(Rated this album with 10 out of 10) Reviewed by
arjunkalbag
from Pullman WA
The number of low star rating this album has received would probably indicate that it is indeed a bad album. But the poor rating are by frustrated fans of popmetal; dismayed that a Halford-less Priest has returned to a more aggressive and meaner sound: a new rendition of 70's era Priest. Quick history. The 70's saw a "demonic" and aggressive sounding Priest less popular than their 80's incarnation in which one can clearly see the streamlining of their music making them more accessible. British Steel and post albums were classic examples of pop metal. Yes I committed blasphemy by calling 80's Priest Pop metal, after isnt the popmetal tag meant for Bon Jovi, KISS and Def Leppard? NO, Bon Jovi and Leppard isnt metal by any stretch of the imagination. Just because a group uses guitar driven songs and sports long hair doesnt make them metal or even pop metal. Pop metal was Judas Priest in the mid 80's and groups like WASP, ACDC etc. and though I loved their 80's work I am really excited that Priest has decided to go back to their 70's roots. This album is an exceptional update of their classic 70's sound and will make any metalhead happy. Owens has a powerful voice and can match Halfords wails. What he brings to the groups is a youthful aggressive enthusiasm (hear their live work), a more masculine lower octave which adds to the entire feel of this album. Metal Messaih for me is the song of the album. Complex, chugging and great chorus.
