In 1979, Judas Priest was growing more and more influential. And as the 1980s progressed, it would become crystal clear that the British headbangers -- who influenced everyone from Iron Maiden to Metallica to King Diamond -- had every bit as great an impact as fellow British headbangers Black... [+] Expand

In 1979, Judas Priest was growing more and more influential. And as the 1980s progressed, it would become crystal clear that the British headbangers -- who influenced everyone from Iron Maiden to Metallica to King Diamond -- had every bit as great an impact as fellow British headbangers Black Sabbath. One of the Priest's strongest albums, Hell Bent for Leather cannot be described in anything less than glowing terms. Although gothic themes are present on such treasures as "The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)" -- originally recorded by Fleetwood Mac -- "Evil Fantasies," and "Before the Dawn," the album generally isn't as dark or morbid as Stained Class or Sin After Sin. But musically, the band is as aggressive and brutally intense as ever. The two-guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing is characteristically blistering, and lead singer Rob Halford never sounded more inspired. For those with even a casual interest in metal, Hell Bent for Leather is essential listening. [The 2001 reissue adds two bonus tracks: the studio outtake "Fight for Your Life" and a live version of "Riding on the Wind."] ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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