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The Gauntlet: Judas Priest |
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Judas Priest Album Review
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Tracklist
1. HELLION
2. ELECTRIC EYE
3. METAL GODS
4. RIDING ON THE WIND
5. THE RIPPER
6. TOUCH OF EVIL
7. JUDAS RISING
8. REVOLUTION
9. HOT ROCKIN'
10. BREAKING THE LAW
11. I'M A ROCKER
12. DIAMONDS AND RUST
13. WORTH FIGHTING FOR
14. DEAL WITH THE DEVIL
15. BEYOND THE REALMS OF DEATH
16. TURBO LOVER
17. HELLRIDER
18. VICTIM OF CHANGES
19. EXCITER
20. PAINKILLER
21. HELL BENT FOR LEATHER
22. LIVING AFTER MIDNIGHT
23. YOU'VE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING
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The reunited Judas Priest performs an extensively lengthy headlining set during this concert document that shows the band is still more than capable of rocking a concert arena like few bands in heavy metal have ever been able to. Judas Priest released their 'Unleashed in the East' record after recording a performance in 1979 and those fans in Japan are just as rabid about the mighty Priest these days, as evidenced by the excellent crowd responses that band garners at this Budokan, Tokyo event.
Easily, the most impressive thing about this film is the sheer volume of material covered by the group. In all, fans are given twenty-three of the group's greatest tracks, from long-time, fan favorite concert staples such as 'Electric Eye', 'Living After Midnight' and 'Exciter.' Captured during the band's 2005 'Angel Of Retribution World Tour, you'll find much material here from that album, with 'Judas Rising' and 'Deal With The Devil' fitting in nicely next to the favorites in the band's set.
One of the most interesting facets of this production is the volume of older material that appears here. Rob Halford lets everyone know who is boss with one of his most excellent performances of 'The Ripper.' Long time Priest followers will be more than pleased to find such rare gems as 'Victim Of Changes' and 'Hot Rockin'' in the band's setlist. What is fascinating about this is the fact that these songs stand up well over time, resounding with an impact that stands up well to the band's heavier approach of the Eighties and Nineties. Plenty of costume changes by Halford and set shifting ensures there's plenty to keep your eyes entertained as well as your ears, and the lighting effects are for the most part, pretty good. This concert was shot well, but things aren't a thousand angles per second, instead the film crew and editors opted to allow you to actually watch the individuals perform, with either Halford or several members of the band simultaneously being the major focal point of the camera eye.
Even the most die-hard fan of the band must admit that Judas Priest is slowing down a bit as the years have gone by. Halford's range is a touch smaller and Glenn and K.K. just don't bang their heads like they used to, but regardless of these issues, the band continues to deliver a great musical performance. Surprisingly, bassist Ian Hill is really getting into it, showing a good amount of spunk for being a veteran metal legend. Scott Travis is solid, as always. Travis may not be the flashiest drummer around, but his precision thunder makes the perfect backbone for the driving, upfront sound that Judas Priest delivers. As a unit the band deliver the goods, so to speak and their performance is no less relevant today than it was back in the seventies during the stage when heavy metal was still something of a toddler.
From a technical point of view, the sound is of good quality although something seems a bit missing in terms of guitar tone. The complete absence of special features on this disc is the most frustrating aspect of the entire affair, but the focus here is intended to be on the songs themselves and with so much concert footage to behold, the fan is certainly given a fair amount of value for their entertainment dollar.
Most of all, this is a fantastic opportunity to catch one of metal's legendary groups performing in the environment that the band is best known for – the live arena. Certainly, this is a good addition to any JP collection that loyal fans won't want to miss.
Review by: Erin Fox
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