On September 3, 1990, Judas Priest released Painkiller , their twelfth studio album. Considered the fastest and heaviest album in the British band's discography, it became a landmark in heavy metal history, widely recognized as one of the most influential in the genre.
“Painkiller” is an absolute anthem of the genre. Its intro is striking and serves as a beautiful calling card for drummer Scott Travis , who replaced Dave Holland in 1989. Furthermore, “Hell Patrol” and “All Guns Blazing” incorporate elements of speed metal, which would later influence bands in the European scene, such as Gamma Ray and Primal Fear .
Sad Wings of Destiny (1976) was essential in shaping the group's sound, with its blend of rock and metal influences, creating the foundation for the band's identity. British Steel (1980), one of the most important metal albums, consolidated the group's commercial success, featuring iconic tracks and establishing it as a benchmark.
However, Judas Priest distinguished themselves with Painkiller . The aggression and precision of this album marked a new phase, focused on speed and technique. It distanced itself from the experimentation present in Turbo (1986) and Ram It Down (1989), establishing a new standard of intensity for metal.
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