5 Stars
Audio CD (paid link)
Firepower is an apt title for this album by the Premier British Heavy Metal Band – The Mighty Judas Priest. It is inclusively the 18th studio album from the band, including all incantations of the various lineups. But this must rate as the best since Painkiller in 1990.
Throughout the fourteen tracks, the band are barely kept on their leash as they fire salvo after salvo of heavy metal into their adoring fans. This is not music for the faint of heart.
As the guitars rip into the opening title track, ‘Firepower,’ there is no letting up. Rob Halford lets forth one of his mighty screams before entreating the troops into battle. Of course, what do you expect? The twin guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and Ritchie Faulkner is the most feared in rock, backed by the mightiest rhythm section in heavy metal Ian Hill (the one remaining member of Judas Priest through their many changes over the last nearly 50 years) on bass guitar and Scott Travis on drums. The sound you get from each track is pure heavy metal music in the style of Judas Priest. Therefore, heavy metal at its best.
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‘Firepower,’ is an excellent opener and is immediately backed up by tracks that are as good or surpass it. Out of several standouts, ‘Flamethrower’ has to be right up there with one of the best introductions to any Judas Priest song ever, and then the song takes off at the speed of fire with the rhythm section thundering along behind it.
Judas Priest live on stage. One of the most spectacular sites in heavy metal music.
‘Traitor’s Gate’ starts with a deceptively low guitar ripple before the chariots arrive to run you over. Rob Halford’s vocals are particularly powerful on this song, making you realize how the course of treason has to be brought to its correct conclusion.
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When Halford sings, “My life’s been taken hostage, and it’s never coming back,” it leaves you knowing how he stands.
All of the first thirteen tracks belt out of your speakers like the proverbial bat out of hell. All of which will be a welcome addition to Judas Priest’s new upcoming setlist.
The Priest bow out on a powerful ballad called ‘Sea of Red,’ proving that Rob Halford’s voice can handle ballads as well as his trademark, 100-voltage rock’n’roll screaming, a fitting ending to this fine collection from one of Britain’s finest bands. The guitar work on this track is mesmerizing, bringing the ballad to new heights.
The production work on this album was done by Tom Allom, who keeps it clear, crisp and heavy. It’s the first time he has worked with Judas Priest since Painkiller in 1990. His co-producer was Andy Sneap.
Although Glenn Tipton has been suffering from Parkinson’s for ten years, he has fought bravely, but now feels that the rigors of the road will be too much, so he has passed the baton of one-half of the twin guitar line up to Andy Sneap for the Firepower Tour to support the album.
I am sure we all wish Judas Priest the best in their endeavors.
Judas Priest are:
Rob Halford – Vocals
Glenn Tipton – Lead Guitar
Ritchie Faulkner – Lead Guitar
Ian Hill – Bass Guitar
Scott Travis – Drums
Album Artwork – Claudio Bergamin
Songs:
Lightning Strikes
Evil Never Dies
Never the Heroes
Necromancer
Children of the Sun
Guardians of the Sun
Songs, cont…
Rising from the Ruins
Spectre
Traitors Gate
No Surrender
Lone Wolf
Sea of Red
Written by Mott the Dog
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