This one might get me in trouble with the purists but I preferred Judas Priest when Tim 'Ripper' Owens fronted them than Rob Halford. My first Judas Priest album was Jugulator (1997) and that completely set the tone as far as what I was expecting from the band. I'll still admit that albums like British Steel (1980) and Sad Wings of Destiny (1976) are brilliant, but Jugulator (1997) was my first, and often your first will be your favourite. Tim 'Ripper' Owens' voice just really worked for me, it was aggressive, melodic, and really stood out. Not only that but the rest of the band really pushed the envelope in terms of heaviness, surpassing nearly all the bands they had inspired, which is always a sight to be seen.
|