It's hard to imagine that it's been 15 years since this incarnation of Judas Priest has put out a studio album, but they managed to come back with a release that seemingly erases that decade and a half timespan. When I heard that Rob Halford was getting back together with Priest, I couldn't wait to hear their new offering! Then I worried - how would they sound after being apart for so long? The music scene has changed a lot in that time, how would that affect their music? I worried for naught. "Angel of Retribution" sounds as if Halford never left Priest and there was a 15 minute (not year) gap since their release of "Painkiller" in 1990.

The album kicks off with some some great songs. "Deal with the Devil", with it's catchy riffs and classic Tipton / Downing alternating solos, is one of the best songs on the CD. Along with "Judas Rising" and "Revolution", you might want to make sure your volume is cranked up when you press play. "Worth Fighting For" is a melodic tune that sounds like it came off their "Screaming for Vengeance" album. "Demonizer" and "Hellrider", along with "Wheels of Fire" kick out some power and energy that you've come to expect from Judas Priest. There's even a ballad on the CD - "Angel", which is reminiscent of their early works on "Rocka Rolla" and "Sad Wings of Destiny". (Are those acoustic guitars I hear?!?) While "Eulogy" has some references to the band's earlier offerings (or maybe the band itself), it's an intro to the over 13 minute "Lochness" - which has a different feel than the previous 9 songs. To get an idea of the song, think along the lines of - Black Sabbath with a little "Victim of Changes" (from "Sad Wings of Destiny") thrown in for good measure.

I like this album as a whole, but that's not to say every song is a gem. There are a few songs that on here that probably wouldn't hold up on their own. But all throughout the CD you get the great Tipton / Downing trademark guitar solos and rhythms that remind you just what band you're listening to. If you're a fan of Judas Priest or like classic metal in general, do yourself a favor and pick up "Angel of Retribution". With their timeless sound, Priest offers up another album I'm happy to put in my metal collection!

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