Judas Priest--Painkiller (1990)
Rating--9.3
**U.S. Sales Certification--Gold**
Leather Rebel--RealAudio One Shot at Glory--RealAudio
Arguably the heaviest Priest CD (before 'Jugulator', that is), this disc marked the return of truly brutal guitar
work and up-tempo songs, aided by the inclusion of new drummer Scott Travis. In what would end up being the group's last
effort with vocalist Rob Halford, it releases a vengeance of an album that contains intricate songs, tight and fast guitar work,
and killer wails.
The title cut is frantic and nonstop, and other energy rides include "All Guns Blazing," "Leather Rebel," and
"Hell Patrol."
"Night Crawler" is nasty, with an excellent and creeping pre-solo spoken section. "A Touch of Evil" was the disc's
first single, and brings a slower but still steady pace to the table.
Closing track "One Shot at Glory" is also strong-- more will be
said about it below...
HOT CHOPS--The guitar solos during the title song are absolutely brutal. Also, the "Battle Hymn" intro to
"One Shot at Glory" is great, as is Rob's singing throughout and especially towards the end of that song. The most overlooked
cut on the disc.
TRACK LIST: Painkiller/Hell Patrol/All Guns Blazing/Leather Rebel/Metal Meltdown/Night Crawler/Between
the Hammer & the Anvil/A Touch of Evil/Battle Hymn/One Shot at Glory
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