Judas Priest Album: “Hero, Hero”

This album is a MUST for any Priest fan, as well as a pleasant surprise for the aforementioned fan that thinks that Priest only came about in the early 80's. This album contains all of Rocka Rolla (1974), most of Sad Wings of Destiny (1976) and one track from Sin After Sin (1977). The album is not really a "heavy metal" album, rather it is a good rock album that contains traces of blues. In fact, Glenn Tipton's main influences were Cream, Hendrix, and John Mayall. There is not an overdose of distortion and noise that would serve to detract from the songs and their lyrics. In fact, the "cleanliness" and simplicity of the songs really shows the talent of the band, and why Priest was and is a major force in rock and heavy metal. The early Priest songs deal with rather unique issues, such as World War 1 trench warfare (Dying to Meet You), political despotism (Tyrant), and the effects of aging (Run of the Mill, which is a truly beautiful and haunting ballad that shows Halford's incredible vocal range). The album also contains the original studio versions of "Victim of Changes", "Genocide", and Joan Baez's "Diamonds and Rust" which continue to be live Priest staples to this day. I do not understand how people CANNOT like this album. Being a rather uncommon Priest album, only Priest fans would buy it. They should be awe-stricken with it's power after only a few minutes of listening. But, I guess that is just me... But, if you are a true Priest fan (or claim to be), do yourself a favor and pick this one up! It is a real treat to behold.

This album is not the original it is a knock-off version by Koch records aka Gull records. I think Judas Priest is awesome, but if you want the first two albums, do yourself and the band a favor and search a little more for the originals.

If you don't believe me just look up the relationship between Koch records and Gull records. You'll find that Koch is a division of Gull. And as far as this album being a knock-off just check out Judas Priest's own web site, and click on discography. The band tells you themselves if you scrolll down to the bottomm of the page.

I got this for the "Rocka Rolla" album based on a reviewer's recommendation of this being remixed/remstered, whatever it is, it sounds really good. Crisp sounding. "Rocka Rolla" is far better than I thought it would be. I was very curious about Priest's first three albums. A Rock album, as others have mentioned, but Metal for it's time. This is early Judas Priest, so nothing too heavy or speedy This is basically 2 albums put together out of order, "Rocka Rolla" and "Sad Wings of Destiny", minus "The Ripper and Island of Domination". I also like the version of "Diamonds and Rust" on this than on "Sin After Sin". It's toned down some, I don't think it sounds like a demo at all. Never been much into 70s Rock or Metal. Even if you already own "Sad Wings..." I think this is still worth owning for the remixed "Rocka Rolla" songs.

I don't understand all the negative reviews of this album. Hero Hero is a great compilation on the best tracks from both Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings Of Destiny. The sound quality is very good and it provides a good understanding of what Priest sounded like in their beginnings. Of course, owning Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings is a must for every true Priest fan, however there is absolutely nothing wrong with this release. Also the artwork from Melvyn Grant is awsome. If want to give it a listen rather than buying the first two albums, then this is the way to go. Don't be missled by the negativity, buy this album and enjoy it.

If you are wondering what early Priest is like...this is a good collection of real early Priest. The only big drawback to the album is that is does not have The Ripper. If you planned on only experimenting with the early works this is a good collection. However I do like Sad Wings Of Destiny even better. Some of the songs are a little mellow for Priest but some will assault your senses...so be prepared...and if you didn't want your senses assaulted in the first place...maybe you should be looking up some other group like Abba.