I'm sure that some of you remember Judas Priest as one of those weird heavy-metal Brit bands that seemed to be in league with Satan himself. Tough guy Rob Halford had a voice that sounded just like what a hellion should sound like. Double-lead guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing screeched and twisted through some ingenious solos. And the rhythm section of bassist Ian Hill and (mostly) drummer Dave Holland pounded away with Spinal Tap-ish regalia. This album is supposed to represent the total compilation of the band's best.

The album swims and wades through the various stages of Priest's career. They start with the low and progressive work like "Beyond The Realms Of Death" and "Victim Of Changes." Along with that, there was a sense of some pop qualities--best sampled by the acoustic "Before The Dawn" and the rocker "Hell Bent For Leather." True, some of their other work--like "The Green Manalishi"--is absent, but there's a reason. The bulk of the album devotes itself to Priest's glory period.

If there's one period this album covers its the height of Priest's career from '80 to '84. When their rock took a more mainstream attitude and allowed them to release songs like the classic "Breaking The Law," "Living After Midnight," "Heading Out To The Highway," "You've Got Another Thing Comin'," "Metal Gods" and the scorching "Freewheel Burning." (Wheew) Some of the lesser known material is just as good. Songs like "Screaming For Vengeance," "Desert Plains" and "Solar Angels"--which features one of the meanest intros ever--all are noteworthy and deserving of being here.

The songs are good, decent rock. Perhaps a bit long in the guitar riffage, but I doubt most people would mind. Tipton and Downing made a heck of a team that interchanged notes in an amazing way. For example, take the under-recognized "Ram It Down." The guitar solos are amazing, complex and wonderful. (For those of you too young to remember, solos were these intricate pieces of music that were usually played in the middle of a song to let the singer catch his breath. I know there's not too many going around now).

Along with that, there's the VERY poppish "Turbo Lover," "Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days" and "Bloodstone." Here many people may feel the band faulters, because they deter from their strength in rocking and add synthesizers and loud choruses. Yet, hear "Turbo Lover." Tell me if that couldn't pass for techno today. Trent Reznor could cover it and make millions of dollars. Synthesizers, strong rhythm and low, gruff lyrics about sex. Yep, millions of dollars.

Finally, the band adds some of their last work before their break-up album Painkiller. Disatisfied with the lack of sales for Ram It Down, that album went all out to return Priest to metal. The title track, "Metal Meltdown," "A Touch Of Evil" and "Night Crawler" are all mean. I even think "Night Crawler" is THE song for Halloween. (Rob Zombie notwithstanding).

So where does this album rank among the leagues of greatest hits and other compilations? Well, if you're trying out something new, this would be a very good choice. I'll grant you that many of the metal motiffs have now passed into cliche. But what better way to be ready for the retro comeback of the 80s than by listening to a band hated by Tipper Gore? For classic Priest fans, well, they might stick to their collections as this album offers no new material. (However, the album notes are always interesting).

Overall, Metal Works tries to compile all that one band was into 2 CDs. Sure, not everything here will please you and some will need time to warm to it. Given time you will see that Priest had talent and ability. This album is a good example of what they did.

Rating: B

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