(Rated this album with 8 out of 10) Reviewed by
Stephen P. Donahue
from Watertown, CT United States
The many Judas Priest fans who gave up on the band after the atrocity that was "Jugulator" should really come back to give the band another try. They've redeemed themselves nicely with "Demolition." Although this album sounds nothing like the stuff they did with Rob Halford, it's just as good as "Defenders of the Faith" or "Painkiller." "Metal Messiah" is the album's top track, but "Close to You," "Hell is Home," "Lost and Found," and "One on One" aren't far behind. The other tracks are on par with most of Priest's '80s efforts, except one. "Demolition" has its one token dud track: "Cyberface," the band's attempt to tell a neo-horror story, is chock full of FAR too many over-the-top references to computer terminology. Otherwise, though, "Demolition" is a very strong release. If the band can keep this up, it can only mean good things for them. Granted, they may never experience a total career revival, but that's to be expected in a world with no appreciation for metal unless it's actually rap with a guitar. Priest, however, WILL regain their respect and standing in metal circles. Are they the band they used to be? No, and they probably never will be again, even if Halford returns. But they ARE Judas Priest again, and we can always be thankful for that.
