Search - Judas Priest :: Rocka Rolla

Vintage Priest Rules!

JP | Illinois | 05/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I you are sick of detuned farty "metal", then set the Way Back Machine for 1974 and this classic gem by Judas Priest. This album is somewhere between Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult, without the sludge of Sabbath, but with a little more anger than BOC could muster up. The production is a little thin, but Halford shines (as always!) on what is a ripping, sparse-sounding album. The guitars sound a little thin, but there definitely some cool moments.In Rocka Rolla, the repetitive rumbling riff gives way to cool, more delicate parts, and Priest shows some old-fashioned rock sensibility with one For The Road. Never Satisfied is probably the biggest highlight on this album, with Halford's trademark vocals.I enjoyed this album immensely, and it offers a refreshing departure from the slick productions of the eighties. With this album, heavy metal crawls from the primordial sludge of Sabbath up onto dry land...Note: For real irony, listen to Cheater. Is Halford angry with the guy or the girl? Who cares? Cheating, drinking, and homicide! What a great track."

I wish KK. downing could read this..

reviews by nick | Calif. | 12/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"well, all the new priest fans go to bed now & lets the 'old school' fans take the floor..LOL! and, hush..I saw you snicker..LOL!



this is where it all began.The debut recording..a young, eager K.K. downing & troops dying to put thoughts onto vinyl.I laugh at the negative reviews by newer fans who weren't "there" for the early vibe..& mindset/style of vintage priest. a band in the shadows of their heros like the scorpions, zep. ufo & sabbath etc.Its clear that glen & K.K. were huge schenker & scorpion fans.this will fall on deaf ears to those 10 + younger than me. I'm now 42..bought this when I was in 9th grade? But, in those days a great rhythum guitar line ( like on intrance by scorps)or, guitar affect made an album in ways..it was kool. I rarely hear anything these days that sounds "kool" or, makes me smile..a hot solo..or, something creative.Many bands back then were boring..radio format & here comes priest.This album is out of focus & uneven for a reason..it breaks the boring song structure rules forced fed by the industry so you get winter retreat..deep freeze etc.and, yes, I love these short, creative bursts of music & ideas..wishing there were many more to follow...such as the song: 'here comes the tears' on sin after sin. I also like the fact that rob is quieter..more creative, can go from soft, sensitive & with feeling to something that rocks.This was more of a K.K. downing offering. anyone who has written a song/music can tell lots of hrs. were put into this..endless going over the songs & looking for the right tone..guitar affect..into or, beginning.Priest use to be big on this but, got lazy I feel..too comfortable..too rich..LOL I'd love to see priest back in jeans & out of leather..too predictable /sellout otherwise.Maybe, do I quiet set in a small pub..of songs I select..LOL the metal machine they became I'd destroy for it ruined the band & made them predictable for the newer fans who expect the same ole style & bashing & too 'in your face' music that annoys more than anything else.I want to hear the band & robs wonderful voice mixed with a warmer guitar tone . Again, go back to dreamer deceiver, here come the tears . this is the voice I want to hear.This cd hits a soft spot with me..part of my childhood. a sign of the times.

A time when priest had a mystique about them...lasting through british steel days.I love the whole cd for one reason or, another..to the quarky guitar hooks on rocka rolla..to the grittiness & harmonica on cheater..as One song carefully blends into another such as deep freeze..leading to a quiet passage..likely due to K.K. carving out these songs.I was a little bored with priest after 'hell bent for leather' album which was too commercial but, good & flashy.So, finding this album a few yrs. later was a treasure for me..bringing me back to the sad wing days..& where it all began. I wish I could add input to priest members & wish they would write songs that I can actually want to listen to from start to finnish. If, you're a newer fan..this will go over your head..you "

weren't "there"..so missed out on the vibe of it all & the type of music that was out there so..this was different & interesting/creative. Thanks K.K. and gang..I still respect & love this cd!"