Judas Priest

It's rare, but every now and then one of these expanded, re-mastered albums actually accomplishes what music fans always hope for: rekindling interest in an awesome record. Thanks to an imaginative, caring approach that honours the music at hand, we're treated to something that stands on its own merits via better overall quality, possibly bettering the subject that it documents. Such is the case with classic Judas Priest effort British Steel and its celebratory version. A sonic update of the original album reveals crisp source tapes while still capturing the excitement and grit of enduring tunes such as "Rapid Fire," "United" and, naturally, "Breaking The Law," while an expanded booklet reveals entertaining liner notes/photos. Add in the amusing live DVD from the band's recent tour and bonus The Making Of British Steel Interviews, which flesh-out our comprehension of this essential metal affair, and this release is not only great aurally, but also proves a worthwhile contribution to the legacy of these metallic forerunners.