Tracks
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Unleashed in the East is not only Judas Priest's first live album but one of the greatest live releases in heavy metal history. Recorded on the tour in support of their fifth album, Hell Bent For Leather (known as Killing Machine outside of the U.S.), the band is captured here in prime form at the tail end of the '70s. As metal live albums often do, Unleashed in the East marked a crucial transition for Priest; being their first album to go Platinum, it foreshadowed their forays into more commercial territory in the '80s.
The tracklist here leaves little to be desired. Opening with the proto-speed metal of "Exciter", practically every tune on hand here mops the floor with its studio version. This is best seen in the epic "Victim of Changes" as well as in Priest's two most popular cover songs, Fleetwood Mac's "The Green Manalishi (with the Two-Pronged Crown)" and Joan Baez's "Diamonds and Rust". In addition, any material from their considerably lesser debut album, Rocka Rolla, is excluded.
Originally ending with "Tyrant", the album has been expanded to include four more songs, all of which are welcome additions. The only issue is that although the band's entire set from the Japanese tour was never completely recorded, certain songs from these recording sessions were released as vinyl B-sides around the time. Nevertheless, these tracks - including the seemingly indispensable "Beyond the Realms of Death" - have not seen the light of day since the '80s.
Controversy has surrounded Unleashed in the East since its initial release due to the impeccable performances and killer sound quality. It was later revealed that Rob Halford's vocals had to be patched up in studio due to recording errors; Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing's guitars were subsequently recorded, as well. Even so, comparing these recordings to similar ones on, say, the Priest, Live & Rare collection, it becomes clear that Priest were in no way out to deceive their fans and were still able to deliver a blistering performance on stage.
Even if some tracks are missing, and even if the quality if the album is too pristine for some ears, Unleashed in the East remains one of Judas Priest's most vital offerings. It encapsulates what was great about their early period and proves that they were one of the best live metal acts in their heyday. If an introduction to their less popular (but just as worthy) '70s material is needed, this is the route to go.
The tracklist here leaves little to be desired. Opening with the proto-speed metal of "Exciter", practically every tune on hand here mops the floor with its studio version. This is best seen in the epic "Victim of Changes" as well as in Priest's two most popular cover songs, Fleetwood Mac's "The Green Manalishi (with the Two-Pronged Crown)" and Joan Baez's "Diamonds and Rust". In addition, any material from their considerably lesser debut album, Rocka Rolla, is excluded.
Originally ending with "Tyrant", the album has been expanded to include four more songs, all of which are welcome additions. The only issue is that although the band's entire set from the Japanese tour was never completely recorded, certain songs from these recording sessions were released as vinyl B-sides around the time. Nevertheless, these tracks - including the seemingly indispensable "Beyond the Realms of Death" - have not seen the light of day since the '80s.
Controversy has surrounded Unleashed in the East since its initial release due to the impeccable performances and killer sound quality. It was later revealed that Rob Halford's vocals had to be patched up in studio due to recording errors; Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing's guitars were subsequently recorded, as well. Even so, comparing these recordings to similar ones on, say, the Priest, Live & Rare collection, it becomes clear that Priest were in no way out to deceive their fans and were still able to deliver a blistering performance on stage.
Even if some tracks are missing, and even if the quality if the album is too pristine for some ears, Unleashed in the East remains one of Judas Priest's most vital offerings. It encapsulates what was great about their early period and proves that they were one of the best live metal acts in their heyday. If an introduction to their less popular (but just as worthy) '70s material is needed, this is the route to go.