs hold water. While the opening track, and the next, are killer material, others get lost from my mind in the instant the next one begins. But this album did inspire me to get some more Judas Priest in the future.

Killer tracks: Jugulator, Blood Stained, Decapitate

ANGEL OF RETRIBUTION (2004) SONY

One of the most anticipated reunions in metal history is a now a fact. And so it is time to see if the band can do more then feed the fans nostalgic hunger in a live environment. The new album is out, and the verdicts are in! The priests have returned with bravura! From the opening "Judas Rising" to the surprisingly different sounding "Lochness", this album showcases a band that are still relevant in the metal world today. It might not be their best effort, but it is far from their weakest one either. Getting Roy Z to produce was almost a given. Once again he lets us know who is boss when it comes to producing classic metal in the new millennium. The producer has given the band a fresh and updated sound, but without taking anything away from their integrity and/or legacy. Everything is as it should be on 'Angel Of Retribution'. Welcome back, Priest.

Killer tracks: Judas Rising, Deal With The Devil, Worth Fighting For, Hellrider, Lochness

Rob Halford guest appearances:

Skid Row - 'B-Side Ourselves'

Related artists:

Halford, Fight, Iced Earth, Winters Bane, Beyond Fear, Yngwie Malmsteen