It is heard to believe that it has already been 30 years since the groundbreaking release of Judas Priest's classic record, British Steel. And fittingly, Columbia Records is celebrating this monumental album with a 30th Anniversary "Special Edition" package featuring a 3 Disc set; the remastered CD of the original 9-song album plus 2 bonus tracks, a DVD of 16-song set from the 2009 British Steel tour, filmed live at the Seminole Hard Rock Arena, Hollywood, Florida on August 17, 2009, plus the "Making of British Steel" documentary and a 15 song Live CD set from the 2009 British Steel tour, also recorded live at the Seminole Hard Rock Arena, Hollywood, Florida. 2010 has shaped up to be the year of the Priest and the celebration of a landmark Heavy Metal record!
The remastered British Steel sounds even better than you remember with the opening staccato riff of "Rapid Fire" never sounding so awesome. This has long been a favorite of mine and it still sounds as good as it did 30 years ago. The entire remastered British Steel record sounds refreshed and sonically on point and for those who didn't pick up the original 2001 remastered version of the disc, here is your chance once again, and it still comes complete with the bonus tracks of "Grinder" live from 1984 and the unreleased "Red, White & Blue" written during the time of the Turbo recording sessions.
Recorded live at the Seminole Hard Rock Arena in Hollywood, Florida, and captured on DVD and CD, Priest storms through the entire British Steel album and sound simply killer. The drums get a much needed kick in the ass by the amazing Scott Travis and breaths a new dimension to the already iconic record. Rob Halford displays an excellent vocal performance as do guitar heroes Tipton & Downing. Another video highlight is seeing bass player, Ian Hill, step into the spotlight for the cool bass intro of "The Rage". A song long ago retired and recently revived into the live set. Both the CD and DVD feature more than just British Steel in its entirety. Priest classic's like "The Ripper", "Hell Patrol", "Victim of Changes" and "Freewheel Burning" are included on both releases, with the song "Prophecy" being included on the DVD version.
The packaging of this British Steel CD/DVD set is also one that will make Priest fans happy. The CD cover features the familiar razor blade art work of the original record, but now with that razor blade drawing a stream of blood from its blade. Much more Metal for 2010 and a nice touch to a much revered album cover. Packaged in a Digipak, gatefold, 3 CD package, it is as stunning to look at as it is to watch and hear the DVD and CD's contained within.
The CD and DVD's sound were once again handled by longtime producer, Tom Allom, who was responsible for the stereo and 5.1 SurroundSound mixes of both live recordings. They both look and sound excellent with The Priest turning in a great show for the sold out crowd in Florida.
These new releases of British Steel are pretty much essential for any Priest fan. Being able to witness the modern Priest tear through all of British Steel both on CD and DVD is just simply cool. What a great idea to tour playing a classic record in its entirety, an idea that more and more bands are now doing to celebrate their classic albums and why not?! These new releases come in a couple of different packages, as well. You can pick up the original remastered "British Steel" on CD with 2 bonus tracks and the live DVD or the remastered CD with 2 bonus tracks, live DVD and an additional live CD of the same show all in a package, as well. This is all a nice way to celebrate the Heavy Metal legends that are Judas Priest and their classic, break through record, British Steel. Long Live The Priest!
BRITISH STEEL 30TH Anniversary Special Edition
Disc One: CD - BRITISH STEEL
1. Rapid Fire
2. Metal Gods
3. Breaking The Law
4. Grinder
5. United
6. You Don't Have To Be Old To Be Wise
7. Living After Midnight
8. The Rage
9. Steeler
Bonus tracks:
10. Red, White & Blue
11. Grinder (live version)
Disc Two: DVD - THE BRITISH STEEL 2009 TOUR (Filmed live at the Seminole Hard Rock Arena, Hollywood, Florida, August 17, 2009)
1. Rapid Fire
2. Metal Gods
3. Breaking The Law
4. Grinder
5. United
6. You Don't Have To Be Old To Be Wise
7. Living After Midnight
8. The Rage
9. Steeler
10. The Ripper
11. Prophecy
12. Hell Patrol
13. Victim Of Changes
14. Freewheel Burning
15. Diamonds And Rust
16. You've Got Another Thing Coming
"Making Of British Steel" documentary
Disc Three: CD - THE BRITISH STEEL 2009 TOUR (Recorded live at the Seminole Hard Rock Arena, Hollywood, Florida, August 17, 2009)
1. Rapid Fire
2. Metal Gods
3. Breaking The Law
4. Grinder
5. United
6. You Don't Have To Be Old To Be Wise
7. Living After Midnight
8. The Rage
9. Steeler
10. The Ripper
11. Hell Patrol
12. Victim Of Changes
13. Freewheel Burning
14. Diamonds And Rust
15. You've Got Another Thing Coming
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