[Eternal Betrayer] Monday, July 30, 2012 5:33:33 PM
I'm presuming that people may now have seen these already, and I apologise too, if they've already been posted elsewhere... but, just in case... here are clips of "Electric Eye" & "Screaming For Vengeance" from the US Festival '83.
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, January 20, 2012 3:17:17 AM
IMO, your opinion is correct HRMG - that was an excellent performance by the whole band, not just by Rob who showed no sign of struggling (even more so when you consider he's 60 now).
All hail the mighty Priest!!! [Show/Hide Quoted Message](Quoting Message by HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS from Friday, January 20, 2012 12:28:56 AM)
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
I wasn't going to put this on YouTube because I flipped the camera just before Glenn's solo, but then I decided to anyway. This is Beyond The Realms Of Death in Cleveland, OH. Rob IS NOT struggling, IMO.
[Eternal Betrayer] Monday, October 03, 2011 6:36:54 AM
Yes, I know what you mean & I agree. I was disappointed to hear Rob struggling with that high-pitched intro, and everytime he attempted it I was wishing him to nail it, but sadly on every occasion it seemed to be beyond him.
It's a pity that the band never played Blood Red Skies on the actual Ram It Down tour, as then we'd be able to compare his ability on it (who knows maybe he'd have struggled on it live even then, although I doubt it).
I'm just glad that he's found a decent compromise, that to my ears at least, has added rather than detracted from the song.
Now, if he was failing to reach some of the high-pitched screaming on Victim Of Changes etc, then there might be proper reason to worry, but from what I've seen, heard & witnessed personally the Metal God's voice is still in pretty good shape.
I will admit that "squawking" can be a little nerv-racking at times. When you think Priest though, the first thing that enters your mind is Rob halford screams.
Eternal Betrayer wrote:
I think it's a bit unrealistic to expect Rob to be able to sing exactly how he used to be able to in the 70's, 80's & early 90's. However, he does have a right good stab at it & some of his vocal performances on this Epitaph tour have been breathtaking - just check out "Victim Of Changes" for some excellent screaming. Even this clip of "Blood Red Skies" has him going for it too.
The falsetto part of the intro though, does seem to be beyond him now, and would probably give most vocalists a serious challange (in a live setting especially).
Personally, I would rather see or hear him save his fantastic voice for those notes he can reach, and where the song really needs it.
From what I can see, nothing is lost from him singing in a lower key, and it saves everyone cringing as he struggles to reach the unattainable.
It's always nice to see common sense prevail.
(Quoting Message by Ears from Outer Space from Wednesday, September 21, 2011 6:47:44 PM)
Ears from Outer Space wrote:
Doesn't this ruin the whole Judas Priest effect though, Halfords high notes are 50% to 70% of the expierence.
[Eternal Betrayer] Sunday, October 02, 2011 7:32:40 AM
Apologies if this has been discussed previously, or is common knowledge, but...
Has anyone else noticed on the "official" release version of "Breaking The Law" from the US Festival in 1983, that it features (for the first time, I think) K.K.'s added guitar solo, and yet if you check out the bootleg album or video footage from the concert the guitar solo doesn't feature... sooo, therefore; it's been added afterwards as a studio overdub presumably!?
[Eternal Betrayer] Thursday, September 22, 2011 8:48:10 AM
I think it's a bit unrealistic to expect Rob to be able to sing exactly how he used to be able to in the 70's, 80's & early 90's. However, he does have a right good stab at it & some of his vocal performances on this Epitaph tour have been breathtaking - just check out "Victim Of Changes" for some excellent screaming. Even this clip of "Blood Red Skies" has him going for it too.
The falsetto part of the intro though, does seem to be beyond him now, and would probably give most vocalists a serious challange (in a live setting especially).
Personally, I would rather see or hear him save his fantastic voice for those notes he can reach, and where the song really needs it.
From what I can see, nothing is lost from him singing in a lower key, and it saves everyone cringing as he struggles to reach the unattainable.
[Eternal Betrayer] Sunday, September 11, 2011 2:21:03 AM
I'd definately be interested in your account guidogodoy, if you wanted to let me have it. [Show/Hide Quoted Message](Quoting Message by guidogodoy from Sunday, September 11, 2011 12:53:53 AM)
guidogodoy wrote:
Do any of you want my acct? I don't post there anyway! Like the people. Met a bunch of them but, as HB said, I am a fan of the BAND. As such, JP.com is my home.
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, August 12, 2011 7:09:33 AM
I think one of the main problems of the poor attendances at UK shows was the fact that Iron Maiden were touring at the same time. They played the day after Priest in Glasgow, and a few days after them in Newcastle too.
It pains me to say it, but for the majority of metal fans Iron Maiden are going to come first.
However, there were apparently 25,000 fans at the High Voltage festival in London, which isn't so bad, and certainly backs up the idea that the band are thinking about carrying on with mainly festival appearences after the Epitaph tour is concluded. [Show/Hide Quoted Message](Quoting Message by supernaut1968 from Monday, July 25, 2011 12:54:53 PM)
supernaut1968 wrote:
I read the review and it sounds great. However, I didn't say the band were poor, in fact they got a good review in the local press. My post was concerned with the poor attendance.
1700 tickets sold for a venue that holds 12,000 is not good. Wolverhampton Civic holds around 3,000 so we're talking about a venue that is a quarter of the size of Newcastle Arena. If JP had played a similar sized venue in Newcastle, it would have been just over half full.
Maybe the promoter should be asked a few questions as Newcastle has a long history of supporting rock bands. I saw Rush at the arena in May and it was full, despite no new album.
Maiden played on Saturday and again, it was full, so tickets can be sold.
I also heard that the attendance for Glasgow was poor...perhaps they were booked into the wrong venues.
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, July 29, 2011 3:39:02 PM
Too late for me as well - saw them at Wolverhampton, High Voltage & Bournemouth & each was better than the last. Best bits, for me, was Rob saying about sitting in the audience to see David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust at the Civic Hall in his home town of Wolverhampton. Glenn's out of tune guitar messing up the start of "Victim Of Changes" at High Voltage, much to Richie's amusement & lastly Rob putting his everything into "Victim..." at Bournemouth - might not have been the biggest crowd, but he certainly blew them away!
(Rob did say there was 25,000 at High Voltage though).
Thought I saw / heard Glenn suggest, not so long ago that they may change one or two songs for the US tour... in which case:
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, July 29, 2011 3:20:48 PM
Prefer "Blood Stained" myself, but know what you mean. Saw Priest with Ripper four times (at the Astoria Theatre, London in 1998 & 2001, Portsmouth Guildhall 2001 & Brixton Academy 2001) and all were excellent shows, especially that first Astoria show which I'd rate as one of the best JP concerts I've ever seen... from 17 times since 1983. [Show/Hide Quoted Message](Quoting Message by electriceye69 from Friday, July 29, 2011 1:27:56 PM) Edited at: Friday, July 29, 2011 3:28:12 PM
I am going to see the Judas Priest last World Tour on Saturday and after 32 years of seeing the band live I signed onto this site in the vain hope of suggesting a track for the playlist but alas I do not have enough respect points. I think I have shown enough respect over the years and will continue to do so.
Evil Fantasies has never been on the playlist, could someone with enough respect points please suggest this in case Judas Priest never visit Manchester (UK) again.
[Eternal Betrayer] Saturday, June 25, 2011 10:04:37 AM
"Believe it, or believe it not!": The latest comments from the band - Metal Hammer, July 2011:
(on KK's announcement)
IAN -"Disagreements between members of the band? That never happened before with us - ha! To Be honest, when you're in a band as long as we've been this sort of thing always happens. In the past, though, we've always got over such issues."
ROB -"We had no clue beforehand that KK felt this way. I recall exactly how I felt when he broke the news. It was as if the floor had opened & swallowed me. My mind was going off like a box of fireworks."
IAN -"We'd all agreed this was the way it should be (the last tour). But (it was) his voice that was loudest. I wouldn't say he was behind the plan, but he seemed keener than the rest of us."
GLENN - "I think part of the problem was that he'd had a few injury problems, with his wrist in particular. But it was still something that none of us expected."
ROB - "None of us understood why he was doing this. We were all stunned. I remember lying awake that night, wondering what had happened, why things were going so wrong. But I think Glenn, Ian & I all felt that it would blow over, KK would change his mind & we'd get back on track."
IAN - "That's the reason we never announced this in the first place. We all went round to see him, all phoned him & did our best to persuade him to come back."
GLENN - "We wanted to give him as much time as we could. In the end we came close to messing everything up, because we gave him too much time. There was never the slightest indication from KK that he might come back, but we held on to the notion that he must return. It couldn't all end like this."
ROB - "My initial reaction was that it was over for Priest. It surely was the end, as we couldn't go on without KK. But then it dawned on me that this band is a lot bigger than any one member; we had to carry on."
GLENN -"We had a meeting & a choice to make. Either we stopped Judas Priest right now, or we looked for a new guitarist. Thankfully, all of us agreed that we owed it to ourselves & the fans to carry on."
(& on KK returning)
IAN -"He's not coming back. I've talked to him a lot recently & I know he has no interest in doing anything in music again. This won't come up. It's over."
GLENN -"The door will never be shut on him. If KK says he's up for a reunion, then we'll never dismiss it."
ROB - "I would welcome him with open arms. I know it would be difficult for Richie, but... when I returned [in 2003], Ripper graciously handed me the microphone & bowed out."
[Eternal Betrayer] Saturday, June 25, 2011 9:01:10 AM
"Finding Richie Faulkner" - more from Metal Hammer, July 2011:
ROB -"I went through something similar to him (KK) in quitting the band. I believe that he would want us to continue. It's the way I felt about Priest when I departed - I felt they should replace me & I'm certain that's how KK will now be feeling."
GLENN - "There are so many pals we could have called to do this. But that would have been the wrong move."
IAN -"You can just imagine what people would have said if we'd have gotten someone like Tony Iommi to help us out. 'Oh, it's Judas Sabbath now. How many Black Sabbath songs will be in the set?' We had to go for someone who'd be part of this band & not merely a guest helping us out."
RICHIE -"The first I knew of it was when I got a call out of the blue from Priest's management, inviting me to come & meet the guys. I thought it was a joke & told them to f..k off!"
GLENN -"We started by emailing him, but he ignored that. However, as soon as we met Richie, we knew this was the man for us. It was important he got on with all four members, as people as well as being a really good guitarist - & it worked on every level. I said to him that any time he needed some help musically, just give me a call. But he's ended up showing me thing!"
RICHIE -"I was nine or ten when that (Painkiller) came out & it immediately made me a fan of the band. I worked back from there. When I got this job, I went straight to reacquaint myself with their albums. What I want to make sure I do is keep the essence of what KK did, but not just mimic him. that would be daft. You know, I still can't believe I've been given this opportunity. I am determined not to let anyone down."
IAN -"We lived with this (scepticism) when Ripper was in the band. Things started off with a lot of fans chanting for Rob, but slowly Ripper won them over. I think the same thing will happen here. Once people see how good he is they'll accept Richie."
GLENN -"He's the right age for this job. If he were ten years younger, then he'd be a little too inexperienced to cope. If he were ten years older, then the fear would be he'd be too set in his ways. Right now, I can't wait to get onstage & show what we can do. He's given Judas Priest a real shot in the arm."
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, June 24, 2011 5:09:11 PM
"Believe it, or believe it not!": The latest comments from the band - Metal Hammer, July 2011:
(on KK's announcement)
IAN -"Disagreements between members of the band? That never happened before with us - ha! To Be honest, when you're in a band as long as we've been this sort of thing always happens. In the past, though, we've always got over such issues."
ROB -"We had no clue beforehand that KK felt this way. I recall exactly how I felt when he broke the news. It was as if the floor had opened & swallowed me. My mind was going off like a box of fireworks."
IAN -"We'd all agreed this was the way it should be (the last tour). But (it was) his voice that was loudest. I wouldn't say he was behind the plan, but he seemed keener than the rest of us."
GLENN - "I think part of the problem was that he'd had a few injury problems, with his wrist in particular. But it was still something that none of us expected."
ROB - "None of us understood why he was doing this. We were all stunned. I remember lying awake that night, wondering what had happened, why things were going so wrong. But I think Glenn, Ian & I all felt that it would blow over, KK would change his mind & we'd get back on track."
IAN - "That's the reason we never announced this in the first place. We all went round to see him, all phoned him & did our best to persuade him to come back."
GLENN - "We wanted to give him as much time as we could. In the end we came close to messing everything up, because we gave him too much time. There was never the slightest indication from KK that he might come back, but we held on to the notion that he must return. It couldn't all end like this."
ROB - "My initial reaction was that it was over for Priest. It surely was the end, as we couldn't go on without KK. But then it dawned on me that this band is a lot bigger than any one member; we had to carry on."
GLENN -"We had a meeting & a choice to make. Either we stopped Judas Priest right now, or we looked for a new guitarist. Thankfully, all of us agreed that we owed it to ourselves & the fans to carry on."
(& on KK returning)
IAN -"He's not coming back. I've talked to him a lot recently & I know he has no interest in doing anything in music again. This won't come up. It's over."
GLENN -"The door will never be shut on him. If KK says he's up for a reunion, then we'll never dismiss it."
ROB - "I would welcome him with open arms. I know it would be difficult for Richie, but... when I returned [in 2003], Ripper graciously handed me the microphone & bowed out."
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, June 24, 2011 5:08:38 PM
"Believe it, or believe it not!": The latest comments from the band - Metal Hammer, July 2011:
(on KK's announcement)
IAN -"Disagreements between members of the band? That never happened before with us - ha! To Be honest, when you're in a band as long as we've been this sort of thing always happens. In the past, though, we've always got over such issues."
ROB -"We had no clue beforehand that KK felt this way. I recall exactly how I felt when he broke the news. It was as if the floor had opened & swallowed me. My mind was going off like a box of fireworks."
IAN -"We'd all agreed this was the way it should be (the last tour). But (it was) his voice that was loudest. I wouldn't say he was behind the plan, but he seemed keener than the rest of us."
GLENN - "I think part of the problem was that he'd had a few injury problems, with his wrist in particular. But it was still something that none of us expected."
ROB - "None of us understood why he was doing this. We were all stunned. I remember lying awake that night, wondering what had happened, why things were going so wrong. But I think Glenn, Ian & I all felt that it would blow over, KK would change his mind & we'd get back on track."
IAN - "That's the reason we never announced this in the first place. We all went round to see him, all phoned him & did our best to persuade him to come back."
GLENN - "We wanted to give him as much time as we could. In the end we came close to messing everything up, because we gave him too much time. There was never the slightest indication from KK that he might come back, but we held on to the notion that he must return. It couldn't all end like this."
ROB - "My initial reaction was that it was over for Priest. It surely was the end, as we couldn't go on without KK. But then it dawned on me that this band is a lot bigger than any one member; we had to carry on."
GLENN -"We had a meeting & a choice to make. Either we stopped Judas Priest right now, or we looked for a new guitarist. Thankfully, all of us agreed that we owed it to ourselves & the fans to carry on."
(& on KK returning)
IAN -"He's not coming back. I've talked to him a lot recently & I know he has no interest in doing anything in music again. This won't come up. It's over."
GLENN -"The door will never be shut on him. If KK says he's up for a reunion, then we'll never dismiss it."
ROB - "I would welcome him with open arms. I know it would be difficult for Richie, but... when I returned [in 2003], Ripper graciously handed me the microphone & bowed out."
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, June 24, 2011 11:35:14 AM
"Believe it, or believe it not!": The latest comments from the band - Metal Hammer, July 2011:
(on KK's announcement)
IAN -"Disagreements between members of the band? That never happened before with us - ha! To Be honest, when you're in a band as long as we've been this sort of thing always happens. In the past, though, we've always got over such issues."
ROB -"We had no clue beforehand that KK felt this way. I recall exactly how I felt when he broke the news. It was as if the floor had opened & swallowed me. My mind was going off like a box of fireworks."
IAN -"We'd all agreed this was the way it should be (the last tour). But (it was) his voice that was loudest. I wouldn't say he was behind the plan, but he seemed keener than the rest of us."
GLENN - "I think part of the problem was that he'd had a few injury problems, with his wrist in particular. But it was still something that none of us expected."
ROB - "None of us understood why he was doing this. We were all stunned. I remember lying awake that night, wondering what had happened, why things were going so wrong. But I think Glenn, Ian & I all felt that it would blow over, KK would change his mind & we'd get back on track."
IAN - "That's the reason we never announced this in the first place. We all went round to see him, all phoned him & did our best to persuade him to come back."
GLENN - "We wanted to give him as much time as we could. In the end we came close to messing everything up, because we gave him too much time. There was never the slightest indication from KK that he might come back, but we held on to the notion that he must return. It couldn't all end like this."
ROB - "My initial reaction was that it was over for Priest. It surely was the end, as we couldn't go on without KK. But then it dawned on me that this band is a lot bigger than any one member; we had to carry on."
GLENN -"We had a meeting & a choice to make. Either we stopped Judas Priest right now, or we looked for a new guitarist. Thankfully, all of us agreed that we owed it to ourselves & the fans to carry on."
(& on KK returning)
IAN -"He's not coming back. I've talked to him a lot recently & I know he has no interest in doing anything in music again. This won't come up. It's over."
GLENN -"The door will never be shut on him. If KK says he's up for a reunion, then we'll never dismiss it."
ROB - "I would welcome him with open arms. I know it would be difficult for Richie, but... when I returned [in 2003], Ripper graciously handed me the microphone & bowed out."
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, June 24, 2011 11:29:43 AM
"Believe it, or believe it not!": The latest comments from the band - Metal Hammer, July 2011:
(on KK's announcement)
IAN -"Disagreements between members of the band? That never happened before with us - ha! To Be honest, when you're in a band as long as we've been this sort of thing always happens. In the past, though, we've always got over such issues."
ROB -"We had no clue beforehand that KK felt this way. I recall exactly how I felt when he broke the news. It was as if the floor had opened & swallowed me. My mind was going off like a box of fireworks."
IAN -"We'd all agreed this was the way it should be (the last tour). But (it was) his voice that was loudest. I wouldn't say he was behind the plan, but he seemed keener than the rest of us."
GLENN - "I think part of the problem was that he'd had a few injury problems, with his wrist in particular. But it was still something that none of us expected."
ROB - "None of us understood why he was doing this. We were all stunned. I remember lying awake that night, wondering what had happened, why things were going so wrong. But I think Glenn, Ian & I all felt that it would blow over, KK would change his mind & we'd get back on track."
IAN - "That's the reason we never announced this in the first place. We all went round to see him, all phoned him & did our best to persuade him to come back."
GLENN - "We wanted to give him as much time as we could. In the end we came close to messing everything up, because we gave him too much time. There was never the slightest indication from KK that he might come back, but we held on to the notion that he must return. It couldn't all end like this."
ROB - "My initial reaction was that it was over for Priest. It surely was the end, as we couldn't go on without KK. But then it dawned on me that this band is a lot bigger than any one member; we had to carry on."
GLENN -"We had a meeting & a choice to make. Either we stopped Judas Priest right now, or we looked for a new guitarist. Thankfully, all of us agreed that we owed it to ourselves & the fans to carry on."
(& on KK returning)
IAN -"He's not coming back. I've talked to him a lot recently & I know he has no interest in doing anything in music again. This won't come up. It's over."
GLENN -"The door will never be shut on him. If KK says he's up for a reunion, then we'll never dismiss it."
ROB - "I would welcome him with open arms. I know it would be difficult for Richie, but... when I returned [in 2003], Ripper graciously handed me the microphone & bowed out."
[Eternal Betrayer] Sunday, June 12, 2011 4:07:10 PM
From what I've seen & heard Rob does indeed seem in fine form & back to his best with a bit of jovial & rambling between song banter just like the old days, rather than some of the more recent tours where he'd just bark out the name of the next song (if you were lucky).
Richie too, seems to be fitting in very well (obviously his KK-like appearence helps) and his solos are similar enough for the over all change in style & presentation to be minimal.
It's a thumbs up from me! Edited at: Sunday, June 12, 2011 4:09:23 PM
[Eternal Betrayer] Thursday, June 09, 2011 3:21:10 PM
Can't remember the exact interview (might've been the recent one in Kerrang! or perhaps the LA press conference), but there was mention of them having rehearsed quite a few extra songs so they could take out, and put in different ones to shake things up a bit on different nights. Good idea if it happens. [Show/Hide Quoted Message](Quoting Message by Maple Syrup from Thursday, June 09, 2011 11:53:22 AM)
Maple Syrup wrote:
Couple of quick observations on the setlist from Tilburg:
Diamonds & Rust acoustic is back - Always loved the electric version. Last year when the played this electric, it was by far the best song of the show.
Turbo Lover - Really? again...They couldnt do anything else from Turbo? Serously? Out in the Cold? Could have came up with something better.
Alot of the songs in the setlist IMO they are playing it safe and are from the original Reunion of 2006: Heading Out, Sentinel, Beyond the Realms, Victim of Changes, Green Manalishi, Hell Bent.
Time for them to give YGATC & BTL and Metal Gods a rest..Been there done that for the last 5 tours..
Never Satisfied - Halford and his band have been playing this one, so no real dusted classic there (sorry JD)
The real dusted classics are Blood Red Skies (Never played live B4) & Starbreaker, which was last played live in 1980.
Other than that, not much...Dont get me wrong it is a solid setlist, but too safe IMO. Throw in Living aftre Midnight and it only becomes worse..
Too many missing classics to go on about...running wild, desert plains, tyrant, jawbreaker, etc...
Halford looks and sounds great and is unlikely they will change the setlist up much, considering they rarely do so. Looking frwd to seeing Priest in the states.
[Eternal Betrayer] Thursday, June 09, 2011 10:29:38 AM
For anyone not yet aware Glenn has started to put updates on his website "GlennTipton.co.uk", and this is the most recent one, along with his thoughts on Richie's playing:
"We played our first show last night in Tilburg Holland. Although it was a warm up show, it was just as important to us as the big shows to come and it was jam packed.
The audience was fantastic and it was an amazing debut for Ritchie. I still can`t believe the way he captures the essence of the solos, but does it in his own way. He really is quite special!
It was great to be back on stage again. The set list works well. We are, as we said doing a song from every album and being the farewell tour we have obviously included all the favourites, but songs like "Never Satisfied", "Blood Red Skies", "Starbreaker" and "Nightcrawler", also got a great reaction. The arrangement changes we made in the other songs worked well too.
All in all it was a great night for the band and I'd like to thank our fans, it was quite emotional and great to be back especially as it looked unlikely for a time."
I'm not saying it's good or bad but I am curious to know what some of you think.
I only have Youtube to go by but to me it seems as if Richie is changing some of the guitar work to suit his style.
Some of his solos sound a little flashy or jazzed up.
I'm wondering if anyone is noticing a change in their sound and I wonder, if there is a change, is it Priest's idea
or Richie's. Do they want him to add his own flair to their sound or is it maybe that he can't do KK's parts as well
as KK? Maybe it's me and there is no change. The little differences I'm noticing I'm not really liking because to
me they (Priest) sound different. The poor video quality and me only watching about a half dozen or so of them
tells not to criticize just yet.
[Eternal Betrayer] Monday, June 06, 2011 2:56:35 PM
Short clip of the band rehearsing on stage, posted by Scott Travis on Facebook. Richie says a few words & it sounds like Glenn is playing a bit of Diamonds & Rust in the background. Very nice!!!
[Eternal Betrayer] Wednesday, June 01, 2011 2:58:43 PM
You sound like you have some inside info on this Mr. Luxton. I wasn't aware that KK had wrist injuries or that the other band members were messing around thinking that he would come back etc. [Show/Hide Quoted Message](Quoting Message by Jon"JudasPriest"Luxton from Wednesday, June 01, 2011 8:13:36 AM)
Jon"JudasPriest"Luxton wrote:
If KK didn't fancy touring the world again then so be it. I was so shocked that he was probably the last member of the band to want to retire. However, if he's had wrist injuries and he can't get the enthusiasm for the tour then this is the best thing. The other guys were messing around cos they couldn't believe he meant it and would come back. Then they had to decide what to do, they would probably have lost a lot of money if they just finished the band there and then and if they really do want to carry on then great. It will depend on how Richie fits into the band because if there too many problems then they will just call it a day. I like the idea of someone like Tony Iommi touring with the band but it probably wouldnt have worked long term and this way the band many be able to carry on for a few more years yet. Lets wish them all the best of luck and look forward to a great tour.
[Eternal Betrayer] Wednesday, May 11, 2011 4:18:10 PM
Something else for those that haven't heard it already - Eddie Trunk (US Rock DJ & personal friend of the band) discusses & gives his opinion on KK's retirement. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChxpPTKRNxA
[Eternal Betrayer] Wednesday, May 11, 2011 4:17:17 PM
Something else for those that haven't heard it already - Eddie Trunk (US Rock DJ & personal friend of the band) discusses & gives his opinion on KK's retirement. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChxpPTKRNxA
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, April 29, 2011 5:56:00 AM
Just stumbled upon an interview with KK from 2007, during the recording of Nostradamus, and thought his answer to one particular question might possibly give some clue to his recent decision to leave.
Q: Thirty plus years into your career is it easier or harder to write songs?
A: "I think the sponge is always being squeezed. When will we run out before we are just duplicating what someone else has done? The answer to that is in the combination of what people have to offer in the band. Five individuals when we come together creates something unique. When we will run out of ideas is a good question. Hopefully not until this record is done! (laughs)"
[Eternal Betrayer] Tuesday, April 26, 2011 1:18:55 PM
DON'T GO!!!
Come on, come on now what you say Somebody say you leave today What's this thing you're doin' to me What's this fool you're tryin' to be You're talkin' nothin' but a load of guff You're tryin' to put somethin' in my lap, lap
Don't go. Please don't leave me Don't go in the mornin' Don't go. Please don't deceive me Don't take it away
I do, I do anything for you You make my stormy clouds blue Inside out, I'm upside down Back to front I'm all around Don't cha leave me by myself I don't like it
Don't go. Please don't leave me Don't go in the mornin' Don't go. Please don't deceive me Don't take it away (dedicated to K.K. Downing)
[Eternal Betrayer] Tuesday, March 24, 2009 5:51:14 PM
According to Wikipedia the two venues used during the recording of Priest...Live! were the Omni, Atlanta, Georgia 15 June 1986 & the Reunion Arena, Dallas, Texas on 27 June 1986, although I don't know what particular songs were taken from which shows.
The DVD/Video release of the same title was apparently taken entirely from the Dallas show though.
I have listened to both CD & DVD versions, and there are some differences - most notably the overdubbed backing vocals on Out In The Cold are missing on the DVD version, and also the remixed motorcycle intro to Freewheel Burning is in it's proper place on the DVD also (at the start of Hell Bent For Leather).
Obviously, there are a few extra songs on the DVD version too. Locked In, Desert Plains, The Green Manilishi, and Hell Bent For Leather. While, for some reason (timing?) Metal Gods has been cut altogether from the main set, and placed over the end credits.
It's a shame also, that Victim Of Changes, which was played on the Turbo tour, never got any inclusion or release on the Remasters or Metalogy box set either.
Anyway, I'm sure somebody else out there can enlighten us further. Edited at: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 6:06:03 PM
[Eternal Betrayer] Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:40:56 PM
Album closer On The Run is a pretty underrated rocker & definately worth spending some time getting to know.
My personal fav' though is the mighty Solar Angels - awesome opening riff, guitar solo & superb lyrics. A classic that deserves to be resurrected. Edited at: Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:41:36 PM
[Eternal Betrayer] Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:36:01 PM
In the early 80's Bon Jovi were more accepted in the Rock / Metal world (falling in with the Motley Crue, Ratt "hair metal" crowd etc). I saw them supporting Kiss on the UK leg of the Animalize tour in 1984 and they were very good. I remember waiting near the stage door entrance at Wembley Arena when the whole band arrived huddled altogether in a black London taxi cab. How times change!
Things certainly did seem to change around the time of Keep The Faith - out went the hair, and in came the huge crowds.
[Eternal Betrayer] Sunday, July 13, 2008 4:01:06 PM
I agree that I'd like to see another Kiss album, but as Paul Stanley states - he could write the next "Stairway To Heaven" (just a turn of phrase, before anyone points out their musical limitations), and people would still go; "Yeah, that's great... now play "Love Gun"!"
There isn't the same amount of money to be made in album sales nowadays, with the internet etc - real cash comes from touring & merchandising (something Maiden specialise in too).
The ALIVE35 tour, is apparently the most successful Kiss tour "ever" (not my words), so I don't think we will be seeing them hanging up their platforms just yet.
I saw them at the Download 08 Festival in the UK recently (along with Priest, who were excellent - been waiting to see them do "Sinner" again for 20 years), and Kiss went down a storm.
For what they do - the BIG show etc - they do very, very well. They might not move around quite as energetically as in the 70's or 80's, but there is definately a market, and appreciation for what they have to offer in concert.
Cam65 wrote:
Yes I'm a fan but they should either put out a new album or hang it up.
[Eternal Betrayer] Saturday, July 12, 2008 2:41:56 AM
Solar Angels is another classic (for me) on Point Of Entry - the intro riff, the solo & the lyrics are just awesome. I wish they were still playing it live (along with Steeler from British Steel).
I agree with Heading..., Desert... & Hot Rockin', but tunes such as All The Way, Troubleshooter, Turning Circles, On The Run, Don't Go & You Say Yes are all pretty average in comparison. [Show/Hide Quoted Message](Quoting Message by TIMBONI from Friday, July 11, 2008 8:24:41 PM)
TIMBONI wrote:
I have to say that I'm surprised at the rank that people have given Point of Entry. To me it has at least two "classic" tunes and yes I said "classic". Obviously there is "Heading Out to the Highway" which probably has one of the all time best intro's when it comes to overall sound and power, but there is also "Desert Plains" which is an awsome song ! Just listen to the drums on that tune and Rob's vocals are top notch. Some people may say that "Hot Rockin' " should be on that list too.
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, July 11, 2008 4:27:47 PM
1. British Steel
2. Unleashed In The East
3. Killing Machine / Hell Bent For Leather
4. Screaming For Vengeance
5. Painkiller
6. Defenders Of The Faith
7. Sad Wings Of Destiny
8. Stained Class
9. Sin After Sin
10. Point Of Entry
11. '98 Live Meltdown
12. Angel Of Retribution
13. Nostradamus
14. Live In London
15. Rocka Rolla
16. Ram It Down
17. Demolition
18. Jugulator
19. Priest Live
20. Turbo Edited at: Friday, July 11, 2008 4:43:40 PM
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, July 11, 2008 3:58:51 PM
I think Priest lost an awful lot of ground after Rob left in '92 or '93. There was no new album until '97s Jugulator with Ripper, and for a lot of people that, along with Demolition (plus the two live albums) don't even qualify as proper Judas Priest albums, and have sold poorly.
Really, you've got to say that from the end of the Painkiller tour in 1992 up to the Reunited tour & then release of Angel Of Retribution in 2005 Priest's album sales were pretty much dormant - that's well over 10 years, while other bands have been carrying on & doing very well, thank you very much.
Also, I don't know about other countries, but here in the UK, after the Screaming For Vengeance album the band's profile took quite a nose-dive. Having toured in Britain every year from the release of Rocka Rolla to Point Of Entry, 1982 saw them stay & concentrate on the US where the single "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" had become a huge hit & given them more commercial exposure over there.
They then returned to Europe & the UK on the eve of the Defenders Of The Faith album in December 1983 for a tour, before departing to the US once again in 1984.
It wouldn't be until 1988 & the Ram It Down album before they then returned to these shores - although there was a European Turbo tour in 1986, Britain was missed out altogether - and, I feel they lost a lot of fans as a result. Edited at: Friday, July 11, 2008 4:16:06 PM
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, June 27, 2008 5:24:25 PM
Have never got on with Turbo - didn't like it when it was released (hated the multi-coloured, stud-less clothes & big hair), and still only listen to Turbo Lover from it. As for Demolition, I think it suffered from too many tracks (just as Nostradamus does too).
My advice for both albums is to edit them down to a leaner, meaner & more rocking version.
For Demolition, try:
1. One On One
2. Hell Is Home
3. Devil Digger
4. Bloodsuckers
5. In Between
6. Feed On Me
7. Subterfuge
8. Lost & Found
...and for Nostradamus:
1. Dawn Of Creation
2. Prophecy
3. Awakening
4. Revelations
5. Sands Of Time
6. Pestilence & Plague
7. Death
8. Peace
9. Conquest
10. Persecution
11. Alone
12. Shadows In The Flame
13. Visions
14. Calm Before The Storm
15. Nostradamus
16. Future Of Mankind
...and you might see different albums.
I'm sure that once the band have got this concept thing out of their system they'll return with a full on "Painkiller-esq" follow-up. [Show/Hide Quoted Message](Quoting Message by J.D. DIAMOND from Friday, June 27, 2008 2:52:33 PM)
J.D. DIAMOND wrote:
So Judas Priest won't be slowing down anytime soon, then?"
Well,to be honest......with the new album "Nostradamus"....um,I think that they have slowed down as about as slow as they could possibly get! lol!
I mean was it really needed to put approx. 10 ballads on the album?? I know that some of these are only about 2 plus minutes long....but still there are about 7 full blown tracks that are ballads.....even the 70's Priest did not do that.....I think that they got way to carried away in the studio....maybe they forgot they were creating a "metal" album and thought they were producing a movie??? I don't know,but approx. 107 minutes of soft slow balladish material was not needed to express Nostradamus and his life experiences........if they are expressing his life through this format...then his life must of put alot of people to sleep! lol!
I also think that the song Nostradamus was the best song on this album,nothing on this album comes close to this quality of song........if all tracks were like this one and the album was reduced to about 10/11 tracks with maybe 2 ballads,then this album would of turned out much better in my opinion,..but hey.
I don't know why Judas Priest have always felt like they have to try and change "metal" and update it's sound every 5 years or so.......Turbo....Demolition...and Nostradamus are the 3 albums where the band left it's roots to far back behind.
Look at Angel Of Retribution....it is a "Heavy Metal" album like "Screaming For Vengeance/Defenders Of The Faith/Painkiller era....but does not sound like them,or did not copy them....and has its own original sound...and stays within the ballpark of heavy metal....I think the band went to far into trying to make something "different". I don't want something "different"......I wanted "JUDAS PRIEST" cranking out traditional british heavy metal,but thats just my opinion.
(Quoting Message by Eternal Betrayer from Thursday, June 26, 2008 5:01:07 PM)
Eternal Betrayer wrote:
GLENN: "For me it all comes down to enthusiasm. As long as we have that enthusiasm and that love for metal we'll carry on doing this. Only when that disappears, we'll think about bringing the curtain down."ROB: "What's really telling is that not only are we still making music and making new fans, but we're still going to new places all the time as well. We're still covering new ground physically and musically with every year that passes, and that's a great thing. To me, this doesn't even feel like we're close to the end. Not by a long shot."
Amen to that, brother!
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, June 27, 2008 5:12:08 PM
Fair enough, Mr Freeze.
To me, your opinion is just as important as the next person's.
It's all good fun, plus (un)healthy banter, and for a "useless" thread, it appears to be causing quite a bit of debate - which is never be a bad thing (as long as you've got the time & inclination, of course).
BWWWAAAHAHAHAHAAA!!! Thanks, soylent. I took the "blue" one..eyes getting heavy.....Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh....
Betrayer, not that I expect you to understand my position but, I have no problem with "freedom of speech". It is also not my intention to control anyone. I suppose MY right to complain about the REDUNDANCY of Threads is is a violation of said freedom? Or perhaps it is not important that I have an opinion? I don't know.
I do not wish to make more of this than already has been made. In the past two or three years, I have griped about the creation of useless Threads and they continue to pop up, so it is rather obvious that what I say is not very effective. I do not believe that I will change my opinion anytime soon and I am certain that morons will keep creating Threads regardless of the abundancy we enjoy.
I will do my very best to "lighten up". I do not want to make anyone feel oppressed.
soylentgreen4u wrote:
.....PAST YOUR PILL TIME..OH,OH.......WHY DO PEOPLE GET SOOOOOOO UPSET AT ANOTHER PERSONS THOUGHTS ON HERE??? JUST LET IT GO MAN...I CAN UNDERSTAND BEING A BIT UPSET AT PERSONAL ATTACKS(WHICH SOME OF THE BONEHEADS HERE THRIVE ON) BUT EEEEEEEEASY MAN,WATCH YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE..YOU MUST BE WHAT...60 NOW! ....BE CALM.....OMMMMMM...OMMMMM...BREATHE IN,BREATHE OUT...BE ONE WITH NATURE!!!!....WHAT WAS THAT YOU JUST CALLED ME?...
Deep Freeze wrote:
AAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGHHH!!!! You guys are KILLING me!!!! This is NOT ABOUT FREE FRIGGIN' SPEECH or having an OPINON!!!!! Alli, JD you guys know I love you dearly but I CAN'T STAND IT ANYMORE!!!!! This has NOTHING to do with liking or disliking the new album!!!! This is about creating A MILLION FRIGGIN' THREADS for the SAME FRIGGIN' SUBJECT!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh MAN!! I am going straight over the freaking cliff!!! Hello WALL! How are YOU today?? Do YOU have an opinion?? GREAT !! Let me hear it!! Oh? You don't like the new album? really? WOW!! THANK YOU, WALL!!! Sorry you guys, but I had to let that out! HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Eternal Betrayer] Friday, June 27, 2008 10:56:58 AM
I believe it's called freedom of speech. I think the thing here is not to take it too seriously - the Nostradamus album, or the negative responses to it.
Obviously, Priest themselves have found the solution, and just ignore it all, as much as possible.
Although, having said that; the fact they are playing different songs at the moment (Between The Hammer & The Anvil, Hell Patrol, Dissident Aggressor, Sinner, Eat Me Alive, Rock Hard Ride Free & Devil's Child etc) does show that someone is taking notice to what's been said here.
It's all good, anyway.
I don't think the new album is amazing, but I don't think it's rubbish either.
i am actually surprised that the web site allowed jp4e to actually post this thread.how can he /she go and say that this album is the downfall of priest.it should not be allowed in the first place.if you dont like it then this is not the place to express about it.so i wish whoever is in charge of this website will hopefully delete this post as it is causing to much bitching.i dont think if rob or the boys came on here and read this,i dont think they would be too impressed with some of the comments.so just leave it be.priest have made an album which might not be to everyones taste.so what.if only 1 person likes that album,then thats the way it is.i for one absolutely love it and i think it is a classic already.now i am going off now to listen to it for the 50th time.
[Eternal Betrayer] Thursday, June 26, 2008 5:09:54 PM
GLENN: "For me it all comes down to enthusiasm. As long as we have that enthusiasm and that love for metal we'll carry on doing this. Only when that disappears, we'll think about bringing the curtain down."ROB: "What's really telling is that not only are we still making music and making new fans, but we're still going to new places all the time as well. We're still covering new ground physically and musically with every year that passes, and that's a great thing. To me, this doesn't even feel like we're close to the end. Not by a long shot."
Amen to that, brother!
[Eternal Betrayer] Thursday, June 26, 2008 5:01:07 PM
GLENN: "For me it all comes down to enthusiasm. As long as we have that enthusiasm and that love for metal we'll carry on doing this. Only when that disappears, we'll think about bringing the curtain down." ROB: "What's really telling is that not only are we still making music and making new fans, but we're still going to new places all the time as well. We're still covering new ground physically and musically with every year that passes, and that's a great thing. To me, this doesn't even feel like we're close to the end. Not by a long shot."
[Eternal Betrayer] Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:42:01 AM
THE ANSWER - for all those still scratching their heads over the latest offering from JP is, I think, perhaps one caused by the of pacing on the album.
It is, after all, very very long, with some considerable mid-paced / ballad-y numbers. My advice is to edit it down to a slimmer, meaner & faster 80mins (single disc) version.
Select the following running order on to a CDR, or ipod playlist etc, and hear a much more familiar, agressive & traditional metal-esq sounding release.
1. Dawn of creation
2. Prophecy
3. Awakening
4. Revelations
5. Sands of Time
6. Pestilence & plague
7. Death
8. Peace
9. Conquest
10. Persecution
11. Alone
12. Shadows in the flame
13. Visions
14. Calm before the storm
15. Nostradamus
16. Future of mankind
Now, I know there will be many out there screaming (for vengeance) that this is sacriledge & not how the album is intended to be listened to, but, then they are already the converted, and what we are trying to do here is get as many people on board as possible. I myself, do find the whole double disc a rather flabby affair, I'm sorry to say, and do actually prefer the above edited version which I find is a far pacier & exciting listen - much more what I was hoping for.
I see it as something similar to the cinema release versions of the Lord Of The Rings films, as opposed to their much weightier Director's cut DVDs.
As for the missing tracks, well once you've grown to love the above you can re-incert them later, or visit them individually & see how they shape up having acclimatized yourself to this new world of the metal gods.
[Eternal Betrayer] Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:41:03 AM
THE ANSWER - for all those still scratching their heads over the latest offering from JP is, I think, perhaps one caused by the pacing on the album.
It is, after all, very very long, with some considerable mid-paced / ballad-y numbers. My advice is to edit it down to a slimmer, meaner & faster 80mins (single disc) version.
Select the following running order on to a CDR, or ipod playlist etc, and hear a much more familiar, agressive & traditional metal-esq sounding release.
1. Dawn of creation
2. Prophecy
3. Awakening
4. Revelations
5. Sands of Time
6. Pestilence & plague
7. Death
8. Peace
9. Conquest
10. Persecution
11. Alone
12. Shadows in the flame
13. Visions
14. Calm before the storm
15. Nostradamus
16. Future of mankind
Now, I know there will be many out there screaming (for vengeance) that this is sacriledge & not how the album is intended to be listened to, but, then they are already the converted, and what we are trying to do here is get as many people on board as possible. I myself, do find the whole double disc a rather flabby affair, I'm sorry to say, and do actually prefer the above edited version which I find is a far pacier & exciting listen - much more what I was hoping for.
I see it as something similar to the cinema release versions of the Lord Of The Rings films, as opposed to their much weightier Director's cut DVDs.
As for the missing tracks, well once you've grown to love the above you can re-incert them later, or visit them individually & see how they shape up having acclimatized yourself to this new world of the metal gods.
[Eternal Betrayer] Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:39:56 AM
THE ANSWER - for all those still scratching their heads over the latest offering from JP is, I think, perhaps one caused by the pacing on the album.
It is, after all, very very long, with some considerable mid-paced / ballad-y numbers. My advice is to edit it down to a slimmer, meaner & faster 80mins (single disc) version.
Select the following running order on to a CDR, or ipod playlist etc, and hear a much more familiar, agressive & traditional metal-esq sounding release.
1. Dawn of creation
2. Prophecy
3. Awakening
4. Revelations
5. Sands of Time
6. Pestilence & plague
7. Death
8. Peace
9. Conquest
10. Persecution
11. Alone
12. Shadows in the flame
13. Visions
14. Calm before the storm
15. Nostradamus
16. Future of mankind
Now, I know there will be many out there screaming (for vengeance) that this is sacriledge & not how the album is intended to be listened to, but, then they are already the converted, and what we are trying to do here is get as many people on board as possible. I myself, do find the whole double disc a rather flabby affair, I'm sorry to say, and do actually prefer the above edited version which I find is a far pacier & exciting listen - much more what I was hoping for.
I see it as something similar to the cinema release versions of the Lord Of The Rings films, as opposed to their much weightier Director's cut DVDs.
As for the missing tracks, well once you've grown to love the above you can re-incert them later, or visit them individually & see how they shape up having acclimatized yourself to this new world of the metal gods.
[Eternal Betrayer] Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:39:07 AM
THE ANSWER - for all those still scratching their heads over the latest offering from JP is, I think, perhaps one caused by the pacing on the album.
It is, after all, very very long, with some considerable mid-paced / ballad-y numbers. My advice is to edit it down to a slimmer, meaner & faster 80mins (single disc) version.
Select the following running order on to a CDR, or ipod playlist etc, and hear a much more familiar, agressive & traditional metal-esq sounding release.
1. Dawn of creation
2. Prophecy
3. Awakening
4. Revelations
5. Sands of Time
6. Pestilence & plague
7. Death
8. Peace
9. Conquest
10. Persecution
11. Alone
12. Shadows in the flame
13. Visions
14. Calm before the storm
15. Nostradamus
16. Future of mankind
Now, I know there will be many out there screaming (for vengeance) that this is sacriledge & not how the album is intended to be listened to, but, then they are already the converted, and what we are trying to do here is get as many people on board as possible. I myself, do find the whole double disc a rather flabby affair, I'm sorry to say, and do actually prefer the above edited version which I find is a far pacier & exciting listen - much more what I was hoping for.
I see it as something similar to the cinema release versions of the Lord Of The Rings films, as opposed to their much weightier Director's cut DVDs.
As for the missing tracks, well once you've grown to love the above you can re-incert them later, or visit them individually & see how they shape up having acclimatized yourself to this new world of the metal gods.
[Eternal Betrayer] Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:36:38 AM
THE ANSWER - for all those still scratching their heads over the latest offering from JP is, I think, perhaps one caused by the pacing on the album.
It is, after all, very very long, with some considerable mid-paced / ballad-y numbers. My advice is to edit it down to a slimmer, meaner & faster 80mins (single disc) version.
Select the following running order on to a CDR, or ipod playlist etc, and hear a much more familiar, agressive & traditional metal-esq sounding release.
1. Dawn of creation
2. Prophecy
3. Awakening
4. Revelations
5. Sands of Time
6. Pestilence & plague
7. Death
8. Peace
9. Conquest
10. Persecution
11. Alone
12. Shadows in the flame
13. Visions
14. Calm before the storm
15. Nostradamus
16. Future of mankind
Now, I know there will be many out there screaming (for vengeance) that this is sacriledge & not how the album is intended to be listened to, but, then they are already the converted, and what we are trying to do here is get as many people on board as possible. I myself, do find the whole double disc a rather flabby affair, I'm sorry to say, and do actually prefer the above edited version which I find is a far pacier & exciting listen - much more what I was hoping for.
I see it as something similar to the cinema release versions of the Lord Of The Rings films, as opposed to their much weightier Director's cut DVDs.
As for the missing tracks, well once you've grown to love the above you can re-incert them later, or visit them individually & see how they shape up having acclimatized yourself to this new world of the metal gods.
Just trying to help. Edited at: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:37:09 AM
[Eternal Betrayer] Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:49:04 AM
I'm sure most of Nostradamus will benefit from a live situation too, as I feel many parts will come across much heavier than they have on record. Not too sure how they will do this all live though - with the best will in the world, using a full orchestra is a tall order (that's an awful lot of people to take on tour with you) & I'm guessing far too expensive. If they do decide to go down this road, then I would presume that only selective dates would be used (ie; one or two major cities in each country - Kiss only did their Symphony project in Melbourne). Much more realistic is the normal solution of backing tracks, guitar synths & a keyboard player which can travel to all and sundry. Edited at: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:49:57 AM
[Eternal Betrayer] Monday, June 23, 2008 3:41:39 PM
As the first released sampler, and most classic Judas Priest sounding song, I would've gone with Nostradamus. Then after hearing it a few times, the second released sampler Visions grew on me, and is very cool & catchy.
But, as of this moment in time, I would pick Dawn Of Creation / Prophecy which is a superb album / live opener.
[Eternal Betrayer] Monday, June 23, 2008 3:36:25 PM
I agree:
Starbreaker with a Scott Travis drum solo (ala Les Binks) would be excellent.
For my sins I'd also be very interested in seeing them do Dreamer Deceiver / Deceiver & Run Of The Mill too, though that's purely for me, and isn't going to happen.
The return of Sinner is certainly something to celebrate anyway. Edited at: Monday, June 23, 2008 3:37:02 PM
[Eternal Betrayer] Monday, June 23, 2008 12:01:18 PM
I think my main problem with this album is the guitars (or rather lack of them - rhythm guitars, certainly). There are a lot of catchy hooks, and memorable choruses etc, but when it comes to some of the guitar work, it appears to be so far down in the mix & in some places so washed over by the keyboards (or guitar synths) that the word "tame" or "lame" spring to mind.
This is a Judas Priest album after all, and one would expect rather more than the occasional, and in places, almost apologetic, toned down riffing. The rhythm guitar is the main weapon of attack for any self-respecting heavy metal band, and also gives many a song a true set of balls. Without it "vicious" can easily become "vacuous" or turn "titantic" into "timid".
Before I'm scorned as just another "in your face, all the time merchant", I would just like to add that two of my very favourite Priest tracks are "Run Of The Mill" & "Dreamer Deceiver" which have more than their fair share of light & shade - something I very much appreciate in a song, or two - not a whole album though!
Nostradamus is a good album, an excellent soundtrack score album even, I'm just not so sure how great a Judas Priest album it is (Conquest, Pestilance & Plague, plus Future Of Mankind even sound like Iron Maiden in places), but I shall keep listening to it, and will go & see them on tour in the UK (in 2009, hopefully - saw them at Download 2008, and they were brilliant!), and if they want to do the whole album live - fine, I'll be there!
[Eternal Betrayer] Sunday, June 22, 2008 4:15:46 PM
An interesting review of Nostradamus from Amazon.UK that I recently found and, I have to admit, so far, I'm tending to agree with.
A yawning epic, 19 Jun 2008
Having bought Judas Priest's albums as & when they have been released since 1980 I was looking forward to this release with both anticipation & trepidation . A concept album is something I do appreciate , if done well as in Queensryche's Operation : Mindcrime ; Nostradamus ,unfortunately , is something different . Of the 23 tracks , 9 are intros or segues , meaning that each track has a very similar beginning i.e Rob Halford singing softly over a rising single note ( synthesised or orchestral ) with a light arpeggio or strumming on either electric or acoustic guitar .
I am all for bands being adventurous & experimental but originality is also an important facet . Perhaps I was expecting this release to be leaning towards an Opeth or Porcupine Tree progression , what with the Nostradamus story being tackled . However , they seem to have gone in the other direction . The majority of the tracks are mid paced sludges that are almost indistinguishable from one another which , to my ears , sounded more like the current crop of European , female fronted , goth-rock bands . The ballad "Lost Love " is perhaps the worst JP song I have ever heard ( including the hiccup that was the Turbo album ). In fact ,if it were not for Rob Halford's distinctive vocals I would be hard pressed to identify the band as being Judas Priest .
It was only the title track , the penultimate song on the album , that actually sounded like a genuine Priest piece of heavy metal but by that stage one has had to endure 90 minutes of music that on each listening ( twice at the writing of this )I found myself suppressing yawns . Something I had never asscociated with a JP album .
The packaging of the super deluxe version is beautiful ( no exclusive poster in my copy though )& the artwork by Mark Wilkinson I found more impressive than the actual music within . It is obvious by the production values that a great deal of time & effort has gone into this recording but for me it is the actual songs that are important . Apart from "Visions" , which could very well be the single for this release , I could not recall a single melody or tune . Perhaps in a live setting the songs may mature , though apart from two or three tracks , I cannot see them working outside the context of the Nostradamus concept .
So if you are expecting classic Judas Priest riffs & melodies than this might not be for you . If you want 104 minutes of average modern Euro-metal with an interesting concept than dive right in . Unfortunately I can see "Nostradamus" sitting next to the above mentioned "Turbo" album in my JP collection with little or no rotation on my stereo in the coming years .
I have to say that this was a very nice "surprise"!
Does anyone else out there think that after all is said and done for the boys, that music history will place this disc within the "Top 5" essential Priest discs? I have been listening to this none stop for the past week and think that this is a brilliant piece of work. It shows a lot of labour and thought went into this project and it was nice to see them taken out of their comfort zone and give us this result.
The first tracks that got to me were WAR - especially because I was geared up for a heavy take on this topic - yet they let Scott shine on this and went for mood. Excellent! Then it has to be NEW BEGINNINGS. Absolutely my favorite track so far - it just has a hypnotic feel to it. The rest are starting to gel as I find myself humming the verses and choruses during my everyday routines (always a good sign!).
I look forward to seeing if they actually plan on performing this from start to finish - it would be one tour for the history books, that much is certain. I hope that the positive feedback keeps on coming and that the rest of you are enjoying this disc as much as I am....
[Eternal Betrayer] Saturday, June 21, 2008 7:14:10 PM
Bonus tracks! That's another advantage of CD - 80mins of space, as opposed to the 45, 50 or 60mins vinyl can hold (depending on groove width etc).
With the right equipment, vinyl can (so, I'm told), on a good day (depending on the quality of the record & production etc) beat CD hands down. It's probably gonna cost you though...
Nostradamus (double CD) £11.98 - thank you very much. Triple album set £41.98 - f*ck that!! (Prices correct from Amazon UK at time of writing).
[Eternal Betrayer] Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:48:39 PM
You can't "shuffle" a vinyl album, like a CD. Listening to the same song selection time & again, or having to get up to change tracks / sides is such a bore.
It does depend on the equipment you have, but taken as a whole, and in my experience CDs do sound much better than vinyl.
Vinyl also runs slightly faster too - or should that be CDs run slightly slower - try it & record the same song (if you have the equipment - ie, an old cassette recorder or vinyl to PC capability) from each format & compare the difference. CDs also tend to be recorded louder than vinyl too.
I've got lots of vinyl albums that I bought in the 80's, but I'd much rather have it all on CD - all the crackling, pops & jumping can get pretty annoying too.
Just my personal preference & observations. Edited at: Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:52:09 PM
[Eternal Betrayer] Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:34:03 PM
1. Dawn Of Creation / Prophecy
2. Awakening / Revelations
3. Shadows In The Flames / Visions
4. Calm Before The Storm / Nostradamus
Haven't found a fifth track I really like yet. There's a bit too much "parping" keyboard overkill for my liking, at the moment. I wish they'd have gone for it more on some of the tracks (like the title-track which is much more guitar driven) instead of all the ploddy, over long, self indulgent & dirge-y worthiness.
Considering KK & Glenn produced the album, it's interesting that the rhythm guitars are quite so far down in the mix. Edited at: Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:38:36 PM
ROB v RIPPER 
....WHY DO PEOPLE GET SOOOOOOO UPSET AT ANOTHER PERSONS THOUGHTS ON HERE??? JUST LET IT GO MAN...I CAN UNDERSTAND BEING A BIT UPSET AT PERSONAL ATTACKS(WHICH SOME OF THE BONEHEADS HERE THRIVE ON) BUT EEEEEEEEASY MAN,WATCH YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE..YOU MUST BE WHAT...60 NOW! 