Judas Priest — Angel Of Retribution

This might be stating the obvious, but no Judas Priest effort will ever top the insanity, fury and rage of Painkiller and any Priest release with Halford back is going to be miles above the band’s "Ripper" Owens years. Angel Of Retribution sits happily and inoffensively in the middle of these parameters. Mid-tempo rock tracks that tap mild metallic tendencies and clinical guitar tones are interspersed amongst amusing but forgettable "Turbo Lover"-ish ballads making this a stable release for any band of Priest’s age. Unfortunately, the overall lack of fire makes Angel Of Retribution feel more like a bitter old man than a bloodthirsty savage.

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