Turbo 30

Judas Priest

Legacy, 2017

http://www.judaspriest.com

REVIEW BY: Mark Kadzielawa

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 04/02/2017

Judas Priest was one of the essential heavy metal bands of the ‘70s and the early ‘80s. They continuously got heavier until 1986 when they released Turbo. The heavy metal scene was getting even heavier in those times. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax were setting new norms.  But Judas Priest went in the opposite direction and got softer on this release. Still, it was a very successful album. The band was receiving massive amount of airplay on MTV. Songs like “Locked In,” the title track, or “Parental Guidance” were all in heavy rotation, and quickly became hits. The tour that followed was also very well attended. I still recall plenty of Judas Priest T-shirts in my high school when this tour came through the town. There is no doubt that my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250 Turbo made its mark. The band, on the other hand, barely even remembers the time; Rob Halford recently claimed there was plenty of certain white powder present in their lives and systems. The decadence of the times, I suppose.

This reissue expands the album to a 3-CD release. What is added is a full live performance from Kansas City in 1986. It's a great show, and well known among the hardcore fans, as it was often traded among the fans and even made a few bootleg releases. It's great to finally have it officially released. It fits the album perfectly and adds that live element – which in case of a band like Judas Priest is essential. The booklet includes some very cool photos from the Turbo tour and a short essay from the band. Needless to say, the reissue was handled beautifully, and it's a shame not to have it on your shelf along with your other Judas Priest goodies. The tracks were remastered as well and sound pristine!

Turbo is an interesting moment in the Judas Priest history. t's a decent album that became quite big.  Musically, Judas Priest recovered by Painkiller in 1990 and went back to playing heavily again. Turbo has its charm, though. And if you were there, that charm is even more significant. The extravagant nature of the 1980s echoes through this album, and that was metal back then.

Rating: B

User Rating: Not Yet Rated


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