Going into this album, we need to make a few things clear. First, this is Judas Priest, they are supposed to be considered one of the greatest metal bands of all time. They are thought of as equals to Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. Thus this album will be weighed with those expectations in place. Secondly, they are largely the original members since KK Downing is the only missing piece and Scott Travis played on "Painkiller" one of their best albums so that counts. Third Halford is 72. Which makes it even more impressive that he hits the notes he does on the second song of this album. I do not know how much love he is getting in the studio in this regard, as I saw him 13 years ago and he struggled with some of the higher notes live. There are also clearly way more effects on his voice on this album.
The opening track works and has more fire than I expected these guys to carry 18 albums into their career. The title track touches more on the 'Free Wheel Burning" rock n roll side of what they do, with just enough attack to make this metal. They have to ride the line between having their classic sound but not recycling what they have already done and it is a delicate balance here. They play it a little safe and stick to what is tried and true. I prefer what they did on "Nostradamus" as it found them taking more risks, but this is fun enough. If you like shredding guitar solos there is no shortage of those on this album.
"Devil in Disguise" is the first song that clicks with me and feels like the Judas Priest I want to hear. It has a groove and the melody works well with it. In contrast "Gates of Hell" feels like they asked AI to write a Judas Priest song and it created something that is what a computer would expect Judas Priest to sound like. "Crown of Thorns" is familiar enough, but has some more melodic moments that feel more heartfelt. They get heavier and thrash it out a little on "As God is My Witness" Rob sounds convincing on this one. "Trial By Fire " was one of the lead singles from the album, and now listening to it in the context of the album it is one of the stronger songs.
They can still rip out some killer riffs as evident on the one that opens up 'Escape From Reality". The way the verses give the vocals room to breathe creates a great dynamic feel to ramp up with the chorus. I like the way the vocals are doubled up on the chorus as well. The use of effects on Rob's voice in this song is very effective. 'Sons of Thunder' is another that could have been created by an AI if fed every decent Judas Priest album, though it is on the more aggressive side, but not "Painkiller" aggressive. The more deliberate chug to "Giants in the Sky" works better, though it is not the first moment on this album when I am reminded of solo Ozzy.
They do recycle some riffs as "Fight of Your Life" has a few riffs that could have been from "Better By You Better Than Me". Scott's drumming saves the song. I had to give "Vicious Circle" a second listen. Rob's vocals are worthwhile but the riffs feel like generic metal. Things end with a more interesting melodic tone with "The Lodger" . I will round this one down to an 8.5, as it plays it a little too safe, and finds them recycling too many ideas from other songs, but Rob sounds great, and the band still has a fire.
No comments:
Post a Comment