Judas Priest - Angel Of Retribution


Year of Release: 2005
Label: Epic Records
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 50:18:00

Everyone knew it was destiny, a matter of time; the band knew it, the fans were waiting; well it happened, Rob Halford has returned to Judas Priest to reform the classic lineup. The band that invented the heavy metal look, and arguably the sound, is back. As Rob states in the documentary DVD, they reformed in a very English way, sitting there having a cup of tea and nonchalantly mentioning getting back together, then it just happened. The passing years were a mere blink of an eye and it was time to pick up where they left off, and they did.

Angel Of Retribution brings everything right back into focus for 2005 - the trademark Halford vocals, the dueling twin lead guitars, and the no-guts-no-glory lyrics, its all back in a big way with this new album. There are some nice surprises as well. On one side of the disc is a CD and the other a DVD with live footage, a documentary on their reformation, and the entire album once again in 5.1 Surround Sound. How could you ask for more? You really cannot and Epic Records has truly done a superb job with this release. It comes on the heels of the tremendous career retrospective boxed set Metalogy, which brought the boys back together in the first place.

"Judas Rising" kicks off and sets the tempo rather quickly as Halford is screaming at his high-pitched best, then the bands shifts into overdrive. It makes you wish the entire album had the feeling and energy of that one song; alas-it is not part of the deal folks. This is a solid album; whether its one of their best, time well tell. Some of the hell bent for leather Priest shows up, although it is the new razor like edge and clean sound that technology brings out that I appreciated. If you have heard the remastered albums, you will love this one. "Lochness" may be a bit overindulgent and over the top clocking in at 13:29, but its nothing but vintage JP.

The cover sports a metallic angel spreading its wings while stepping out of the flames, making all in human form pay for their mistakes, forcing those of us that have faltered to live by the law of accountability. The story continues, it is nothing new, but oh, it's so sweet. If you are a metal head you have to hear this album then make your decision, was it worth the wait? I say any great band is well worth the wait, besides, Halford released some fine solo albums along the way and another young vocalist, Ripper Owens, got a chance to strut his stuff. Everybody wins and we all go home happy, let us rock, amen.


Tracklisting:
Judas Rising (4:13) / Deal With The Devil (3:54 ) / Revolution (4:42) / Worth Fighting For (4:18) / Demonizer (4:37) / Wheels Of Fire (3:46) / Angel (4:24) / Hellrider (6:23) / Eulogy (2:52) / Lochness (13:29)

DVD - Live Documentary from 'Reunited' Tour Summer 2004: Breaking The Law / Metal Gods / A Touch Of Evil / Hell Bent For Leather / The Hellion/Electric / Diamonds And Rust / Living After Midnight

Musicians:
Rob Halford - vocals
K.K. Downing - guitars
Ian Hill - bass
Glenn Tipton - guitars
Scott Travis - drums

Discography:
Rocka Rolla (1974/2000)
Sad Wings Of Destiny (1976)
Sin After Sin (1977/2001*)
Stained Class (1978/ 2001*)
The Best Of Judas Priest (1978)
Killing Machine (1978)
Hell Bent For Leather (1979/2001*)
Unleashed In The East (Live In Japan) (1979/ 2001*)
British Steel (1980)
Box Set (1980)
Point Of Entry (1981)
Screaming For Vengeance (1982)
Greatest Original Hits (1983)
Love Bites (1984)
Defenders Of The Faith (1984)
Turbo (1986/2002*)
Priest...Live! (1987)
Ram It Down (1988/2002*)
Painkiller (1990)
Metal Works '73 - '93 (1993)
Prisoners Of Pain (1996)
Jugulator (1997)
98 Live Meltdown (1998)
Tyrant: The Original Masters (1998)
The Best Of Judas Priest: Living After Midnight (1998)
Genocide (2000)
Demolition (2001)
Judas Priest Collectors' Box (2002)
Live In London (2003)
Metalogy (2004)
Angel Of Retribution (2005)
The Essential Judas Priest (2006)
Nostradamus (2008)
A Touch Of Evil: Live (2009)
Single Cuts (2011)
The Chosen Few (2011)
Redeemer Of Souls (2014)
Battle Cry (2016)
Firepower (2018)

Live (VHS) (1983/1991)
Fuel For Life (VHS) (1986/1991)
Priest...Live! (VHS) (1987)
Metal Works '73-'93 (VHS) (1993)
British Steel (VHS/DVD) (2001)
Live In London (VHS/DVD) (2002)
Electric Eye (DVD) (2003)
Rising In The East (VHS/DVD) (2005)
Live Vengeance '82 (DVD) (2006)
Music In Review (DVD) (2008)
Epitaph (DVD/BR) (2013)
Battle Cry (DVD/BR) (2016)

Genre: Traditional Metal

Origin UK

Added: March 29th 2005
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website: www.judaspriest.com
Hits: 3184
Language: english

  

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