Having been in the music industry for more than a decade, Judas Priest s Rob Halford has a lot to offer fans. He is a heavy metal musician with a sound that is heavy, yet melodic. He is also a talented vocalist and has recorded songs that have reached the number one spot on the Billboard charts. He has also been featured in movies like Screaming for Vengeance, Redeemer of Souls, and Firepower. He is a rock superstar, and is a huge draw for fans around the world.
Heavy Duty
Having been a fan of the band for well over a decade, I had been eagerly awaiting the release of Heavy Duty: The Official Autobiography of Judas Priest, a saga spanning five decades. I was impressed by the well written text and the extensive liner notes. Although the book is not for the faint of heart, I was rewarded with an exceptional tour de force of the band’s early days. I was also wowed by the quality of the photography, especially of guitarist Rob Halford.
Downing does not hold back when it comes to putting his name on the line. Unlike many bands, he does not sneer at the camera or the sleazy or two. His father was a gambling nut, but Downing does not share the same fate as his late father in law.
Screaming for Vengeance
Originally released thirty years ago, Judas Priest’s Screaming for Vengeance is a classic heavy metal album. In fact, it is one of the band’s most successful albums, earning double platinum status in the United States and Canada. In addition to this, it was certified 2x platinum in the United Kingdom.
The album features a range of uptempo headbanging anthems backed by guitars with infectious harmonies. The tracks are written by Bob Halligan, Jr. and feature a wide variety of styles, including shout-along anthems for biker brawls. It is also one of the best mainstream metal albums of the 1980s.
Screaming for Vengeance was produced by Tom Allom and recorded at Ibiza Sound Studios in Spain. Overdubs were done at Bayshore Recording Studios in Coconut Grove, Florida.
Firepower
Whether you’re a fan of Judas Priest or not, it’s worth taking a look at their latest album, Firepower. The record is a compilation of material from more than 30 years ago, but it’s still one of the best albums of 2018.
Aside from the classic “Angel Of Retribution,” there is a lot to like about Firepower. The band stayed true to its roots with hard melodic riffs and big hooks. Its music also isn’t as sterile or artifical as some of their other work.
In fact, the band has rediscovered its old-school magic in some of its finest moments. “Evil Never Dies” features a smoldering interlude. And “Lightning Strike” is hugely motivational. It also has one of the most interesting and clever guitar solos in recent memory.
Redeemer of Souls
‘Redeemer of Souls’ is a very solid, calculated slab of material that rewards Priest fans with some of the best songs from the band’s catalog. It’s also a return to form for the band, which hasn’t produced a good album since 2006. While it doesn’t quite measure up to the best of their previous efforts, it’s still a pretty good listen and a welcome break from the past.
‘Redeemer of Souls’ also features several bonus tracks that are simple, but fun. The first is a track based on a contemporary drawing of Victorian serial killer Jack the Ripper by John Tenniel from 1888. It’s a fun song, but the best part of the track is the accompanying music video.
Rob Halford
Originally from Walsall in the UK, Rob Halford is a regular lad who began his career in the theater. He later went on to become a guitarist in the metal band Pantera. After that, he joined Judas Priest and performed with them for a number of years.
The glam rock era was a time when bands were praised for their wild wardrobes, campy portrayals of sexuality, and long hair. However, the era was also criticized for a double standard. For instance, bands often portrayed gay men as androgynous, while portraying females as more gender neutral.
During the 1980s, Judas Priest became a worldwide success. The group’s music changed the landscape of rock. The group has since gone on to perform and record with many of the biggest names in the business, and their songs are still being played. In fact, the band is currently on tour throughout North America. They will be performing in San Antonio this month.
