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THE REVIEW
There are still 3 years (or maybe 2?! I can't remember) until the release of "Painkiller" which is lurking. It’s 1988, and Judas Priest releases this "Ram It Down".
I won't waste comments on the glorious band that is an icon and pioneer of the heavy genre, but I'll tell you what this album contains, which I believe all genre fans already know. So, I don't know whether to speak to heavy metal novices or describe something that all of you (true metallers) will certainly agree on (at least I hope...).
Judas appears better than ever, with the right blend of freshness and traditionalism. Freshness because the Judas are really in shape and traditionalism because their music is connected to the classic metal vein, as testified by the songwriting of this album.
All the songs stand out, particularly the opener (introduced by a typical Halford scream) and tracks like "Heavy Metal", "I'm a Rocker", "Monsters Of Rock", and "Blood Red Skies", where Tipton and Downing show they are true guitar heroes. There is indeed a lot of talk about the technicality of the '80s and all the guitarists who emerged from that hotbed of talent, discussions that as young people (more or less teenagers) were endless because everyone wanted to prove their point and make their favorite guitarist prevail. And then praises were lavished on various Malmsteen, Satriani, Gilbert, and many others... But pausing for a moment, guys, in my opinion, these two had nothing to envy from anyone, with all due respect for the others: iron riffs and unreachable solos! That's what a Priest album contains (among other elements), and the songs I mentioned prove it, besides everything they've shown over the years in their career.
Having made this guitar-centric digression, I then point out a cover of the famous "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry (1960s) which we find here with a "metallic" body that makes it appropriate for the album in which it was inserted, and the beautiful concluding "Love You To Death" where Halford duets with the guitar at the end.
In short, an album that has all the ingredients of classic metal and Judas Priest, unleashing all their best weapons. If this is not a masterpiece, it's nearly there, but only because, as I said at the beginning, "Painkiller" will be released shortly.
A must-have for collectors.
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Summary by Bot
Judas Priest's 1988 album Ram It Down showcases a perfect blend of fresh energy and classic metal traditions. The guitar work by Tipton and Downing stands out, especially on tracks like "Heavy Metal" and "Monsters of Rock." The album also features a notable metal cover of Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" and ends strong with "Love You To Death." While not quite reaching their later masterpiece Painkiller, Ram It Down remains a must-have for metal fans and collectors alike.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Judas Priest
Formed in Birmingham in 1969, Judas Priest are among the pioneers of heavy metal, known for twin-guitar attack and Rob Halford's high vocals. Their career spans classic studio albums and acclaimed live records.49 Reviews
Other reviews
By frank1979
"Ram It Down is the opener of this fantastic work, a scream capable of splitting the listener’s heart in two."
"This is not just a music CD, but also an example and a lesson for all those who one day decide to embark on the musical genre in question."
By ELECTRIC EYE
Ram It Down immediately releases energy from every pore, splendid!
My favorite song... contains everything: aggressive metal, pure erotism, amazing solos and riffs, impeccable voice.
