The Final Cut is the fourth release (plus a compilation) from original Judas Priest vocalist Al Atkins and guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Paul May, though whether the title foreshadows that this might be the 'final' collaboration remains to be seen. As with their previous albums, The Final Cut contains a wealth of solid hard rock & metal, Atkins' grizzled, snarling vocals spouting over a never ending supply of crunchy riffs from May, on songs such as the upbeat opener "The Final Cut", the slow yet kick ass almost Southern Rock & metal of "When the Bell Tolls" (Lynyrd Skynyrd meets Judas Priest!) or the galloping power metal track "War in Between". May plays all the instruments here, and does a fine job throughout, but it's his gutsy riffs and blazing solos that shine, as heard on the deep grooves of "Treading Water" and the more melodic, anthemic "Fighting Man", complete with some tasty harmony guitars that wouldn't sound out of place on a Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, or, well, Judas Priest album. In fact, the absolutely barnstorming "Dead Mens Bones" gallops at a frantic pace, sounding not unlike classic Priest & Maiden from the early '80s, riffs a ragin', drums pounding, and Atkins spewing plenty of venom. "Masquerade" is another winner, full throttle metal with sizzling guitar solos and savage vocals, the duo firing on all cylinders and showing what a potent force they are together.
In summary, The Final Cut is another slab of old school metal & hard rock from Al Atkins & Paul May, so if you've enjoyed their previous releases, there's plenty to sink your teeth into here.
Track Listing
1. “The Revealing” (:36)
2. “The Final Cut” (4:43)
3. “When The Bell Tolls” (4:58)
4. “War In Between” (4:22)
5. “Treading Water” (6:18)
6. “Buried Alive” (4:32)
7. “Fighting Man” (4:52)
8. “Dead Mens Bones” (3:53)
9. “Stranger In A Strange Land” (5:26)
10. “The Cold Wind Blows” (4:12)
11., “Masquerade” (5:34)
12. “The Final Cut” (9:04)
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