Grew to like British Steel. Loved Screaming for Vengeance from the beginning. And I eventually learned to appreciate (a lot) Ram it Down too - even its fatal mistake, a cover version of Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode." Painkiller from 1990 has some kick ass tracks on it as well - it's fast, furious, metallic, angry, and vengeful. Which is everything a good speed metal record ought to be. And Rob Halford's voice never fails to mesmerize - and mesmerize it damn well should, as it is easily one of the best in the heavy metal business. Along with Screaming with Vengeance, Painkiller is a stereotype of the heavy metal sound, something you'd expect non metal fans to think of when they think of heavy metal music (and usually, quite unfortunately, despise). Of course, it's a good stereotype. There's some big hits on this album - if you've owned a best of compilation album (such as The Essential Judas Priest), you'll instantly know "Painkiller", "Hell Patrol", "Night Crawler" and "A Touch of Evil." And they're the best songs on this album of course. "Leather Rebel" and "Metal Meltdown" will get some love too on the next few play throughs - the rest will get the play button treatment every now and then as well. All up, a sterling effort by one of metal's giants. Love it. A-
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