“Breaking the Law”, “Another Thing Coming”, that’s just about the depth of my Judas Priest knowledge. Well, I know about the alleged backwards masking. I know that Halford is the leader of the metal/leather image. And gay. I now that the terrible move Rock Star was based on them. Sort of. And I know that a Halford imitator, named Ripper Owens took over when Rob left.
So. In summary. I know more ABOUT the band then their music. Let’s change that.
Judas Priest – Sin After Sin – 1977 (Buy it)
On their first major label release after parting ways with Gull, Judas Priest uses all the tools at their disposal to launch a full on assault on the headphones of disaffected teenagers the world over.
The bombastic guitars, heavy timpani, massive vocals of the opening track “Sinner” certainly take the lessons learned on Sad Wings of Destiny and builds on it.
Immediately following that with “Diamonds and Rust” is a masterstroke. A Joan Baez song! The first thing I noticed was the melody and how perfect the song sits in Halford’s throat. It’s a risk and it pays off in spades.
From there, the album settles into a rhythm: screeching metal, power ballad (that doesn’t really work but ends side 1 in a traditonally 70s mellow way), and rawk.
Side 2 picks up with the anthemic Let Us Prey/Call for the Priest which is a brilliant speed metal, goth rock piece.
It’s all pretty standard Priest Metal after that.
Grade B+
A Side: Sinner, Diamonds and Rust
BlindSide:Let Us Prey/Call for the Priest
DownSide: Last Rose of Summer
