Artist: Judas Priest
Label: Sony
Release Date: 1978
Rating: 5 Skulls
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Title: Stained Class Artist: Judas Priest Label: Sony Release Date: 1978
Rating: 5 Skulls |
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Death's Review:
The toughest thing in writing a Priest classic review is choosing which record best exemplifies the band's massively important catalogue. Hell Bent for Leather probably most acurately represents the archetypal JP leather and motorcycle motiff, British Steel basicaly defined "pop metal" (although the best tune on that album, "The Rage" strays far from the "Living After Midnight" / "Breakng the Law" style the album is known for), Defenders of the Faith kicked serious metallic ass, Unleashed in the East has one of the best live album feels ever, Painkiller was one of Metal Maniacs' readers' top albums of the 1990's, and Rocka Rolla's dreamy, spaced out intensity was one of Priest's deepest records and certainly ahead of its time.Still, in the end, it has to come down to a choice among three: Sad Wings of Destiny ("The Ripper," "Victim of Changes"), Stained Class, or Screaming for Vengeance ("Electric Eye," "You've Got Another Thing Comin'"). Sad Wings is from the older, trippier Priest era, and Screaming probably marked a turn toward more commercial sensibilities (although this is Priest's most popular record, and may be their most fully-realized as well.) That brings me to Stained Class, which is the subject at hand. I chose it because it really was a turning point for Priest and a benchmark in the evolution of modern heavy metal. Plus it's got "Beyond the Realms of Death," my personal favorite Priest track and prbably one of my top five of all time.
"Fall to your knees and repent if you please!"
Stained Class kicks off in high gear with "Exciter," perhaps the first thrash/speed metal track (anyone want to disagree?) This song alone, with pounding double-bass and killer sixteenth note rhythmic picking, topped off by the trademark Halford wailing, may make this a classic album. But its only the beginning.
The killer riffing and blues based groove that kicks off "White Heat Red Hot" is made all the more metal by Halford's stellar performance and frequent highs. "Better By You Better Than Me" is more than just the former subject of a misguided wrongful death litigation, it is a hook-laden, bouncy tune which really showcases the confidence and power with which Halford sings. Cool Tipton/Downing harmonized lines and licks add to the majesty, and the clean strum guitar interlude really showcases what must have been a fantastic production for the time (I love the drum sound particularly).
The title track, "Stained Class" tells a nice lyrical story over the heavily flange-enhanced galloping guitar line. Halford hits some amazing notes here too, and his dueling vocal line and layered chorus fortold the future of heavy metal vocals from Geoff Tate to Midnight to Warrel Dane. Killer solo on this one as well. All 'round great stuff.
The seeming U.F.O. landing which kicks off "Invader" is cool, but skipping ahead to the AWESOME "Saints in Hell" may be advised. This is one of Priest's lesser-known finest, and clearly Halford's best vocal performance on this record. The ending echoing breakdown -- "we are saints! saints! saints! . . . in hell! hell! hell!" and subsequent high-pitched vocal wailing still sends chills down my spine to this day.
"Savage" is pretty killer as well. Halford once again shines, and the cool drumbeat adds to the attack.
"Keep the world, with all its sin, its not fit for livin' in."
Finally we come upon the majestic and inspired darkness of the aforementioned "Beyond the Realms of Death," a metal "power ballad" of sorts which set the tone and the template for the clean/heavy metallic dynamics which dominated metal for decades to follow (try Pantera's "Cemetary Gates" or half of the post-1980 Scorpions catalogue.) I believe this song best captures the range and power of Halford's voice, features inspired soloing of the highest order, both in the traditional guitar solo slot and is the best example of the Priest songwriting genius which the band carried forth for approximately a quarter of a century.
"Hungry mouths are waiting -- bite the hand that feeds"
"Heroes End" closes things out with a bit of an odd-sounding and, I suppose, experimental (for this era Priest) vibe. Great quality notwithstanding it seems like a strange choice for an album closer.
And with that, Stained Class comes to a close. Is this the best Preist record? Honestly, I'd have to give that title to Sad Wings. Is this the most important Priest record? Maybe, but British Steel or Screaming could put up a strong case. Still, Stained Class occupies a major place in the foundational structure of modern heavy metal, and should be fully explored and understood by all metalheads seeking a complete knowledge of where it all began. That, and "Beyond the Realms" kicks so much ass.
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