It was a rainy night and the perfect time for a live concert movie. The kids were asleep and my husband was busy out in his workshop so I popped in the disc, put my feet up and hit play. Yet it seemed like something was missing. Notebook? Check. Pen? Check. Cold beverage? Check. Then it dawned on me. So I ran upstairs, rifled through my dresser drawer and pulled out the missing piece to the puzzle. I slipped the studded leather band around my wrist and headed back downstairs. Now I was ready to rock and there is only one band on this planet that could make me this “Hell Bent for Leather.” Of course I am talking about the one, the only, the legendary, Judas Priest.
Priest’s latest Blu-Ray/DVD release, “Epitaph,” features live footage from the closing night of their 2012 Epitaph world tour from London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo. After 40 years as recording artists, “Epitaph” is a terrific retrospective of Judas Priest’s career and features at least one song from each of their 14 albums spanning from 1974 to 2008. As the show begins, the stage set is revealed. It is a simple one with lots of gigantic chains and a huge riser for the drum kit with a giant video screen behind it. Throughout the show, the use of video, lasers, smoke, flames, and lighting enhances the visual experience providing a treat for the senses. I particularly like the various album covers being displayed on the screen as it gave a real idea of the magnitude of Judas Priest’s career over time and the aerial views of drummer Scott Travis were exceptional. Priest sticks with their traditional studded black leather with Glenn Tipton’s red leather pants providing a splash of color.
The high priest himself, lead vocalist Rob Halford, never misses a note as they run through a tight 23 song set beginning with “Battle Hymn” and running through a great mix of old and new including gems like “Never Satisfied” and “The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown).” Metal fans can rejoice in the dual guitar assault that Priest is known for. I have never seen this new lineup before and I was a little worried that I would miss K.K. Downing. Of course, I do but I was just as impressed with guitarist Richie Faulkner. His axe handling skills are second to none and he had terrific interaction with the fans during the show. A highlight for me was their cover of the Joan Baez song “Diamonds and Rust.” I love the contrast with the softer acoustics of the opening before Priest goes balls out metal. Another favorite was Glenn Tipton’s guitar work during “Victim of Changes.” Don’t worry, all the hits are included as well with the audience taking over vocals for “Breaking The Law” and Rob coming out on his Harley for “Hell Bent For Leather.” The encore included extended guitar parts on “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” and a roof raising version of “Living After Midnight.” There is nothing quite like the sight of Rob Halford flanked on either side by guitarists Tipton and Faulkner in headbanging unison.
There is no filler material at all included in this package. Instead you get well over two hours of Judas Priest doing what they do best, launching their full out metal assault and bringing down the house. Join them on this journey through metal and pick up a copy of “Epitaph” today.
