It's a sad day. Today's the day that I listen to my last Judas Priest album. I hear you, you tell me, it doesn't have to be. As of 1990 they have another eight albums, all the way through 2024's Invincible Shield. To that I say, "No." Though I did pick up their 1987 live album, Priest...Live!
1988's Ram It Down would come about from several tracks initially intended for the aborted double album Twin Turbos. For better or worse, it would finish off the decade for the band. While their legion of fans would help push it to gold certification, critics would rip the album up, calling it stale and routine. Being a lot of leftover tracks, that may be a fair assessment.
I suppose no further introduction is needed. Let's dive into my last Judas Priest listening session.
Speed metal is apparently the name of the game, at least that's the first impression I get from album opener, and title track, Ram It Down. Coming off of Turbo, it's a complete 180. It's not a bad tune at all. Unfortunately, this doesn't fair the same for the remainder of the album. The only other standouts for me were, I'm A Rocker, and Monsters Of Rock.
The biggest misstep for me is probably the Chuck Berry remake of Johnny B. Goode. I don't know if the boys had just heard the news of the forthcoming Back To The Future Part II, and felt nostalgic for the original film, or if they truly felt the need to pay tribute to Berry. Whatever the reason, it's not a good rendition.
Overall, it was kind of a dud, and I actually lost interest in the remainder of the album after the above noted cover. For me, it was a disappointing note for Judas Priest to end the decade on. After all the buildup that was leading to this point, I really expected better. Especially in light of me essentially becoming a fan over the course of the previous five albums.
Upon its release, drummer Dave Holland would leave the band, citing numerous reasons. Among these were his need to take care of his ailing mother and sister, but also that he never really felt appreciated for his contributions. Apparently, Holland was never made a full member when initially joining in 1979. Longtime producer, Tom Allom would also step away from the band, not returning until the 2009 live album, A Touch of Evil: Live, and the 2018 studio album, Firepower.
While the band would recruit drummer Scott Travis for 1990's Painkiller, litigation would commence that year against the band by the parents of 20-year-old James Vance and 18-year-old Raymond Belknap, who claimed the young adults shot themselves based on subliminal messages implanted in their 1978 album, Stained Class urging them to commit suicide. While Belknap would die instantly from a shotgun blast under his chin, Vance would only end up maiming himself, though die three years later from a drug overdose. The case would ultimately be dismissed.
Tensions purportedly with Rob Halford and his fellow bandmates led to the singer departing to form the band Fight. However, contractual obligations kept him officially part of Judas Priest until 1992, though he would collaborate with them for a twentieth anniversary compilation entitled, Metal Works '73–'93.
The band would spend several years looking for a new singer, eventually selecting Tim "Ripper" Owens. While Owens would provide vocals for 1997's Jugulator, and 2001's Demolition, both albums would flop. He'd amicably step down when after ever-growing demand brought Rob Halford back into the fold. The reunited Judas Priest would kick things off with the box set, Metalogy, and an appearance at Ozzyfest in 2004, where the media dubbed them the premier act.
Studio album, 2005's Angel Of Retribution, would fair much better than the previous two Owens fronted releases, but continue the trend of failing to acquire any sales certifications. This trend would continue for 2008's Nostradamus, and 2014's Redeemer Of Souls. The later would also be the first to not include K.K. Downing on guitars, who retired from the band after citing tensions with management and other members. He would be replaced by Richie Faulkner.
Since then, the lineup of Rob Halford, Glen Tipton, Ian Hill, Scott Travis, and Richie Faulkner have remained, releasing 2018's Firepower, and 2024's Invincible shield. However, Tipton would formally retire from touring in 2018 due to his battle with Parkinson's disease. Andy Sneap has toured in his place since then, and the band is actually set to kick off their Faithkeepers series, which will begin in July, and end in September 2026.
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