Screaming for Vengeance

iTunes Review

Their previous album, Point of Entry, had been their most carefully crafted to date, leaving the group determined to capture more of their live energy next go around. Which they did. Alongside British Steel, 1982’s Screaming for Vengeance stands as the definitive Judas Priest album. From the guitar harmonies sparking the album’s brief album opener “The Hellion,” it’s clear the band is fully recharged and ready to do battle. The big brother paranoia of “Electric Eye,” the bloodcurdling yelps of “Bloodstone,” the S&M suggestions of “Pain and Pleasure,” the shrieking revenge of the title track, and the simple defiance of “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” are among the group’s strongest songs, mating their patented twin-guitar attack with tunes that are both catchy and consistently aggressive. Singer Rob Halford tries on many voices: spy movie detective (“Electric Eye”), falsetto arena rock shrieker (“Riding On the Wind”), almost sensitive pop crooner (“Take These Chains”), and heavy metal commander. Great fun. (This edition adds two tracks, "Prisoner of Your Eyes" and a live version of "Devil's Child.")