Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Crimson Flare From a Raging Sun


Judas Priest : Hellbent for Leather


On October 9, 1978 Judas Priest release Killing Machine, retitled Hell Bent for Leather for its 1979 US release. And yes, this band was all about the leather by this point; the band adopting their now-famous "leather-and-studs" fashion image, inspired by Rob Halford's interest in gay leather culture. 


I only started listening to this album in the past week. What stands out to these ears is how polished the sound is. Like big dollar action movies, the best heavy metal albums just sounded better than anything else at the time. It also sounds like the band spent a lot of time studying Queen's News of the World. "Take on the World" is their "We Will Rock You" and "Burnin Up" is their "Get Down, Make Love". 


Also noteworthy: a cover of Fleetwood Mac's "The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)". Understandably a fan favorite.


No comments:

Post a Comment