- The Priest Unleashed — A Ferocious Live Testament of 1970s British Steel
"Unleashed in the East" by Judas Priest, released in 1979 Europe, stands as a landmark in heavy metal history. Produced by Tom Allom, it captures the band's electrifying live performance, marking a turning point in their sound. The album's rich production, coupled with the changing lineup, reflects the dynamic music scene of late '70s Europe. It remains a timeless classic, showcasing Judas Priest's prowess and influencing the evolution of heavy metal.
In the vibrant era of late '70s Europe, the heavy metal scene was undergoing a seismic shift. Among the iconic bands that defined the genre, Judas Priest stood tall, releasing their first official live album, "Unleashed in the East," in 1979. Produced by Tom Allom, a name that would become synonymous with the band's subsequent decade of success, the album marked a turning point and showcased the prowess of a lineup that would soon see changes.
Production Prowess:
"Unleashed in the East" marked the debut of Tom Allom as the producer for Judas Priest. His influence proved instrumental in shaping the band's sound and would continue to do so for the next ten years. Allom's keen understanding of the genre and his collaboration with sound engineer Neil Kernon and Yoshihiro Suzuki resulted in a live recording that captured the raw energy and electrifying atmosphere of Judas Priest's performances.
The album's rich production quality is a testament to the meticulous work of the production team, ensuring that every guitar riff, drum beat, and Rob Halford's soaring vocals resonated with the intensity that defined Judas Priest's live shows.
Snapshot of 1979 Europe:
Released in 1979, "Unleashed in the East" encapsulated the spirit of the European music scene during a period of cultural and musical evolution. It was an era marked by a burgeoning heavy metal movement that would later influence generations of musicians. Judas Priest's live album emerged as a cornerstone of this cultural shift, contributing to the establishment of heavy metal as a powerful and enduring musical genre.
Lineup Dynamics:
The album also holds historical significance as the last release to feature drummer Les Binks, adding a layer of nostalgia for fans. Binks' distinctive drumming style contributed significantly to the band's sound during his tenure, making "Unleashed in the East" a poignant farewell to an era.
British Heavy Metal / Heavy Metal
CBS 83852
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1979 Europe
Judas Priest - Producer
Tom Allom - Producer
Neil Kernon - Sound Engineer
Yoshihiro Suzuki - Sound Engineer
Fin Costello - Photographer
Front cover of Judas Priest's 1979 live album "Unleashed in the East". The image captures a dramatic stage performance. Rob Halford stands dead center, shirtless under an open black leather jacket, adorned with chains and studs. His right fist is raised in triumph as fog swirls around his boots. He wears dark sunglasses and commands the scene like a metal messiah.
To the left, guitarist K.K. Downing leans back mid-solo, guitar neck pointed skyward. To the right, Glenn Tipton smiles mid-riff, engaging the audience with visible energy. Behind them, Ian Hill hunches over his bass while drummer Les Binks’ drum kit gleams under bright multicolored stage lights. The lighting rig arches overhead, casting intense beams across a fog-drenched stage.
The Judas Priest logo, sharp and angular in bold red, crowns the top center. Below, the album title "Unleashed in the East" appears in red, following the logo's contour. At the bottom border, stylized red glyphs echo the album’s Japanese subtitle, adding mystique and global flair.
Back cover of Judas Priest's 1979 live album "Unleashed in the East". The image extends the dramatic energy of the front cover, placing frontman Rob Halford astride a large black motorcycle. Dressed in his signature leather gear, shirtless with a studded belt and dark shades, Halford raises his right fist triumphantly into the air. A thick cloud of stage fog shrouds the lower half of the scene.
To his left and right, guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton strike powerful stances mid-performance, with Downing’s Flying V and Tipton’s Strat-style guitar clearly visible. Bassist Ian Hill stands in the background, stoic and anchored, while multicolored par cans and rainbow spotlights cut across the smoke-filled stage from above.
The upper center section features the tracklist for both sides of the album in bold red type. Liner credits in the bottom portion list musicians, production staff (including Tom Allom and Neil Kernon), tour managers, and recording locations such as Nakano Sunplaza Hall, Tokyo, Japan. The CBS catalog number 83852 and the Stereo F5 logo are printed at the top left, while CB 271 and a yellow sticker are placed at the top right corner.
Close-up of the CBS record label on Judas Priest’s 1979 album "Unleashed in the East", Side 1. The circular label features CBS’s signature orange-to-yellow gradient background with a white CBS logo centered at the top. Just below the logo, the album title and band name are printed in bold black uppercase: UNLEASHED IN THE EAST and JUDAS PRIEST.
On the left side, the text reads "STEREO" and "33⅓ RPM", accompanied by the LC code LC 0149. Below it, the matrix/runout code CBSE 83852-1 is visible. On the right side, the box "BIEM/STEMRA" indicates copyright society info, with the catalog number CBS 83852 displayed prominently next to it. The number “1” denotes Side One of the record.
The lower portion lists the five tracks on Side One: “Exciter,” “Running Wild,” “Sinner,” “Ripper,” and “The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown),” each with songwriting credits and durations. The production credits below read: Produced by Tom Allom and Judas Priest.
At the bottom center, the copyright statement ℗ 1979 CBS Records is printed in bold. Along the right curve, "MADE IN HOLLAND" is clearly printed, indicating the pressing origin. The label is cleanly printed with fine details, typical of CBS pressings from the Netherlands during this period.
Judas Priest's impact on heavy metal is immeasurable. Their music, image, and attitude have helped shape the genre into what it is today. Their enduring legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of heavy metal fans and musicians. Judas Priest is not just a band, but a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
CBS 25713 , 1984 , Holland
Judas Priest's 1984 triumph, "Defenders of the Faith," on Dutch vinyl delivers heavy metal magic. Soaring vocals, twin-guitar mastery, and thunderous rhythm ignite anthems like "The Sentinel" and "Freewheel Burning." While deeply metal, the album explores diverse sounds, solidifying Priest's legend. Own a piece of history and crank it loud!
Defenders of the Faith 12" Vinyl LPGull records / Line Records LIDLP 5.0004 , 1985 , Germany
"Hero, Hero," the 1985 compilation by Judas Priest, encapsulates the band's early evolution with a 2LP set on white vinyl. Produced by Rodger Bain, Jeffrey Calvert, Geraint Hughes, and the band, it showcases their pioneering heavy metal roots. The album's artwork by David Howels, Melvyn Grant, Alan Morrison, and John Pasche, along with the German production by Gull Records, adds a visual and international dimension to this iconic release.
Hero, Hero (White Vinyl) 12" Vinyl 2LPCBS – 83135 , 1978 , UK (United Kingdom)
Judas Priest's 1978 album, "Killing Machine," is a seminal work in the realm of classic heavy metal. Released on a 12-inch vinyl LP, it marked the end of an era with drummer Les Binks. The album's fusion of heavy metal and hard rock, coupled with iconic cover art, solidified the band's image. "Killing Machine" remains a pivotal record, showcasing Judas Priest's enduring impact on European metal.
Killing Machine 12" Vinyl LPCBS 467290 , 1990 , Holland
Painkiller is a 1990 gold-certifed album by British heavy metal band JUDAS PRIEST. The album was recorded at Miraval Studios, Brignoles, France in early 1990, and mixed at Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum, the Netherlands later that year
Painkiller incl Booklet 12" Vinyl LPCBS 84834 , 1981 , Holland
Unleashed in 1981, Judas Priest's "Point of Entry" LP is a heavy metal odyssey recorded in Ibiza, Spain. This iconic release, produced by Tom Allom, showcases the band's sonic prowess. The 12" vinyl format enriches the experience, making it a timeless journey through powerful riffs and melodic vocals. Rediscover the magic as Judas Priest invites you to the "Point of Entry."
Point of Entry 12" Vinyl LPCBS 450639 , 1987 , Holland
Judas Priest's "Priest Live!" 2LP Gatefold Cover Vinyl Album, released on December 16, 1987, is a powerful testament to the band's live prowess. The double vinyl format, adorned with a visually striking gatefold cover, captures the raw energy of their Fuel for Life Tour. Featuring iconic tracks, the album remains a cherished collector's item, embodying Judas Priest's enduring impact on the global metal scene.
Priest Live 12" Vinyl 2LPCBS 461108 , 1988 ,
Released in 1988, Judas Priest's "Ram It Down" marked a pivotal shift for guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, introducing the sweep-picking technique and high-speed soloing. Produced by Tom Allom, alongside Tipton, Halford, and Downing, the album showcased technical virtuosity. Its cohesive sound, blending precise guitar work with Halford's vocals, contributed to its impact, solidifying the band's standing in the evolving heavy metal landscape of the late 1980s.
Ram it Down 12" Vinyl LPCBS 85941 (FC 38160) , 1982 , Holland
Judas Priest's 1982 album, "Screaming for Vengeance," marked a pivotal moment in heavy metal history. Produced by Tom Allom and recorded in Ibiza Sound Studios, its standout track, "You've Got Another Thing Comin'," became a chart-topping hit, propelling the band to mainstream success. The album, with its distinctive CBS label and catalog number CBS 85941 (FC 38160), is a musical and cultural artifact, embodying the band's influence during the genre's formative years.
Screaming for Vengeance 12" Vinyl LPCBS 32075 , 1980 , Holland
Judas Priest's "Stained Class," released in February 1978, marked a pivotal moment in heavy metal history. The album, adorned with iconic artwork by Roslav Szaybo, introduced the classic band logo. With producers Dennis McKay and James Guthrie at the helm, along with a talented team of sound engineers, the album's meticulous production elevated it to a revered status.
Stained Glass 12" Vinyl LP1986
Judas Priest's 7" PS Single, "Turbo Lover," encapsulates the band's 1986 shift to a synth-driven sound, departing from traditional heavy metal. The A-side features pulsating synths, marking the band's adaptation to '80s music trends, while the B-side may include bonus tracks. European music critics would likely examine the cover art's visual narrative, the lyrical themes, and the single's role in the broader musical landscape of the time.
Turbo Lover 7" Vinyl SingleCBS 83852 , 1979 , Europe
"Unleashed in the East" by Judas Priest, released in 1979 Europe, stands as a landmark in heavy metal history. Produced by Tom Allom, it captures the band's electrifying live performance, marking a turning point in their sound. The album's rich production, coupled with the changing lineup, reflects the dynamic music scene of late '70s Europe. It remains a timeless classic, showcasing Judas Priest's prowess and influencing the evolution of heavy metal.
Unleashed In The East 12" Vinyl LPCBS 26641 , 1986 , England
Judas Priest's 1985 album "Turbo," recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, marked a departure from traditional heavy metal with the infusion of synthesizers and a more commercial sound. Despite mixed initial reviews, the album's innovative approach and diverse lyrical themes, exploring social commentary, have secured its status as a cult classic. "Turbo" stands as a testament to Judas Priest's ability to reinvent and influence the evolution of British heavy metal.
Turbo 12" Vinyl LP