Wow, I've seen some scathing reviews for this album, and I could never understand why? Ok 'Turbo' was a real let down, but as far as I'm concerned this is a return to form, albeit a couple of quirky numbers. Not as heavy as the following masterpiece 'Painkiller' but a definite improvement over 'Turbo' as the pace and venom of old school 'Priest' returns.

The opening two tracks are on-a-par with anything 'Priest' have done before, the title track is pure scorching genius, complete with phenomenal shredding and thundering rhythm. 'Halford's' is as usual pure brilliance, his screeching, power laden voice could shatter glass a mile away, this opener is just a pure gem. 'Heavy Metal' is my top cut from the album, it opens up with a blistering guitar solo, then just hits into a neck-breaking plod- sweet, the drum and bass work is hard and heavy and this is just a track you want to sing-a-long to, a real hidden jewel. 'Love Zone' doesn't live up to previous tracks, the lyrics are average and it's a pretty arduous listen, as it lacks melody and the vocals are over-the-top. The crunching 'Come and get It' comes straight back at us, with 'Hill's' crunching bass line and 'Tipton' and 'Downing' on top form, lyrically basic, but mean as hell, and one I'll be singing along to. Closing the first half of the album is 'Hard as Iron' a fast paced belter, with great driving rhythm, strong lyrics, and an excellent guitar solo. The second half kicks off with 'Blood Red Skies' a slower paced emotion brimming epic, perfectly executed, with 'Halford' on top form. 'I'm a Rocker' is a bit too simple for my liking, does feature a catchy pounding melody however. Not to everybody's taste, but one of my favourites is the blazing cover of 'Johnny B. Goode', I believe it works magnificently with 'Halfords' voice and crashing guitars. 'Love you to Death' a strong plodder, with solid chorus and a tasty guitar solo. 'Monsters of Rock' is my least favourite track present, lyrically weak and overall an uninspired dull effort, disappointing that the album closes on this number.

The bonus tracks included with the re-mastered album are live versions of 'Night Comes Down' and 'Bloodstone', both are as you would expect from 'Priest' excellent renditions.

Don't believe every review you read, if I had, this wouldn't be in my collection, and that would be a shame as there are some top cuts hidden here. Also worth mentioning is the quite superb artwork for the album cover, one of my favourites.