(Rated this album with 10 out of 10) Reviewed by
Ilker Yucel
from Annapolis, MD United States
I've read many complaints about Tim "Ripper" Owens not being nearly as good a vocalist as the now departed metal god Rob Halford. I saw one interview where Halford complimented Priest on finding a vocalist who could hit those high notes as well as (if not better than) him. But until recently, I never actually heard this infamous "Jugulator" album. And after hearing it, I can only say one thing: "IT ROCKS!!!" So it is not the Judas Priest of old, so the music is somewhat harder and thrashier, so they sound like they've mutated into a proto-death metal band! I don't care, 'cuz if nothing else the music is excellent. Great riffs a la Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing (two of the greatest guitar duellists in metal, matched only by Adrian Smith and Dave Murray of Iron Maiden). And "Ripper" Owens...I have to say he impresses me. He hits those screeching high notes with great clarity and precision...his singing on the title track alone was enough, he went from low growly voice to hitting the high note on the dot. Sure at times he can sound like a cross between Halford, Layne Staley, and Tom Araya, but he has great vocal control and is an excellent singer. Damn what the rest say, you can't argue with the metal god himself. If Halford liked his singing, surely everyone else who claims to be a Judas Priest fan must. Besides, it would probably be boring if he sounded the same as Halford exactly. Sure the lyrics can get cheesey sometimes, but was heavy metal ever about intelligence or integrity? NO!!! It was about pissing your parents off and rocking the night away 'til you went deaf. With this, I have to say the best songs are the title track, "Death Row," "Cathedral Spires" (a beautiful song), and "Burn in Hell." So get off your pulpit and heed the words and riffs of the true metal gods...Judas Priest are baaaaaaaaack!!!
