It all comes together on 'Stained Class', there was signs of brilliance on 'Sad Wings' and 'Sin After Sin', but here the classic sound of 'Judas Priest' is firmly established. Overall heavier and brisker than that of the predecessors and teeming with classics that are still played live over 25 years later. This album is the infamous release which saw 'Judas Priest' taken to court over subliminal messages contained within the song 'Better by You, Better than Me' which allegedly cause a suicide and attempted suicide. Thankfully after a four week trial sanity prevailed and 'Priest' won the case.

'Stained Class' kicks off with 'Exciter' a blistering opener and considering this is from 78' is a very fast paced track indeed. 'Les Binks' drumming is fierce and driving and combines with punishing riffs and soaring vocals for a memorable and influential track. Continuing in fine form is the diverse chugger 'White Heat, Red Hot', a song which varies rhythm throughout giving great depth, lyrically it's perhaps not one of the strongest, but still is an overlooked gem and worth a listen just for the pulsating fret work. Next up is a cover of 'Spooky Tooth's' 'Better by You, Better than Me' a song that came about due to the record company leaning on them for a possible single release. 'Priest' make an admirable job of it and while it doesn't exactly fit in well with the other songs on the album, it's still a decent track. The title track follows and this is just pure class, definitely 'Priest' at their best, the galloping rhythm featured keeps cutting back in between verses and is just a joy to hear, this combines with more powerful lyrics and vocals for my high point of the album. 'Halford's' own band do a blistering live rendition of 'Stained Class' on 'Live Insurrection' a must by for any 'Priest' fans. I digress, 'Invader' follows in strong fashion and although it's not a typical sounding 'Priest' track, especially with the UFO sound effect intro, it's a solid mid tempo rocker complete with hearty chorus. Next up is the rawer sounding 'Saints in Hell' a morbid if not well written track, exhibiting sharp fret work from 'Downing' and 'Tipton' while the underrated 'Les Binks' again comes in strong. 'Savage' continues with the well worn theme of the persecution of Native American Indians, personally I would say it's probably the weakest cut present, it's hard to pin point exactly why, to me it just feels dull and lacklustre compared to all the other great songs present. Another classic takes the form of 'Beyond the Realms of Death' a slower epic which starts out as a balladsy number but picks up pace throughout, lyrically this is just top notch with stellar performances, especially that of 'Rob Halford' who injects so much passion into his vocals. Last up is the often overlooked 'Heroes End' a more grooving, pulsating number with plenty of free flowing guitars and driving rhythm.

The re-mastered version of 'Stained Class' comes complete with two bonus songs. First up is a previously unreleased studio track 'Fire Burns Below', an odd choice to include as it sounds like it was recorded a lot later than 78', in fact I heard it's from 87'. Despite that, it's a quality balladsy number and overlooking the mechanical drum work is a passionately executed and well written track. The second cut is a live rendition of 'Better by You, Better than Me', the recording could be better but it's still a fair early live version.

One of the best 70's albums and a true Metal album no 'Priest' fan or anyone who claims they like traditional Metal should be without it.