PART ONE: I got it! JUDAS PRIESTS Redeemer of Souls. 18 songs. Double slipcase deluxe packaging. First true product with Richie Faulkner, who replaced KK Downing. First and main disc is 63 minutes. Booklet has lyrics. Cover artwork is good. 1. DRAGONAUT= Leadoff song is pretty good. Has a nice solo. Safe but effective heavy metal song. Rob Halfords vocals are strong and smooth. 2. REDEEMER OF SOULS=another safe traditional song. This is the only one I listened to prior to release. Another Faulkner solo. It looks like it may be his showcase. 3. HALLS OF VALHALLA=Some blistering guitar on this and Halford hits some high notes. While some may say its not high like it use to be, its still good. 4. SWORD OF DAMACLES=rhythmic vocals lead this sing along chorus laden song. Dramatic delivery characterized by ranges in vocalization. 5. MARCH OF THE DAMNED=another traditional heavy metal song. Some intense guitar riffs and hooks throughout. 6. DOWN IN FLAMES=Finally some classic Halford style vocals. While delivered mid range, it still has that iconic tone that Priest fans will like. 7. HELL & BACK= starts off like it will be the first ballad, then goes mid-tempo leading toward Faulkners takeover. 8. COLD BLOODED=some effects on Halfords voice in this one, but again chorus style approach delivery. Faulkner riffs even more! 9. METALIZER=Scott Travis leads this one off and Halford is back to old form at times. Some nice rhythm guitar by Glen Tipton that leads to more Faulkner leads. 10. CROSSFIRE=boogie style blues influenced riffing which sees Halford finally let loose a bit vocally. Shortest song on the cd, but one of the better overall ones. 11. SECRETS OF THE DEAD=almost as if they studied Maiden here. Safe and tradition mystic oriented song. Chorus rules again though. Some interesting guitar effects by Faulkner. 12. BATTLE CRY=a tribute power anthemic song that has Halford wailing and Faulkner soloing all over the place before returning to structure of song. Best song so far from first listen. 13. BEGINNING OF THE END=Yes-Before The Dawn sequal of sorts. Ballad introspective vocal track that has Halford expressing desire to be laid to rest. And the need for lighters have returned! OK, first disc reviewed. It is obviously a showcase for new guitarist Richie Faulkner. Halford has moments, all the musicians are effective, but not always forefronted. Judas Priest fans should be happy with this. I cant wait to hear some of this stuff live!
Posted on: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 09:01:27 +0000