Judas Priest, Screaming For Vengeance 30th Anniversary Edition (2012)

Hello everyone,

Today I am looking at Judas Priest's classic release Screaming For Vengeance except this is the newly released 30th Anniversary Edition.

If one was new to metal music, and wanted to know where to begin to learn about the great bands and albums, most people would typically tell them to start with Black Sabbath. I would begin with Judas Priest, and their first exposure should be Screaming For Vengeance. While this album is thirty years old, it has held up surprisingly well considering  that throughout the years, bands get heavier and louder all the time. This album is just as loud and heavy as any current release.

I have personally listened to Screaming For Vengeance many times over the years, but I haven't heard it in a long time. After listening to this new edition, I was feeling the raw energy right from the beginning of a finely tuned metal machine. This was Judas Priest at the peak of their prestigious career.

Could there be a more powerful way to begin an album than with roaring twin guitars of K. K. Downing and Glenn Tipton on the opening track, "The Hellion," blending into "Electric Eye." You get their metal classics like "Bloodstone" and "Devil's Child." The title track is the heaviest track on the album, and has been attributed as a major influence in the thrash sub-genre. The most famous song on the album is the Priest standard, "You've Got Another Thing Coming" which is a certified classic.

There are many cool features with this re-release such as a digital remastering of the sound, six bonus live tracks (which are freaking awesome!), but the best special feature is the bonus live DVD.

The concert is Priest's performance at the U. S. Festival at San Bernardino, California filmed May 29, 1983. This show was remastered from the original footage that was thought lost for years. This DVD displays the raw power and energy of Judas Priest in their prime, clicking on all cylinders. This addition, makes this a must-buy for any fans of not just Judas Priest, but metal fans of all ages will appreciate this album.

For your listening pleasure, I have attached two tracks from the album.

Thanks for reading,
Marty Sabin