Jugulator

About

"Jugulator" is the thirteenth studio album by the English heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was released in Japan on 16 October 1997 and internationally on 28 October 1997. The album was the band's first studio release since "Painkiller" (1990) and the first of two studio albums to feature vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owen, who replaced Rob Halford following his departure from the band in 1992. The album was originally released through SPV. Following the financial collapse and bankruptcy of the label around 2009, "Jugulator" did not receive a release on major digital distribution platform. In October 2021, it was reissued as part of Judas Priest's limited-edition "50 Heavy Metal Years of Music" box set through Sony Music Entertainment and Legacy Recording. "Jugulator" marked a stylistic shift from the speed metal and traditional heavy metal elements of "Painkiller" towards a sound incorporating stronger thrash metal influence. The album features lower guitar tuning, including C-sharp and C. Its lyrics address darker themes than many of the band's previous release. The title track centres on a mechanised demonic figure, while "Cathedral Spires" addresses apocalyptic theme. The song "Brain Dead" is written from the perspective of a man who, following a traumatic event, is unable to move or speak and remains conscious while dependent on life support. The accompanying notes in the album booklet discuss the experience of individuals living with severe physical paralysis and the psychological effects of such condition. Critical and fan reception to "Jugulator" was mixed. Some listeners praised the album and its heavier musical direction, while others expressed a preference for Rob Halford's vocal style or were critical of the album overall. Guitarist Glenn Tipton defended the band's musical evolution, stating that the stylistic changes reflected developments that had occurred during the years between "Painkiller" and "Jugulator". He also noted that the band was not focused on melodic songwriting during the album's creation. .

via Last.fm

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