(Rated this album with 10 out of 10) Reviewed by
Ryan Andrew Sandburg
from new york city
While Priest's last effort, 'Jugulator,' has its moments ('Cathedral Spires' and 'Burn In Hell' cheif among them), their latest offering proves once and for all that they are true metal gods. This is by FAR the better of the two albums that feature Rob Halford replacement Ripper Owens. Tracks like 'Machine Man', 'Metal Messiah', 'One On One', and 'Bloodsuckers' is some of the most melodic and heaviest material they have recorded. My biggest problem with the last album was that it lacked that melodic quality that Priest is known for. Die-hard fans take note: this album does have the melodic character of past Priest albums combined with the neo-thrash sound of Jugulator. An additional plus: Ripper's great voice is featured a lot more on this one--he's one bad mo-fo!! The writing is a lot stronger as well, except I don't understand their sometimes over-use of the 'half-time' type groove; it tends to drag the album down a little. You don't need to play half-time to be heavy; just look at their past 'up-tempo' songs like 'Screaming For Vengeance' and 'Freewheel Burning'! HEAVY, MAN!!!! My personal fave from 'Demolition' is 'Metal Messiah' with its chunky intro riff and melodic chorus hook. I paid full price for this cd, but it was well worth it. Any Priest fans of the 'Painkiller' album (like me!) will surely find themselves in familiar territory with 'Demolition.' Peace to my fellow metalheads, headbangers, and rockers. Drinks for all my friends!
