Judas Priest - Angel Of Retribution
Posted by Guest Writer on Sun, 28 May 2006.
Rob Halford - Lead Vocals
K.K Downing - Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals
Glenn Tipton - Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals
Ian Hill - Bass Guitar
Scott Travis - Drums
Angel Of Retribution, has been cited as one of those fantastic all time heavy metal comebacks...despite everyones hatred of the last track (my favourite :D), Lochness. In the words of Rob Halford "Who else could write a 13 and a half minute song about the Lochness Monster and get away with it".
One of priests typical intro styles, this time the slow build up, starts with Judas Rising (anyone get any hint of their intentions from that title?), a very quick and high intro, which builds up in volume before launching into a heavy and quick riff. Once again demonstrating Halfords extraordinary vocal tone.
It must be said though, that the vocals don't tend to reach the high range they used to, unsuprising though as the band are now entering their 50's, and have been producing albums for nigh on 32 years!
A few more heavier and quicker tracks are dotted throughout the album. Demonstrating the quick and complex playing capabilities of the twin attack of Downing and Tipton. Hellrider being one of the best examples, lots of time changes, various different riffs dotted around...and one heck of a dual solo and yet another over the top intro...not that im complaining!
An unusually slow priest song, in the shape of Worth Fighting For. One of the albums key singles. A VERY nice song, almost showing a small hint of a classical side, slow chords throughout instead of quick changing notes as the rest of the album. There are also a few acoustic, and slow and light, songs on the album, from Eulogy and Angel. Eulogy leading into Lochness with a background sound.
Lochness is the albums highlight in my view. Going from one extreme to the other, with some fantastic harmonies, both on guitar and vocals. And a powerful, rememberable chorus. I just hope they play it live next time i see them :D.
One thing the album seems to have, is several mentions to past priest albums. I'll let you figure them out though :).
By J