For anyone who has read Geoff Barton’s review in last months Classic Rock, let’s get the “Lochness” thing out of the way first and foremost. It seems unfortunate that whenever I’ve discussed this new album from the mighty ‘Priest, the first question is “what’s Lochness like?”.  Barton’s review was more than a little harsh about the quarter-hour long, “visual landscape” of Lochness. It is neither “turgid” nor “grotesque”. It’s just not Judas Priest. It’s a change of pace and the investigation of an idea, whether it belongs on a ‘Priest album is in the opinion of the listener. For myself, I enjoyed the fact that the band has tried to stretch ideas and open up their musical scope. Listen to it and form your own opinion.

What is not in doubt is the quality of the rest of the album. “Judas Rising” opens in menacing fashion, this IS ‘Priest in all their leather-clad, stud-encrusted, Metal, crushing glory. The band absolutely MUST open with this track on their up coming UK tour. It is a bludgeoning, master class in true, blue, Heavy Metal. Returning frontman, Rob Halford is in fine voice and leads his merry men through some the most vital, riff laden Metal I’ve heard for some time. Don’t forget these guys have thirty or so years of experience behind them and have used this to their advantage throughout the album. There’s reminders of all the Classic Judas Priest albums built into each song, shades of Painkiller, British Steel, Sad Wings…, Stained Class et al. And yet they sound fresh and revitalised, “Deal With The Devil” and single, “Revolution” are just classic Heavy Metal romps, hugely nostalgic of the late seventies/early eighties grinding rock that ’Priest created in the first place. 

It has been true of most of the Rock greats that, a great deal of Metal songs are written with live performance in mind and this hasn’t been lost with “Angel Of Retribution”, a good wedge of the album can be included in a live set, “Demonizer”, “Wheels Of Fire” and “Hellrider” are just built for the big stage. Drummer Scott Travis would have his work cut out, the pace is intense, his blistering, double kick pedal work is amazing. A true powerhouse back line. 

The album would fall on it’s arse if it continued at this pace, very easy to become a bit one dimensional, but they’ve countered that with “Angel” and “Eulogy”, the former having a dangerously “radio-friendly” quality, musically it’s very Scorpionsesque power ballad territory, beautifully written and performed. Definitely showing a depth to the song writing talents. “Eulogy” is a beautiful, brooding tale, showcasing Halford in a more reflective guise. 

Overall this is classic Judas Priest in many ways, but a mature ‘Priest. For Rob Halford to rejoin the band, this album had to be a defining moment in their long history and I think they’ve achieved that in some style. This is majestic album in many ways, gut wrenchingly heavy in parts and yet tender and soulful (Eulogy) on others. But it is also a signal of intent, a rebirth of one of the greats. As a piece of music, I like “Lochness” and that’s for no good reason. More than anything I like the fact that the band felt strongly enough about it to included on the album. As a long time ‘Priest fan, this is a good, solid, adventurous album from the stalwart Metal Gods and be of no doubt, Judas is indeed Rising.

Let us know your views on 'Angel of Retribution'

Track List

Judas Rising
Deal With The Devil
Revolution
Worth Fighting For
Demonizer
Wheels Of Fire
Angel
Hellrider
Eulogy
Lochness

Line Up

Rob Halford - Vocals
KK Downing - Guitars
Glenn Tipton - Guitars
Ian Hill - Bass
Scott Travis - Drums