Judas Priest's Reviews

Defenders Of The Faith

(Average Rating: 8.00 out of 10)

Rock Hard, Rock Solid

(Rated this album with 6 out of 10)
Reviewed by Mark from Grayslake, IL United States

I give this album 3 stars because it isn't one of Judas Priest's best efforts. The inclusion of the two small tracks, "Heavy Duty" and "Defenders of the Faith," makes this release somewhat weaker then their previous releases. DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH also lacks any really popular tracks from the band, although that might be a good thing. It doesn't contain any radio staples such as "Living After Midnight" from BRITISH STEEL or "You've Got Another Thing Coming" from SCREAMING FOR VENGENCE. Regardless, this album is still a solid effort.

DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH has songs that still rock. "Freewheel Burning" kicks off the album in a similar fashion as "Rapid Fire" from BRITISH STEEL. "Jawbreaker" has great guitar work from Downing that pulls the song into a frenzy. "Rock Hard, Ride Free" is my favorite track with it's mid-paced beat and excellent guitar solo at the bridge. It was actually written for HELL BENT FOR LEATHER (KILLING MACHINE) under a different title, but was re-written and used for this album. "The Sentinal" starts out slow then kicks into a catchy rocker that provides a good follow-up to "Rock Hard, Ride Free." Ironically, this was the first Judas Priest album I bought, and I was rather impressed. DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH may not be as strong as other records by Judas Priest, but it still stands as a hard and solid example of what 80's metal is all about.

Buy this album on Amazon at $10.99