MB Metal Classics: "Screaming For Vengeance" by Judas Priest
 

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Wednesday's album is here guys! Talk about it or your vote won't count.

Fun and sexy '80s Metal. Sounds exactly as the cover art would lead you to believe.

As much as I like Judas Priest and love plenty of songs I don't think I could put any of their albums above an 8. I suppose their style feels a bit too polite to consistently grab me by the short and curlies. Even Painkiller only really has the one "Painkiller". Quality-wise though they're still pretty great, this album possibly most of all.

What about British Steel?

An 8. The back end isn't as good as the front and the whole thing still has the problem I have with all Judas Priest.

Which is that they're Judas Priest?

I was never a fan of Judas Priest. Of course I know some of their most famous songs, but every attempt at listening to a full album hasn't made me come back for more. It also doesn't help that Rob Halford isn't really the most appealing vocalist to my ears. He works significantly better in some songs that in others. Ironically, I think he does the softer numbers better.

I'm also reminded of two things I generally don't like about Judas Priest: Their terrible power ballads and their tendency to sound like bad arena rock and glam metal.

The lead guitar playing is always entertaining though. I'd rather listen to a compilation of their solos than any of their albums.

There's some allright songs on this album, but it's just not really doing much for me as a whole. I don't appreciate the style and vibe of Judas Priest. They often feel a little plasticky next to their peers in Iron Maiden and Saxon. Not that I really like Saxon either, but better than Priest.

I love Helloween's cover of "Electric Eye" and I'm surprised how weak the original sounds in comparison.

6/10. Probably higher than I'd give most of their albums.

More precisely: Earlier this year, I tried to sit through several of their albums and I couldn't find one that didn't feel like it had a bunch of filler on it. But I could definitely compile a pretty bitchin' playlist if I pick and choose from all of their albums.

So long as you agree this is the greatest driving music ever made then you can live with only minor lacerations.