Judas Priest – ‘Hero, Hero’ (1981) – Album Review (The Complete Albums Collection Series) – 2 Loud 2 Old Music
Let’s dive into the world of Judas Priest and their 1981 greatest hits compilation titled ‘Hero, Hero.’ This project emerged during their ascent to fame after the success of ‘British Steel’ in 1980. Previously, the band had been signed to Gull Records, where they released their first two albums. Seizing the opportunity brought by the rise of Priest, Gull Records opted to release this compilation to capitalize on their burgeoning popularity.
The album features selections from their earlier works, specifically ‘Rocka Rolla’ (1974) and ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’ (1976). It includes all tracks from ‘Rocka Rolla’ and a handful of songs – six, to be precise – from ‘Sad Wings.’ Notably, the tracks from ‘Rocka Rolla’ were remixed in 1981 by Rodger Bain, with the exception of “Diamonds and Rust,” which received similar treatment. The CD version I possess is a re-issue under the Koch Records label. However, this edition contains the original versions of ‘Rocka Rolla’ tracks, deviating from the remixed renditions, making it less of a collectible item than the original release. The remix of “Diamonds and Rust,” on the other hand, remains intact.
The band lineup during this era consisted of legendary members Rob Halford, K.K. Downing, Glenn Tipton, and Ian Hill, alongside a changing duo of drummers: John Hinch and Alan Moore. The album opens with “Prelude,” an instrumental piece that, while composed in a classical style featuring piano and tom tom drums, rather lacks a cohesive link to the subsequent track, “Tyrant.” Unfortunately, it feels somewhat unnecessary and is easy to skip over.
Then comes “Tyrant,” which bursts forth with an electrifying riff and a level of energy that truly embodies the heavy metal essence of Priest. Halford’s vocals are exceptional, and the interplay between Downing and Tipton on guitar is the highlight, leaving listeners eager for their musical banter.
Next on the tracklist is “Rocka Rolla.” It maintains an upbeat tempo with several impressive solos from Downing and Tipton, while Halford adds a touch of harmonica flair. This song leans more towards the blues rock sound, making it a notable improvement over the album’s opener, adding to the album’s charm.
“One for the Road” follows, showcasing Halford and Downing’s songwriting prowess with a powerful opening riff that echoes classic 70s rock with nods to Sabbath and Deep Purple. Halford’s vocal performance here is awe-inspiring, hitting high notes with remarkable ease.
The epic “Victims of Changes” is a nearly eight-minute musical journey penned by Halford, Downing, Tipton, and original vocalist Al Atkins. It begins gently, soon culminating into a gripping dual guitar riff with intricacies in rhythm and mood shifts, making the song complex yet engaging. Halford’s iconic falsettos and that legendary climactic scream towards the end seal the deal.
On the contrary, “Dying to Meet You” is less favorable. Despite being another collaboration between Halford and Downing, Halford’s deep vocal styling doesn’t resonate well in this track. The guitars overshadow him, and the somber tone feels like a step backward. However, nestled within is a hidden gem titled “Hero, Hero,” which shines as a return to the classic rock vibe, featuring an engaging rhythm and Halford soaring in the higher registers.
“Never Satisfied,” credited to Atkins and Downing, showcases guitar sections echoing the essence of Led Zeppelin, with Halford oscillating between deep and high-pitched vocals. This piece contains an energy that is infectious, boasting riffs worth relistening to.
The ballad “Dreamer Deceiver” brings a slower tempo yet retains a strong metal vibe, with a standout solo that complements the track beautifully. It transitions into “Deceiver,” a stark contrast that brings in a heavier Sabbath-like feel that barely flirts with speed metal, complete with an impactful bass groove.
The album also ventures into progressive territory with the trio of songs “Winter,” “Deep Freeze,” and “Winter Retreat.” “Winter,” co-written alongside Atkins, introduces a darker, Sabbath-esque tone, while “Deep Freeze” retains the tension. However, the concluding track, “Winter Retreat,” takes a sharp turn with its psychedelic elements, ultimately feeling detached from its predecessors.
“Cheater,” another collaborative effort from Halford and Downing, is a return to a blues rock sound, propelled by a confident opening riff, complete with a cowbell and harmonica—a combo that screams classic rock allure.
Next is the notable cover of Joan Baez’s “Diamonds & Rust.” Judas Priest brilliantly reimagines this iconic song, showcasing Halford’s incredible vocal range and bringing a metal sensibility to a folk classic.
The lengthy “Run of the Mill” stands out as the longest track by the band until “Cathedral Spires” in 1997. With a story that unveils a man’s reflective journey through life ultimately leading to a dark conclusion, it skillfully merges emotion with intricate guitar work, encouraging deeper engagement.
“Genocide” continues with a riff-laden approach reminiscent of Deep Purple, driven by an aggressive lyrical narrative. The song culminates in a furious finale, building up intensity as it progresses.
Rounding out the collection is “Caviar and Meths,” a brief instrumental that, while intended to be expansive in a live setting, feels too short and repetitive here.
In total, ‘Hero, Hero’ presents a mixed bag of tracks. It’s important to note that to fully appreciate these songs, owning the first two albums is essential as this compilation feels more like a marketing tactic than a must-have collection. While it offers glimpses of potential greatness and collectors may find it interesting for its unique takes on certain tracks, it does feel somewhat unnecessary in the grand scheme of Priest’s remarkable catalog.
In review, I would give this album a score of 3.0 out of 5.0 stars, acknowledging that while these tracks do hold value, they do not reach the heights of the band’s more iconic works.
Of course, here’s a fun fact for you: The cover art for ‘Hero, Hero’ is actually the same as that used for the Kiss bootleg ‘Barbarize,’ released circa 1985. Check it out!
The Complete Albums Collection Series includes:
Rocka Rolla (1974)
Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)
Sin After Sin (1977)
Stained Class (1978)
Killing Machine / Hell Bent For Leather (1978)
Unleashed in the East (1979)
British Steel (1980)
Hero, Hero (1981)
Point of Entry (1981)
Screaming for Vengeance (1982)
Defenders of the Faith (1984)
Turbo (1986)
Priest…Live! (1987)
Ram it Down (1988)
Painkiller (1990)
Angel of Retribution (2005)
Nostradamus (2008)
A Touch of Evil: Live (2009)
Jugulator (1997) – Bonus Edition
Demolition (2001) – Bonus Edition
Redeemer of Souls (2014) – Bonus Edition
Firepower (2018) – Bonus Edition
