Metal Storm logo
Judas Priest - Painkiller review



Reviewer:
10

2247 users:
9.26
Band: Judas Priest
Album: Painkiller
Release date: September 1990


01. Painkiller
02. Hell Patrol
03. All Guns Blazing
04. Leather Rebel
05. Metal Meltdown
06. Night Crawler
07. Between The Hammer & The Anvil
08. A Touch Of Evil
09. Battle Hymn
10. One Shot At Glory
11. Living Bad Dreams [Recorded during the 1990 Painkiller sessions] [2001 re-release bonus]
12. Leather Rebel [Live at Foundation's Forum, Los Angeles, California, USA in 13 September 1990] [2001 re-release bonus]

The most wicked, crass, screaming guitars, heaviest? album in Judas Priest's discography with Rob Halford. There are simply not enough attributes to describe it. To many if not most of the fans say it's the best album they ever recorded. For me, it's the second best (pointing at the Screaming For Vengeance review). Of course, this is a perfect production, incredible songwriting, a brand new sound you would not have imagined before 1990, but everybody can have his own view on that.

Devastating drums and screaming guitars, a sound that has influenced many bands since the release of Painkiller, the most famous album among Priest's works. The guitars remind me at times of a chainsaw, incredible, lightspeed solos, this album gives you all that you may desire, but it is a complete breakaway from the sound the metal legends were famous for. A sign of the beginning of the end? Soon after Painkiller Rob Halford left the band to start a solo carreer, which should reach the height of the Painkiller-times a whole decade later.

To me the cover artwork already shows what kind of a furious monster of metal was unleashed with the release of Painkiller, the pure metal massacre? here comes the 'Metal Meltdown', run for your lives! My favorites on this album are definetely 'Night Crawler', a real metal-nightmare, 'Between The Hammer & The Anvil' and 'A Touch Of Evil', the latter using keyboards. The bonus track 'Living Bad Dreams' fits this record perfectly and the 'Leather Rebel' live is unnecessary but what the heck? this record could not be ruined even if the song had a bad quality.

Once again Priest have proven that they can make a record without a single weakness, leaving you the choice of loving or hating it. As I said I prefer the classic sound, but worship this of course as a masterpiece, just as it deserves.

Written by Pierre Tombale | 20.12.2003



Guest review by
Valentin B
Rating:
9.2
The year is 1990 and after 2-3 softer releases like Turbo or Ram it down, Rob Halford, KK Downing, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill and new drummer Scott Travis (the five members of Judas Priest) decide to do something so brutal, even by death metal standards of the day. It's so heavy, so fast and shredding, yet so catchy and melodic that no-one has ever heard anything like it before.

Read more ››
published 02.11.2006 | Comments (30)


Comments page 2 / 2

Comments: 59   Visited by: 409 users
17.05.2009 - 18:02
Marcel Hubregtse
Grumpy Old Fuck
Written by VPeter on 17.05.2009 at 17:02

Written by Valentin B on 17.05.2009 at 16:08

Written by VPeter on 16.10.2008 at 19:24

what do people see in this awful album? ugh. Rob's screams are just as annoying as those of Dani Filth!
The whole album is extremely repetitive and never takes any solid substance.
Definitely Judas Priest worst.
3/10

you may not like it, but denying the fact that this is the first modern metal album released in a time when most bands were still trying to repeat the 80s formula, and influenced other great bands such as Primal Fear or Iced Earth(to name only 2), this is just bias.

To be honest I don't hear much traces of Painkiller's presence in nowdays metal - except for 3 Inches of Blood. I never cared for Primal Fear and I find Iced Earth crap, care to name other bands who really have a "painkiller vibe"?


Actually Iced Earth doesn't have too much of a Painkiller vibe cause Iced Earth is atually more influenced by thrash than by Painkiller. And of course Primal Fear is inspired by Painkiller, HELL Primal Fear are a Painkiller era Judas Priest rip-off and a bad one at that.
----
Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal

Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight
Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.)
05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996

Loading...
17.07.2009 - 01:11
Rating: 9
Ellrohir
Heaven Knight
Unlike most of others, i dont enjoy this Priest's album that much as some others...and i dont find Painkiller that great song...
----
My rest seems now calm and deep
Finally I got my dead man sleep


Loading...
14.08.2009 - 16:02
Rating: 9
roger73

If lot of people is saying that British Steel is overrated, I think it about this album. Metal Gods tried to be the hardest... few years after Reign In Blood, couple years after Death's first albums - sorry, it's funny. Even Blind Guardian were harder, not to mention first Helloween's album - released few years before this too. Painkiller it's nice melodic track, in end of 70's or maybe start of 80's, before Kill 'EM All it could be "the hardest" (hm, maybe some punks... ok, let it be). I like Painkiller, Night Crawler and Between the Hammer & the Anvil, but this album can never be better then masterpiece Number of the Beast, sorry
Loading...
11.10.2009 - 18:29
Rating: 10
Hermann Langke
Brahmastra Corps
That a superhuman album from a superhuman band.what a ferocious album that was.it makes me feel god-damn superhuman.especially the title track.:wall:
Loading...
14.10.2009 - 16:17
Rating: 10
Hermann Langke
Brahmastra Corps
Thats a god-damn great album.it made what i am today.:wall:
Loading...
14.10.2009 - 16:19
Rating: 10
Hermann Langke
Brahmastra Corps
Written by Guest on 19.09.2006 at 16:24

NOT a single bad song on here and all of them shred like hell. Perfect album for me as well. Gotta love the awesome drumming of newcomer Scott Travis!

yeah scott is a great drummer.
Loading...
14.10.2009 - 16:22
Rating: 10
Hermann Langke
Brahmastra Corps
Written by VPeter on 27.12.2008 at 19:45

Written by Metalbound7 on 15.11.2008 at 08:51

Written by VPeter on 16.10.2008 at 19:24

what do people see in this awful album? ugh. Rob's screams are just as annoying as those of Dani Filth!
The whole album is extremely repetitive and never takes any solid substance.
Definitely Judas Priest worst.
3/10


This Album is the Metal Nirvana! (the state of mind when you reach the total ilumination, not the band). its amazing, Wicked, Huge, Fast, Agressive, Powerful, Consistent and Evil in some kind of way. at the time the album start it pounch you in the face with a solid Drums intro then one of the most Wicked riffs in Metal history making that bloodchill that every of us love, after that Halford's Voice Posses the speakers and then the most wicked and amazing journey into Metal music begins, that descrive the first time i listened to this album. For me Painkiller is not just an Album, it is the resume of a Religion, a Way to live, a world that only the stronger can reach. this Masterpiece make me understand the meaning of power, superiority and why Metal is the most Beautiful and Perfect thing that have been created ever.

No, it's not powerfull. It's weak and crap. it's by far the worst what Judas Priest ever did.

that's very lame of you ok.:maniac:
Loading...
10.11.2009 - 20:41
Rating: 10
DoomGuard

Written by VPeter on 27.12.2008 at 19:45

Written by Metalbound7 on 15.11.2008 at 08:51

Written by VPeter on 16.10.2008 at 19:24

what do people see in this awful album? ugh. Rob's screams are just as annoying as those of Dani Filth!
The whole album is extremely repetitive and never takes any solid substance.
Definitely Judas Priest worst.
3/10


This Album is the Metal Nirvana! (the state of mind when you reach the total ilumination, not the band). its amazing, Wicked, Huge, Fast, Agressive, Powerful, Consistent and Evil in some kind of way. at the time the album start it pounch you in the face with a solid Drums intro then one of the most Wicked riffs in Metal history making that bloodchill that every of us love, after that Halford's Voice Posses the speakers and then the most wicked and amazing journey into Metal music begins, that descrive the first time i listened to this album. For me Painkiller is not just an Album, it is the resume of a Religion, a Way to live, a world that only the stronger can reach. this Masterpiece make me understand the meaning of power, superiority and why Metal is the most Beautiful and Perfect thing that have been created ever.

No, it's not powerfull. It's weak and crap. it's by far the worst what Judas Priest ever did.

your kidding?
You think this is weak while you own Eluveitie's Evocation I album?

Amazing album and truley inspiring, whether going into a job interview or heading to go take a really big test, this album can get you pumped on the car ride there for certain 10/10
Loading...
11.11.2009 - 20:02
VPeter

Written by DoomGuard on 10.11.2009 at 20:41

Written by VPeter on 27.12.2008 at 19:45

Written by Metalbound7 on 15.11.2008 at 08:51

Written by VPeter on 16.10.2008 at 19:24

what do people see in this awful album? ugh. Rob's screams are just as annoying as those of Dani Filth!
The whole album is extremely repetitive and never takes any solid substance.
Definitely Judas Priest worst.
3/10


This Album is the Metal Nirvana! (the state of mind when you reach the total ilumination, not the band). its amazing, Wicked, Huge, Fast, Agressive, Powerful, Consistent and Evil in some kind of way. at the time the album start it pounch you in the face with a solid Drums intro then one of the most Wicked riffs in Metal history making that bloodchill that every of us love, after that Halford's Voice Posses the speakers and then the most wicked and amazing journey into Metal music begins, that descrive the first time i listened to this album. For me Painkiller is not just an Album, it is the resume of a Religion, a Way to live, a world that only the stronger can reach. this Masterpiece make me understand the meaning of power, superiority and why Metal is the most Beautiful and Perfect thing that have been created ever.

No, it's not powerfull. It's weak and crap. it's by far the worst what Judas Priest ever did.

your kidding?
You think this is weak while you own Eluveitie's Evocation I album?

Amazing album and truley inspiring, whether going into a job interview or heading to go take a really big test, this album can get you pumped on the car ride there for certain 10/10

Common logic for you: Eluveitie's Evocation I is an acoustic folk album and meant that way, not brutal and rough metal. Painkiller was meant to be brutal and rough but fails epically.
Loading...
13.11.2009 - 20:26
Rating: 10
DoomGuard

Written by VPeter on 11.11.2009 at 20:02

Written by DoomGuard on 10.11.2009 at 20:41

Written by VPeter on 27.12.2008 at 19:45

Written by Metalbound7 on 15.11.2008 at 08:51

Written by VPeter on 16.10.2008 at 19:24

what do people see in this awful album? ugh. Rob's screams are just as annoying as those of Dani Filth!
The whole album is extremely repetitive and never takes any solid substance.
Definitely Judas Priest worst.
3/10


This Album is the Metal Nirvana! (the state of mind when you reach the total ilumination, not the band). its amazing, Wicked, Huge, Fast, Agressive, Powerful, Consistent and Evil in some kind of way. at the time the album start it pounch you in the face with a solid Drums intro then one of the most Wicked riffs in Metal history making that bloodchill that every of us love, after that Halford's Voice Posses the speakers and then the most wicked and amazing journey into Metal music begins, that descrive the first time i listened to this album. For me Painkiller is not just an Album, it is the resume of a Religion, a Way to live, a world that only the stronger can reach. this Masterpiece make me understand the meaning of power, superiority and why Metal is the most Beautiful and Perfect thing that have been created ever.

No, it's not powerfull. It's weak and crap. it's by far the worst what Judas Priest ever did.

your kidding?
You think this is weak while you own Eluveitie's Evocation I album?

Amazing album and truley inspiring, whether going into a job interview or heading to go take a really big test, this album can get you pumped on the car ride there for certain 10/10

Common logic for you: Eluveitie's Evocation I is an acoustic folk album and meant that way, not brutal and rough metal. Painkiller was meant to be brutal and rough but fails epically.

I think they did better than alot of people in delivering some straight up heavy metal, how is there any fail in this album at all? Vocals, amazing, drums, better than alot of bands in your favorites with all due respect, and guitars are simply riveting. I don't understand how you can see this album that way friend
Loading...
15.11.2009 - 00:39
VPeter

Written by DoomGuard on 13.11.2009 at 20:26

Written by VPeter on 11.11.2009 at 20:02

Written by DoomGuard on 10.11.2009 at 20:41

Written by VPeter on 27.12.2008 at 19:45

Written by Metalbound7 on 15.11.2008 at 08:51

Written by VPeter on 16.10.2008 at 19:24

what do people see in this awful album? ugh. Rob's screams are just as annoying as those of Dani Filth!
The whole album is extremely repetitive and never takes any solid substance.
Definitely Judas Priest worst.
3/10


This Album is the Metal Nirvana! (the state of mind when you reach the total ilumination, not the band). its amazing, Wicked, Huge, Fast, Agressive, Powerful, Consistent and Evil in some kind of way. at the time the album start it pounch you in the face with a solid Drums intro then one of the most Wicked riffs in Metal history making that bloodchill that every of us love, after that Halford's Voice Posses the speakers and then the most wicked and amazing journey into Metal music begins, that descrive the first time i listened to this album. For me Painkiller is not just an Album, it is the resume of a Religion, a Way to live, a world that only the stronger can reach. this Masterpiece make me understand the meaning of power, superiority and why Metal is the most Beautiful and Perfect thing that have been created ever.

No, it's not powerfull. It's weak and crap. it's by far the worst what Judas Priest ever did.

your kidding?
You think this is weak while you own Eluveitie's Evocation I album?

Amazing album and truley inspiring, whether going into a job interview or heading to go take a really big test, this album can get you pumped on the car ride there for certain 10/10

Common logic for you: Eluveitie's Evocation I is an acoustic folk album and meant that way, not brutal and rough metal. Painkiller was meant to be brutal and rough but fails epically.

I think they did better than alot of people in delivering some straight up heavy metal, how is there any fail in this album at all? Vocals, amazing, drums, better than alot of bands in your favorites with all due respect, and guitars are simply riveting. I don't understand how you can see this album that way friend

Matter of taste buddy
Loading...
26.07.2010 - 03:30
Rating: 7
Boxcar Willy
yr a kook
this album is meh. its overratted and repetative even painkiller isn't that good.
----
14:22 - Marcel Hubregtse
I do your mum

DESTROY DRUM TRIGGERS
Loading...
27.07.2010 - 15:42
MetalFist
Account deleted
It is an incredible album which has changed the metal world in many ways 9/10.
Loading...
24.09.2010 - 04:47
Rating: 10
Mad Mike

This album = another reason why listening to metal is better than sex
----
Did you ever notice that the people who tell you to get a life are normally people who should be dead in the first place?
Loading...
19.10.2010 - 23:38
AyΣm
Abyssal Zebra
Written by Mad Mike on 24.09.2010 at 04:47

This album = another reason why listening to metal is better than sex

I totally agree
Loading...
15.02.2012 - 18:52
Cuca Beludo
Account deleted
Written by Mad Mike on 24.09.2010 at 04:47

This album = another reason why listening to metal is better than sex


You could do the two at the same time...
Loading...
31.05.2012 - 10:33
Cal Wolvington
Account deleted
Written by Boxcar Willy on 26.07.2010 at 03:30

this album is meh. its overratted and repetative even painkiller isn't that good.


I agree that it is overrated beyond belief. It is far from bad, but I'll take The Sad Wings Of Destiny over this any day.
Loading...
02.06.2012 - 20:11
JohnDoe
Account deleted
Quote:
Quote:


I agree that it is overrated beyond belief. It is far from bad, but I'll take The Sad Wings Of Destiny over this any day.


You've just put a smile on my face, I couldn't agree more; it's nice to see someone showing The Sad Wings Of Destiny some love. Some people forget how great JP were in the 70s.
Loading...
25.06.2012 - 20:59
Rating: 10
Valentin B
Iconoclast
The 70s era of JP was pretty awesome (aside from most of Rocka Rolla I think) but imo this is the peak of their careers. It's no secret and no accident how many bands ripped off the "Painkiller sound": biggest examples are of course Iced Earth, U.D.O., and Primal Fear, and then there are so many modern heavy metal and power metal bands it would take me an hour to list them.

Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but some are more alone in their opinion than others :p
Loading...
01.07.2012 - 21:09
Unna Med

One of my first heavy metal albums. An amazing album of the amazing band
----
Hello?
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?
Loading...
23.12.2012 - 02:45
ThunderAxe1989
Account deleted


Loading...
05.10.2013 - 01:21
Alcobia

Not like most of the crap that they do nowadays in heavy metal.
Here have my ears been, this is amazing.
A BIG 10
Loading...
15.10.2013 - 04:41
Rating: 10
UPDIRNS

I agree 100% this album is a 10/10. It is one of the best albums ever made in my opinion. It is absolutely perfect IMO. I wouldn't have them change a thing other than going back in time, staying together and making more albums this awesome. Angel of Retribution was a good reunion album but they missed out. They could have been the biggest metal band ever, bigger than Metallica.
Loading...
18.02.2014 - 17:44
Rating: 9
pkillerjp

Best metal band of all time and one of their best albums, surely a classic, I only take off a point because I don't think it's perfect like some do. I could never stand Metal Meltdown and All Guns Blazing is kind of annoying as well. I'm also amazed at the number of people who call it Priest's best...Stained Class is way better, and I'd probably put Hellbent for Leather over it as well, Screaming for Vengeance is probably better as well.. I could even put up an argument for Defenders and Sad Wings...Priest rules..
Loading...
19.03.2017 - 15:58
BloodFireDeath

This album is like a chainsaw to the intestines. Vicious and hateful and dripping with blood.
----
Goodspeed on the Devils Thunder
Loading...
16.09.2017 - 00:55
Rating: 7
Bad English
Tage Westerlund
My first priest album, even I know band from videos, and then it was wow, now somehow some say its overated, yes it is, some say bad, no it is not. I like it, heaviest priest album and back then it was super heavy, more modern metal way as people use to hav, well maiden also in 90's wrote heavier, seems it worked out.
----
Life is to short for LOVE, there is many great things to do online !!!

Stormtroopers of Death - ''Speak English or Die''
apos;'
[image]
I better die, because I never will learn speek english, so I choose dieing
Loading...
17.09.2017 - 13:30
Rating: 8
Sang Dalang Abu

Someone who said this album worth for 10/10, should listen to Sads Wing of Destiny. Well that's just an opinion.
Loading...
12.02.2018 - 20:07
Rating: 10
qlacs
"The Quaker"
Painkiller, Hell Bent, Sad Wings, Stained Class, Screaming or Defender... they are ALL the best, it's just your acquired taste speaking "this is better than". One thing nobody can take away from Painkiller is the glorious blazing sound it has. There is a reason it imprinted itself in many people's heads and inspired many. If you think it sucks you just don't listen to it with nearly adequate volume.
----
Loading...
14.07.2023 - 21:31
Rating: 10
IHateTheSun

Coming back to this after religiously listening to it in highschool. still fucking rips
Loading...

Hits total: 29145 | This month: 41