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JUDAS PRIEST – Live In London (SPV/Steamhammer) |
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Posted: 4/6/03 Category: Heavy Metal Label URL: www.spvusa.com Band URL: www.judaspriest.com
Judas Priest is back with another live disc, and the question is whether or not it's a worthwhile addition to your collection. The answer is going to depend on whether you're a die-hard fan of the band or you're one of those people who are anxiously awaiting the band's reunion with Rob Halford. Make no mistake about it; Ripper Owens is a very competent vocalist. His biggest problem is that he's got some mighty big shoes to fill and he will always be in the shadow of Halford. Every time I hear him sing a classic Judas Priest song I can't help but think of him as an imitation of the real deal. A second problem with this release is that it's so similar to '98 Live Meltdown that it seems redundant. If it weren't for a few surprise song selections like "Running Wild," "Desert Plains," "United," and "Turbo Lover," you'd have a tough time telling the two apart. Small issues aside, the band is tight and the vocals are very good as Priest roll through a number of classic tunes and new songs on this double compact disc. While I haven't really embraced the material since Ripper joined the band, the newer songs ("Blood Stained," "One On One," "Feed On Me," "Hell Is Home," and "Burn In Hell") do sound better than I expected. This is due to the raw sound of the live environment and the fact that the new songs are mixed in nicely with the classics.
The Bloody Truth: Personally, I found Halford's Live Insurrection to be a more enjoyable live release because of its more eclectic set list and the amazing vocals of the 'Metal God' himself. Overall however, you can't beat up Live in London too badly because the sound is stellar and it's great to still have Judas Priest releasing music in the 00s.
Reviewed by: Lynn Phillips |
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