Judas Priest have experienced a real resurgence in recent years. The return of Rob Halford to the band as lead singer in 2003 brought a new excitement and energy to both the band and their fans. Whether you are a long time fan or a newcomer attracted by the recent activity, looking back at their catalog can give a new appreciation.
Rocka Rolla
Judas Priest's debut album was "Rocka Rolla." Released in 1974, the disc was quite different from the other music in the band's catalog. It had a more blues rock based sound that wasn't that far removed from the type of music found on the self-titled debut by Black Sabbath. In fact, one track, "Cheater" even includes harmonica courtesy of Rob Halford, much like the first Sabbath album found Ozzy Osbourne wailing on the harmonica.
There is a weird effects driven piece on this CD that seems similar to the middle section of Rush' "Bytor and the Snowdog." Although this album is not as focused as a lot of Priest's catalog and shows a different side of the band, it is an interesting album that definitely has its moments. It is also the only Judas Priest album to feature John Hinch as the drummer.
Sad Wings of Destiny
The second Judas Priest album was released two years after their debut. It found the band more polished. It also found a new drummer, Alan Moore, behind the kit. The band had begun experimenting a bit more towards melodic music that was nearly progressive rock (as evidenced by the seemingly connected tracks "Dreamer Deceiver" and "Deceiver."
While "Rocka Rolla" has been largely ignored in Judas Priest's live set, "Sad Wings of Destiny" holds the studio versions of Priest classics "The Ripper" and "Victim of Changes." Even "Genocide" has been a frequent visitor to live Judas Priest shows.
Many consider this to be the first of the classic period of Priest. Still, the sound was a lot more experimental and less pure heavy metal than much of the music they would release later.
Sin After Sin
In a seemingly never-ending succession of new drummers, 1977's "Sin After Sin" found Judas Priest with a session drummer, Simon Phillips filling the role. The band's sound was moving closer to the heavy metal that would be their dominant scope later, but there were still holdovers. This juxtaposition makes the disc seem a little uneven.
Still, two more Judas Priest classics first appeared on "Sin After Sin," "The Sinner" and their cover of Joan Baez' "Diamonds and Rust." "Dissident Aggressor" might be the most aggressive song they'd done to that point. The fact that they recently earned a Grammy award for a live version of that song lends a definite level of interest to this disc.
Stained Class
This is arguably the first true metal album (at least in the sense that Judas Priest would be heavy metal later) from Priest. Released in 1978, it was the first album of theirs to feature Les Binks on drums, and he would be the first Priest drummer to sit in the chair for more than one disc.
The album itself was very aggressive. There were mellower moments, like the new Judas Priest classic "Beyond the Realms of Death." But that was the exception. The rule was metal screamers like "Exciter," "Heroes End" and the title track.
Hell Bent For Leather
"Hell Bent For Leather" (1979) went by that title only in the United States. in the rest of the world it was known as "Killing Machine." It showcased a more straight ahead metal approach for the band. The song "Evening Star" actually got some radio play, something new for Judas Priest. Their cover of the old Fleetwood Mac song "The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)" was destined to become a live show mainstay for the band, as was the title track.
Unleashed in the East
Judas Priest's first live album was released in 1979, hot on the heels of "Hell Bent for Leather." It was a single disc set and many of the live recordings of older Priest songs that were included on this set became the radio mainstays. In many instances, they were the versions most fans were used to hearing.
British Steel
When Judas Priest released "British Steel" in 1980, they found real success. It can be said that many of the seeds of their success were planted when they toured with Kiss to support "Hell Bent For Leather," but the flowers came to bloom with "British Steel."
The transformation to Priest's later version of heavy metal was complete. The album not only saw the band achieve world-wide success, but also gave birth to Judas Priest classics "Breaking the Law," "Living After Midnight" and "Metal Gods." It also saw the debut of Judas Priest's newest drummer, Dave Holland.
Judas Priest's success was cemented with "British Steel." Later albums continued to build their legacy. However, the real foundation for the band's music was forged from the steel of their first albums.
