 |
JUDAS PRIEST
Demolition (Atlantic Records, USA/2001)
Reviewed by Art Bourasseau
Judas Priest have been molting their Birmingham England metal since the early 70s. Now, 30 years later, they still keep it fresh and exciting with their new CD, "Demolition." How do they do it? Let's explore....
This is Judas Priest's second full-length studio album with new lead singer Tim "Ripper" Owens, who has a hard act to follow in replacing Rob Halford, one of the best vocalists to come out of 70s British hard rock. Owens is given free reign to show his excellent vocal range on Demolition, at least much more so than on 1997's Jugulator, Priest's first effort with Owens and a lackluster release hardly fitting for a post-Halford comeback album.
On Demolition, we find Owens' vocal pyrotechnics soaring all over the 13 songs. On "Machine Man," the album's opener about a futuristic vision of street car racing, Owens wails away with Halford-like precision and nails every violent scream (this is heavy metal, after all), while the band, led by the sharp-as-steel guitars of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, shred in true Brit-Metal fashion. On the groove-heavy "Devil Digger," the band manages to keep their essence while adding touches of Black Sabbath and Slayer for what will certainly be a fist-pumping concert staple. This track has an excellent guitar solo from K.K. Downing and it's laced with trippy wah-wah licks, reminding the listener that both Downing and Tipton continue evolving their well-established guitar sound with new elements.
Other highlights include, "One on One," a very heavy tune with a gargantuan guitar riff that could have been tailor-made for any WWF match; "Bloodsuckers," a hair-curling "metal tale" with superb vocals by Owens (written in response to the 1990 trial where Judas Priest were blamed and later vindicated for the deaths of two teenaged fans who tried to commit suicide after listening to the band's music); and "Close to You," an emotional ballad about losing someone close, with a standout melodic solo by Tipton.
Demolition has all the elements of a good metal record: brutally heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, propulsive bass lines, and an amazing vocal performance by Owens. The promise that Owens made in replacing the mighty Halford is now fully realized. No, there will never be another Rob Halford, but there sure is a Tim Owens, and he delivers big. After this record's release, I am sure that Owens will be elevated to high status in the metal vocalist category. His voice is so powerful it is almost scary. Judas Priest still have plenty of life and creativity in them and after 30-plus years of 'delivering the goods', that is something to celebrate.
© 2001 - Art Bourasseau