Synopses & Reviews
When the world thinks of heavy metal in its pure, potent, undiluted form, it is none other than the Metal Gods, Judas Priest, that instantly come to mind. Chrome and black leather, studs and whips and chains, a chopper on stage
these are the tools of the trade for Rob Halford and his legendary band of Birmingham bashers. Back stronger than ever, Judas Priest, in 2005, issued their acclaimed Angel of Retribution album. It is long overdue that their story be told. Published to coincide with a new album in fall 2007, Martin Popoffs book, Judas Priest: Heavy Metal Painkillers, examines the bands rich legacy album by album, anthem by anthem, recounting the bands shocking split with Halford in the mid 90s and his triumphant return in 2003. Having interviewed all the principals in the band repeatedly over the years, Popoff gives a firsthand account of the Priests rocky, often comical ride through the 70s, through the gold and platinum records of the 80s, detailing the long road back to the status the band now enjoys as heavy metals proudest ambassadors. Accompanying Popoffs lively text are more than 500 full-colour images, the bands gleaming steel imagery springing to life through a myriad of photos from the stage, memorabilia shots, cover graphics, and all manner of Priestly feast for the electric eye.
Synopsis
With the 2005 release of their acclaimed new album Angel of Retribution, a comprehensive biography of the legendary heavy metal band Judas Priest was long overdue. Packed with full-color photos from the stage, album covers, and memorabilia shots, each album is recounted song by song alongside interviews that span the rocky, often comical ride of heavy metals proudest ambassadors in this definitive biography. Covering all the major momentsfrom Rob Halford's outing as gay, to their notorious subliminal message trial, to the fan who inspired the Mark Wahlberg film Rockstar by becoming the lead singerthis collectors item is sure to satisfy true metalheads and rock aficionados alike.
About the Author
"Martin has the most thorough knowledge of heavy metal of anybody I've ever met." Dee Snider, Twisted Sister frontman"Popoff is a blast to read with an acute style as cerebral as it is from the gut . . . you can't help but be impressed by the furnace level of this wordsmith." MaximumMetal.com"A must-have for Priest fans." About.com"A highly enjoyable book for any Judas Priest or heavy metal fan, and quite mandatory." SeaofTranquility.org"Martin Popoff has positioned himself as quite possibly the world's most prolific metal journalist. . . . In true Popoff fashion [this book] is utterly exhaustive." Decibel magazine"For metal fans, this will not disappoint." Vintage Guitar