Totally agree. Very one-dimensional songs…just highlighting Ripper’s vocal abilities and not much else.
There are a few decent songs on Jugulator but I felt that both Halford and the rest of Priest got caught up in '90s rise of grunge and nu metal (and groovy stuff like Pantera) and decided it would be the best to conform to those new sounds. I like some of the songs but on the whole, they fall well behind the standards they set previously.
For a second there we were about to have problems 
. For me NOTHING touches Facelift and then Dirt. Just timeless classics.
In the same vein as why you said about not picking a vocal clone (not that it’s ever possible to find a clone of Warrell, just like Layne, he had a unique voice). But the kind of music Jeff tends to write, I feel Ripper would be a great fit. Or he finds an unknown and gives him a chance.
The songs during that era don’t stand the test of time. Even with the blaze era Maiden , there are a couple of songs that you feel would still not be out of place on a Maiden setlist.
I’m a die-hard AIC fan but I’d probably get burned at the stake by other AIC fans when I say that I have issues with Layne-era albums that don’t make them perfect for me. 
I really don’t like Confusion and I Know Somethin’ Bout You from Facelift. I skip God Smack every time I put on Dirt and I’m not a big fan of Sickman and Hate to Feel either (these three songs are the kind of grunge that I really, really dislike - I listen to AIC and Soungarden because they always sounded closer to Black Sabbath than to any grunge band from Seattle).
Self-titled album is a touchy topic because of where the band were at the time - I also dislike some of its songs but I got the feeling that people share my opinion that some of the songs are filler and that the album is too long.
I shouldn’t be feeling bad for Loomis but I can’t help that feeling. He’s a very creative, world class, instantly recognisable guitar titan, he should be doing much better than a generic melodeath band that is Arch Enemy. His solo albums aside (and project with Keith Merrow), I feel as though he wasted the past ten years of his career.
People should be tripping over themselves to have him in their bands or to be a part of his. I really don’t know why he didn’t form a whole new band (I will always hope that he and Chris Broderick will be a part of the same band one day, releasing studio albums and stuff). Meanwhile, his signature gear is getting rave reviews…
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Saw her LIMF a few years ago along with Wiley, Stefflon Don and Not3s. A pretty amazing lineup for a concert that cost about £10 a ticket.
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I could not agree with you more!
Jeff Loomis in terms of songwriting and composing is a near Dave Mustaine-level talent for me. Just insane riffs and hooks with a great blend of aggressiveness and musicality.
Jeff Loomis in terms of soloing is right up there near Petrucci and Friedman levels.
There is nobody in metal with that combination at that high a level. He should absolutely be doing his own thing.
Instead he’s stuck as a hired gun with Arch Enemy which is Michael Amott’s baby.
It’s a damned shame!!
Speaking of signature gear, I love my Chris Broderick Jackson!
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Now that you’ve mentioned Mustaine, I always find it funny how Loomis had the courage to audition for Megadeth when he was just 18 years old. I’m glad that Mustaine rejected him because of his age, though, it would have likely deprived us of Sanctuary and Nevermore.
I like Amott’s other work, though, especially Spiritual Beggars. To be frank, Arch Enemy albums up to Anthems of Rebellion are pretty decent. However, I don’t think that band works for anyone right now, it’s all too generic if you ask me.
As for Chris Broderick, his Jacksons sound amazing and his career mirrors Loomis’, in my opinion. In Flames was amazing up to and concluding with Clayman - it’s unrecognisable right now and I doubt he can do anything to change them for the better. We definitely need them to bin off their current bands and start a joint effort!
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I like this band called Grand Magus which has the other guitarist of Spiritual Beggars.
Yeah again agreed that Arch Enemy have lost their edge. Not nearly as good as before and Jeff isn’t adding anything. And Michael is coasting.
In Flames became commercial after Clayman with Reroute to Remain. And they didn’t need a virtuoso guitarist, they’re not that type of band. Jesper was fine. But without him their songwriting has seriously suffered.
Saw them live earlier this year at Bloodstock and they were overshadowed by practically everyone else for me. Heaven Shall Burn ran rings around them. Chris looked like a bird in a gilded cage. Playing stuff he could play in his sleep just for a paycheck? Come on mate you are wayy bettter than that. You were the lead guitarist for Megadeth dammit!!
Both Jeff and Chris are absolutely wasting their talents and it’s a crying shame!
And just struck my mind , priest’s first album was in 1974. And they’re still kicking every heavy metal band’s ass in 2023. That’s nearly 50 years.
Insane longevity and to still maintain a freshness to the music with every album.
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Nobody like them
Further hearing - more impressions
The 80s drum tone is something I’m not a huge fan of.
Halford’s voice is awesome. Great interludes and great soloing. I think the song stretches on a bit too much for a single.
Crisp production but really wish they had got the sound of the drums right. Very 80s priest’ish types , almost defenders of the faith type drums.
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The keyboards in the beginning made me think “oh no, not another Turbo Lover”. Glad I was proved wrong
Another unpopular opinion from my side but… I love Turbo album! That intro, though, I got scared that Priest might have been revisiting their ideas from Nostradamus album (great potential but poorly executed, unfortunately). I don’t know if the track list has been published but this one sounds like the album opener.
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If that album was by a pop rock band I’d live it! Just not from Judas Priest.
You’re talking about the Defenders of the Metal Faith!!
I really needed to hear this again. For anyone else who’s feeling a bit frazzled atm ;
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Love this. I don’t get the mental process that allows you to figure this out.
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Back to some music
Two songs here. One by , and one about , Geno Washington.
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that link inside the link is broken.