Metal Reviews

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60/100 for me some songs are ok but overall doesn't compare to the first two.

I agree with the review, it's an enjoyable album. Not perfect, not a masterpiece, not an album pushing boundaries or anything, but a fun, headbangable album, and that's all it wants to be. I don't understand the negative reception it gets so much.

Because like you said, its not perfect, its not a masterpice, its not pushing boundaries...and it falls far short of his first two. Plus I'll add, some songs on here are barely decent.

How many albums are perfect, a masterpiece, or truly push boundaries? What boundaries are there left for Halford to push, when he originally established some of those boundaries? His last attempt at exploration was Nostradaemus, and that didnt work out. Im not saying this is his best solo effort, or even close to them, but it is still a good album from a guy that literally has nothing left to prove. Its a quality album, with some strong tracks and some filler, like the majority of records ever made. Its ok to not like an album, but those are pretty harsh standards to measure it by IMO.

Have to check this out.

Agreed. He practically invented how to sing in Heavy Metal, and introduced the whole black leather and spikes imagery. Before him, the rock bands dressed like dirty hippies (just look the Paranoid video from Black Sabbath ). Metal heads are still dirty, but black dirty, who's better, because hell bent for leather

+1 to Halford's defense. He discovered fire and invented the wheel, what more could you ask of the man.

" How many albums are perfect, a masterpiece, or truly push boundaries? What boundaries are there left for Halford to push, when he originally established some of those boundaries? His last attempt at exploration was Nostradaemus, and that didnt work out. Im not saying this is his best solo effort, or even close to them, but it is still a good album from a guy that literally has nothing left to prove. Its a quality album, with some strong tracks and some filler, like the majority of records ever made. Its ok to not like an album, but those are pretty harsh standards to measure it by IMO. "

The question was asked why it receives so much negativity as an album. Think about it. His first album was a masterpiece. His second was damn good. Since this is not a masterpiece, is not perfect and does not push any bounderies...then at least it should be an album of very good songs. Do you really think it is? Do you really think these songs hold up to those songs on his first two? I dont. Its not about him trying to prove anything, he doesnt have to. Its about what he created, on this album. IMO its not a great album. Some songs are just lousy on it. They actually sound like early Priest songs that just didnt cut it. You even admitted it has some filler tracks. Of those that are not filler, do you really think those are great songs? Basically, what I am trying to convey is that people will compare it to his past efforts. And it falls far short. Even if no one knew who Halford was, the album just doesnt really stand out as anything special. So yeah, its not a masterpiece. Its far from perfect and it doesnt do anything new and exciting. Its an ok album in my humble opinion.

The problem is when Halford goes out of the norm from either JP or his solo stuff it becomes stagnant and boring hence this album.

If you don't believe me look at Turbo and RID on JP's side and look what he did with Two. He should stick with what works for him and not go beyond that.

Good points, and measured against his past efforts it is the weakest of the bunch (though I am not as big on Crucible as some others), but this has been an album that I have been able to play while working or doing something else and it just keeps my energy going, and in that respect I have come to enjoy it. Its a good driving CD, and by those merrits I consider it a fine album because it is a quality listening experience that holds my interest. As filler goes, after looking through it I would say Heartless, Hell Razor, I Know We Stand a Chance, and Mower (some days its good, some days its not, its a weird track) are the true filler tracks.

Regarless, all IMO. BTW, can anyone think of another singer that could pull off a 5:39 song about a friggin Matador and make it sound epic? lol

I think the oddest track is the first one, just for the chorus alone. He crams too many words into the chorus that it kills all the flow!