Hell Bent for Leather [Bonus Tracks] [Remaster]

Performer: Judas Priest
Engineer: James Guthrie
Producer: James Guthrie; Judas Priest
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: The British version of this release is titled KILLING MACHINE. Judas Priest: Rob Halford (vocals); Glenn Tipton, K.K. Downing (guitar); Ian Hill (bass); Les Binks (drums). Principally recorded at Utopia, Basing Street and CBS Studios, London, England in 1978. Includes liner notes by Judas Priest. Digitally remastered by Jon Astley. Personnel: Glenn Tipton (guitar); Ian Hill (bass guitar); Les Binks (drums). Audio Remasterer: Jon Astley. Recording information: Basing Street (1978); CBS Studios, London, England (1978); Utopia (1978). Photographers: Robert Ellis ; Bob Elsdale; Terry Lott; Fin Costello. Judas Priest's 1979 release, HELL BENT FOR LEATHER (titled KILLING MACHINE in Europe), continued the band's late '70s winning streak, which included such metal classics as SAD WINGS OF DESTINY, SIN AFTER SIN, and STAINED CLASS. Such deliciously heavy tracks as "Delivering the Goods," the title track, the U.K. hit single "Take On the World," and a cover of Fleetwood Mac's "The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown)," showed that nobody could touch singer Rob Halford and company when it came to power metal. Landing a spot as the opening act on Kiss' U.S. tour the same year, Priest were gearing up for a major worldwide breakthrough--eventually becoming one of the '80s top heavy metal acts. In 1979, Judas Priest was growing more and more influential. And as the 1980s progressed, it would become crystal clear that the British headbangers -- who influenced everyone from Iron Maiden to Metallica to King Diamond -- had every bit as great an impact as fellow British headbangers Black Sabbath. One of the Priest's strongest albums, Hell Bent for Leather cannot be described in anything less than glowing terms. Although gothic themes are present on such treasures as "The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)" -- originally recorded by Fleetwood Mac -- "Evil Fantasies," and "Before the Dawn," the album generally isn't as dark or morbid as Stained Class or Sin After Sin. But musically, the band is as aggressive and brutally intense as ever. The two-guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing is characteristically blistering, and lead singer Rob Halford never sounded more inspired. For those with even a casual interest in metal, Hell Bent for Leather is essential listening. [The 2001 reissue adds two bonus tracks: the studio outtake "Fight for Your Life" and a live version of "Riding on the Wind."] ~ Alex Henderson

Heavy metal had existed for several years before Judas Priest hit the scene in the mid 1970s, but the mighty Priest drove it all home--many still consider them to be the quintessential metal band. Dressed in studs and leather from head to toe, the band specialized in soaring, heavy-duty metal, with lyrics that alternated between the menacing and the party-hearty.

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