(Rated this album with 6 out of 10) Reviewed by
blwest1
from Porterville, CA USA
The long awaited new album by Judas Priest is finally here, Being a hard line Priest fan since 82, I'd been awaiting for a new studio album for a long time. Unfortunately this one leaves only a mild taste in my mouth. The first three cuts totally blow one away: Machine Man, One on One and Hell is Home. From that point the album becomes uneven in quality. Close to You is a slow ballad, Devil Digger tries to pick it up but is still slow. Bloodsuckers really deserves to be placed either fourth in line or closer to last to end the album with a bang. In Between is forgettable, but leads into Feed On Me which I think really brings out Ripper's vocals. Now Subterfuge...this song really reminds me of Priest with Halford! As much as I like to hear Ripper sing, I think I'd like to hear Halford doing this song! Lost and Found...another ballad...shouldnt be on a Priest album. Cyberface..still trying to form an opinion on this one..which I guess says it all. Metal Messiah..the title..the lyrics scream for a harder edge..this is just too funky. I'm glad that Priest is experimenting trying to find new facets, but somethings shouldnt be messed with. Rippers vocals are up to par, but some songs are written for him to imitate Halford. They used Ripper's voice to forge a new identity for themselves on Jugulator, and should have continued in that vein and not tried to return to the past. I love listening to Halford and his new band, and I love listening to Ripper with Priest. I hope the next album has a nice sharp edge to it, and that it doesnt take 4 years to come through.
