Judas Priest
Demolition
Review by Gary Hill
This is the second studio album for Priest with new vocalist "Ripper" Owens. It really makes one wonder why they are still calling the group Judas Priest. In all honesty, the group's new embracing of more modern musical textures will probably have a disorienting effect on fans of the classic sound. This disc has more in common with Rob Zombie, Korn and Alice Cooper's Brutal Planet than it does with Halford era Priest. That said, it is a very intriguing album that presents some cool musical structures. One has to wonder, though, if the fans of the darker more modern style of music that Priest is reaching for these days will even give half a chance to something by Judas Priest. That is why I seriously question their decision to release this album under that moniker.
If you are a fan of more modern dark metal, by all means, pick this one up, you will most likely enjoy it. However, if you are a fan of old school Priest, give it a listen first to see if you are up to the transition.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2001 Year Book Volume 2 at garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2001-and-2002.
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