Heavy Metal icons JUDAS PRIEST set the standards in the heavy music scene, and have influenced a generation of Rockers. Together, Rob Halford (vocals), K.K Downing (guitars), Glenn Tipton (guitars), Ian Hill (bass), and drummer Scott Travis (ex-RACER X) single handedly led the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene. JUDAS PRIEST was the first rock group to completely embrace the JUDAS PRIEST moniker and preach the ‘leather & chains’ lifestyle. JUDAS PRIEST was the first band to add a second guitarist for their super heavy compositions and dual-scorching leads. JUDAS PRIEST was the first true Heavy Metal band to break through in the US and headline stadiums across America. Though all of the group’s albums contain truly amazing rock compositions and anthems, it was their 1980 album, BRITISH STEEL, which made JUDAS PRIEST a household word. That album contained an unprecedented three hit singles (Breaking the Law, Living After Midnight, and United), which eventually became the band’s first music promo videos. BRITISH STEEL was a milestone release for JUDAS PRIEST, and the intensity and song writing of the group have yet to be matched. It is a perfect pairing then, for Pioneer Entertainment to select BRITISH STEEL as the basis for their CLASSIC ALBUMS DVD series.

JUDAS PRIEST: BRITISH STEEL: CLASSIC ALBUMS chronicles the entire development of this seminal album from the creation of the music to the studio masterminds who crafted an album that would opens doors not only for the group, but for the entire Heavy Metal art form itself. The documentary incorporates firsthand interviews with archival footage to educate the viewer on how the crafting of this hit album comes together. The narrative includes candid conversations and recollections with Rob Halford, KK Downing, Glenn Tipton, and Scott Travis (who wasn’t part of the line-up back in 1980 when BRITISH STEEL was recorded). Strangely, the session interviews with Halford and Downing/Tipton are shot separately, indicating that perhaps these individuals don’t get along anymore. Also a big part of this documentary are the discussions with producer Tom Allom, one of the audio geniuses responsible for the capturing the sonic glory of the JUDAS PRIEST metal machine in their heyday. We also hear from JUDAS PRIEST’s management, roadies, and fellow rock stars. The band members discuss the eventual breakdown that led to the departure of Rob Halford, and Downing and Tipton praise the contributions of new vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens, whom they recruited from a JUDAS PRIEST tribute band. Interestingly, in the closing moments of JUDAS PRIEST: BRITISH STEEL: CLASSIC ALBUMS, Rob Halford states that he wouldn’t rule out a reunion with his former bandmates in the future.

Here is the area that may appeal most to JUDAS PRIEST fans. The Special Features section includes about forty minutes of bonus video material. These extras consist of full-length music videos and live performances and interview segments which are actually outtakes from the feature documentary. All this bonus material are presented as featurettes, and are designated in the following manner:

• Living After Midnight (full length music video)
• Breaking the Law (full length music video)
• Rock N Rio (live 1991 performance of Grinder)
• Rapid Fire
• Scott Travis (interview)
• Early Gigs
• Naming of the Album/Artwork
• White Room Story
• Rock & Roll Stories

The disc also offers an illustrated JUDAS PRIEST discography. All music videos are presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 sound.

You have to love Pioneer’s Classic Albums series, which gives Rock fans a chance to go back in time and thrill to the evolution of a particular artist’s best album. This is a spectacular concept and I hope Pioneer continues to produce more entries of this worthy program. In the case of JUDAS PRIEST, it’s hard to pick the band’s best album and this could easily been the making of STAINED CLASS, POINT OF ENTRY, HELL BENT FOR LEATHER, or their best selling album, SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE. Technically, the DVD is well produced, but with all the complete remastering of catalog video performances these days (by the likes of Sanctuary Video and Classic Pictures Entertainment), Pioneer could easily shell out the bucks to completely remaster the archival audio and video footage.