Judas Priest: Rob Halford (vocals); K.K. Downing, Glenn Tipton (guitar); Ian Hill (bass); Scott Travis (drums).
Principally recorded at Miraval Studios, Brignoles, France in 1990. Includes liner notes by Judas Priest.
Digitally remastered by Jon Astley.
Personnel: Rob Halford (vocals); Glenn Tipton, K.K. Downing (guitar); Ian Hill (bass guitar); Scott Travis (drums).
Liner Note Author: Judas Priest.
Recording information: Miraval Studios, France (1990); Wisseloord Studios, The Netherlands (1990).
Illustrator: Mark Wilkinson.
Arrangers: Chris Tsangarides; Glenn Tipton; K.K. Downing ; Rob Halford.
Judas Priest's 1990 release, PAINKILLER, shows the band returning to ferocious metal after such musical detours as 1986's TURBO. It also proved to be the British band's last outing with original singer Rob Halford. Drummer Scott Travis (ex-Racer X) makes his Priest debut here, while the sound and songwriting is comparable to thrash/speed metal.
The album-opening title track is one of Priest's heaviest and greatest songs (brace yourself before it kicks in!), and the band takes no prisoners on such titles as "Hell Patrol" and "A Touch of Evil." An inspired way to close out Halford-era Priest.
Professional Reviews
Q (2/91) - Recommended as one of the five best metal albums of 1990. - "..A tight, aggressive and potent package from a band which is almost as old as metal itself. It followed the oft-documented US court case, from which they emerged triumphant."
Kerrang (Magazine) (p.52) - "A powerhouse performance par excellence....Incredible songs. Amazing production..."
