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I loved this one as a kid, and it stands up pretty good now. The best songs are "killing machine" "delivering the goods" and the great ballad "before the dawn." Once again, Priest delivers the goods.
I don't understand why they released two "versions" of this album - only name "Killing Machine" or "Hell Bent for Leather" was different. Eventually I stated to like it. All the songs. At first I didn't like this album at all. There's different kind of feelings in this album. I had just fell in love with "Stained Class" which was also released in 1978 but before this album. Actually I have "Killing Machine" - but it is the same album. It was about tenth time I was listening to this record when I liked them all.
This album sounded much worse. I found sounds and singing voice quite bad - the only songs I liked were "Take on the World" and "The Green Manalishi". Although for example "Before the Dawn" is a peaceful track - it makes this album the album it is. No wonder that many metal bands are quite envy for Priest for this album.Stars: Take on the World, Hell Bent for Leather, The Green Manalishi (with the Two-Pronged Crown)
The title track, Hell Bent For Leather is an incredibly fun and catchy song- it begins heavy and in-your face for like 10 seconds, then gets into a chaotic and catchy heavy metal track. It also marked a new era, which I call Priest's "Golden Years".The album begins with Delivering the Goods, and the song does just that. I know there's a place inside of me saying that Screaming for Vengeance is a better album but no, this wins my pick for the best Priest album.This was actually the first Priest album I bought (well The Essential Judas Priest was, but I don't count compilations as albums), so it holds a special place in my heart too. Killing Machine is another great song that I would LOVE to hear live.
It's one of my all time favorite albums too.This is the album that really marked a turning point in Priest's career. This is undoubtedly my favorite Priest album. The chorus is singalong worthy too- you'll find yourself singing "Hell bent, hell bent for leatha." with the chorus. Fight For Your Life is really just a filler track, and Riding the Wind is a good live song but pretty unnecessary if you ask me.So overall, this is my favorite Priest album. It has a driving opening guitar riff and gets into an excellent track that is some great rockin'.
If this song doesn't stick out to you as one of the best Priest songs, nothing will.Another great track is The Green Manalishi, which is another fun and catchy track that showcases Halford's talent. I know people are gonna say "Vengeance is better.". This is really what got me into Priest. But the best track is Before The Dawn, a slow and beautiful ballad. Halford uses his trademark rough voice, and it's done extremely well.
Rock Forever is really just an anthemic song for them and is one of their most underrated songs ever. The only downside to this release is the two bonus tracks. It might be, but I can't help it, I consider this my most favorite Priest album of all time.
This album still has silly moments, "Rock Forever" and "Take On The World" have never really been my favorites, and honestly are sort of embarrassing. Hell Bent For Leather is a precursor to British Steel, and the first dive into their most popular era ending with Defenders Of The Faith. But the classics that are "Green Manalishi," "Delivering The Goods," the title track, "Evening Star," and well, the entire 2nd side of the album, quickly make one forgive them for it.Great, lost Priest songs are tucked into this album, such as "Running Wild, "Before The Dawn," and "Evening Star." Songs no one really talks about or thinks of, when it comes to early Priest classics.I have to admit at 13-14 years of age, the album cover drew me in a bit as well, at the time. I listen to this still because of it's significance it had for me growing up as an early teen, in the early 80's. I love the "analog" sounding distortion used on this album in particular, there's still that raw mid-70's production quality, but the songs sound like B-sides for British Steel. I'm glad it did.
Priest come to an intersection in there career with this record,closing an era of consistently outstanding,brilliantly realized Metal music.What this album does is offer a glimpse of things to come,while still carrying on with the classic guitar work and excellent writing of the past.In many ways,"Hell Bent For Leather"(or Killing Machine as it's called nearly everywhere else in the world) is the definitive Priest album,showcasing all the band's strengths and epitomizing what the band's about.That title alone is perfectly represenative of the band's onscreen image,coupled with that classic,brutal cover art.More than any other album(except possibly Motorhead's "Overkill",also released the same year)played the biggest role in the sound of the NWOBHM,that would explode the following year.Each track is a classic,and this remaster perfectly captures there still electric,modern sound so well.Delivering the Goods-A perfect opener,and a great way to kick one into the album,with one of the most unique guitar sounds and Halford telling his listeners what to expect from the band.A much-beloved track(my best friend's all time favorite song in fact),this one is unfortunately underutilized.Rock Forever-Nice "riffster" with a good hokky riff about Rob's(and the bands')love for thsi type of music.It seems similar to other songs we've heard before,yet how many will copy the structure of this one,especially in the following decade.Still,this one gets alot of points for being first.Good track.Evening Star-Feel good,"happy" romantic rock,that was unbielevably the album's single().A good song,not very heavy,but this has some excellent guitar work and showcases the band's diversity.How many bands can do this today.Hell Bent For Leather-Classic pre-Thrash with one of the band's best riffs,tells the speed tale of Rob's love for the Harley and the Whip.One of the great metal songs of all time,and still a live staple.When you hear that motorcycle roar,you know what song will play.Take on the World-The first of Priest's many(increasingly dreary)"battle anthems",is poppy as hell,but very enjoyable and catchy nonetheless.This one actually has a promo-video that exists(rather humorous) and is one of the best songs about the unity of Metal/Rock made.Burnin Up-Awesome intro and a sexy riff underlines this classic tongue in cheek ode to mankind's favorite pasttime.Rob's lyrics are wonderfully menacing and sexy,and when he sings"We got to make love,the time is right.We got to make love tonight.",it's all in ABSOLUTE sincerity.One of my personal favorites,and a neglected jewel in the Metal God's crown.The Green Manalishi(with the two pronged crown)-Sabbatherian cover of the Fleetwood Mac song,totally destroys the original,making for one of there all time classics.Still in the live set and featuring one of Rob's best(and most influential) vocal performances.Note:This was not on the original album overseas,only here in North America releases.I pity those metalheads for there loss.Killing Machine-Slow,metal monster with a great riff and some awesome lyrics about Rob's deadly profession as a "Le Samourai" like hitman who "works for the money and does the job".Just pray he dosen't have a contract on you.Great track.Running Wild-Exemplifying what will follow in the metal scene the next year,this fast and mean track is one of the band's best anthems.An absolute classic about the way to live life has been copied over and over the year,from Iron Maiden(Running Free) to Manowar(Warlord),but none touch this classic.Note:Maiden also stole the beginning riff for the intro to there,"The Wicker Man" from there 2000 album,"Brave New World".Before the Dawn-This band has done many classic ballads,going back to "Rocka Rolla",and this is one of there best.An absolute beaut of a song,that features heartrending vocals and lovely accoustic guitars showcase a deep album track that deserves another listen.Evil Fantasies-Another Sabbath like tune,that has a bit of blues in there,which tells a delicious tale of S and M,that only the Metal god can make us take seriously.Alternately sexy and funny,this is a great album closer,featuring a wonderful wrap up and a hell of a chorus.The other tracks are the bonus song,"Fight for Your Life" a serviceable B-side that is quite welcome and a totally left field live cut of "Riding on the Wind" from the "Screaming for Vengeance album.That may be the only debit here.Why did they not just find a live from this era and/or album.Who knows.Still,that's a very minor complaint considering the sheer wealth of classic metal presented here.All in all,a certifiable classic that ranks among Metal's greatest.Crack the whip and rev up that engine.it's time to be Hell Bent For Leather.
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