Written By Jason Voorhees

In this week's edition we will tackle one of the most quintessential artists of heavy metal history...Mr. Ronnie James Dio. 

While RJD carved out his legacy during his early years in Elf, Rainbow and Sabbath; it was during his solo career where he truly earned his stripes.  During his stellar career, DIO created one of the most extensive catalogs that the metal genre has ever saw.  While many people celebrate his work in those high profile gigs, some forget how truly magnificent his solo efforts actually were. 

Over that same solo career, his band saw many lineup changes while suffering many ups and downs.  One thing always remained constant though and that was Ronnie's vision.  No matter what style of music, no matter what themes of choice, no matter who was playing the instruments, one could always recognize that the music was DIO.  And that my friends is what makes this guy one of the legends of heavy metal.  Simply put...a rock god.  

Opinions are widespread on where his albums stack up when ranked to each other.  Once again, a challenging project to undertake; nonetheless one that we are ready to take head on.  So don't be the last in line as we lock up the wolves on this journey down these very strange highways!

Released during the height of the grunge movement, this album was probably set up to fail before it ever began.  While you could definitely hear a much different tone with elements of industrial and grunge present, the band still tried to stay true to its roots.  Although this record comes in as the last on the list, it certainly is not a terrible effort.  In fact, I would venture to say it's probably the band's most underrated.  The piano ballad 'This Is Your Life' became a smash hit after his passing and encompasses Ronnie's brilliance when it comes to song writing.  Tracks like 'Hunter of The Heart', 'Black', and 'Stay out of My Mind' still inject that Sabbath doom and gloom flavor that we all have grown to love.  Definitely an undervalued album that grows on you the more that you listen...an aggressive assault on the senses. 

With an entirely new lineup in toe it was time for a clean slate at the dawn of a new decade.  18 year old prodigy Rowan Robertson was ready to take the world by storm on this release.  While anticipation was high, the results were a mixed bag of praise and criticism.  Many fans were disappointed as the album took on a different style than the one they had grown accustomed to.  Lacking the star power of a truly stand out track, the record is sometimes labeled dull and uninspired.  Unfortunately, the expectations were not met on the album which is why its ranked close to the bottom.  However; die hard DIO fans will tell you that its just misunderstood.  Tracks like 'Hey Angel', 'Evil on Queen Street' as well as the title track continue to invoke the signature sound we all know.  Good but not great...simply put.

After another Sabbath reunion came suddenly crashing down, Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice were once again left holding the bag.  However; the controversial split would not mean the end, but instead a rebirth for the two stalwarts.  The band added Tracy G on guitars and Jeff Pilson (formerly of Dokken) on bass.  The result was Dehumanizer 2.0.  Although the album did not match the success of it's Sabbath predecessor, it certainly sounded like a reboot.  Definitely one of their most underrated pieces, 'Strange Highways' brings that signature doomy sound and style.  Slow eloquent tempos with a mixture of grooves, bends and hooks.  Plenty of hidden gems and not much filler on this one.  While the title track firmly stands out, it's the sleepers that truly define this album among the best.

The third album for DIO was a bit of a step down from their previous efforts.  As the saying goes, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry."  Sometimes going to the well one too many times can be detrimental and that's exactly what happened on this album.  That's not to say that the album was a failure because that would be a flat out lie.  It was just too much of the same as the favorite recipe had become stagnant.  With that being said, the album was still catchy and some tracks hit the nail.  In fact, the title track remains one of the bands greatest overall tunes to this day.  In retrospect, the sound production probably hurt the record's overall success.  In a cruel twist of fate, this would  mark the end of the road for Vivian Campbell in the band.  Substandard for DIO, but still pretty solid.

Sadly this would be the last album for Dio but what a swan song it was.  A solid album that featured frequent collaborators from the bands past.  RJD's vocals aged like fine wine as he could still belt out lyrics with ferocious tone and synergy.  And the rest of the band was able to match that intensity resulting in an epic finale of success.  Consistent and focused, there is not one bad track on the album with little to no filler.  Beginning with the opener 'One More For the Road' the record absolutely hits hard.  Other standout songs include 'End of the World', 'Shivers', 'The Man Who Would Be King' and 'Death by Love' as well as the title track.  While the album is overshadowed by the classics, there is definitely a place at the top for die hard fans.  Its always nice to go out on top and this record fits that narrative.

How could Dio's legacy be complete without a concept album.  RJD's love for the dramatic is encompassed entirely on this conceptual thriller.  Record sales definitely do not tell the story for this one as they tanked.  However, the album is littered with all of his most beloved musical trademarks and traits.  The album has since gained a cult following among die hard fans and heavy metal analysts alike.  A stellar mixture of heavy dark energy and soft ballad melodies make this one of their most underrated works of art.  Of course the plan of a conceptual trilogy would never come to fruition so we may never fully understand the of the ending of the story.  Nonetheless, this fantasy laden record sends chills down your spine.  Pop it In and take a spin, be prepared to be blown away. 

Removing star guitarist Vivian Campbell from the lineup could have spelled doom for any other band.  Not Dio.  Adding Craig Goldy actually ignited a fire in the band and the result was an epic blast of heavy metal destruction.  The newfound energy enabled the band to produce an A list record.  The album once again featured top notch songwriting and elite musicianship.  The band was back to the formula that helped them rise to the top of the metal food chain.  The band's new guitarist embodied some similarities in style to Ritchie Blackmore which paid homage to Rainbow on a few tracks.  The opener 'Night People' is a speed metal eulogy which features an absolutely epic solo.  Other stand out songs include 'Dream Evil', 'Sunset Superman', 'All the Fools Sailed Away' and 'I Could Have Been a Dreamer'.  Excellent album from an excellent band.

This was a throwback to the classical era of Dio.  This version of Dio featured Doug Aldrich on the axe and he did not disappoint.  Crisp and tight musicianship that featured inspiring riffs and hard hitting bass lines.  The band went away from commercialized mainstream style as they tried to emulate their roots.  The finished product was a traditional metal album that fans would love.  Its almost like Ronnie jumped into a time machine back to 1983 in one fellow swoop.  The lyrics were once again more focused, the songs had more energy, the sound was more polished.  This was an album that was released way after its time but yet one that could have followed the big 2.  One of my personal favorites and definitely top of the list worthy.  One of Dio's finest hours.

So much for the sophomore jinx.  There was no slumping on this album.  Dio was in it to win it and there was no turning back.  As their breakout debut became one of the greatest debuts of all-time, you could probably say that this one ranks among the best of sophomore metal lore.  The album featured all of the classic Dio characteristics including themes of fantasy and mysticism.  Far from a reboot though, it had its own attitude which sets it apart from its predecessor.  The title track is the most notable but the true sleeper is the epic finale 'Egypt (The Chains Are On)' which once again features Vivian Campbell's dominance on the axe.  Another prototype masterpiece for Dio and one that would further cement their place at the Mount Rushmore of Metal.

This might as well have been titled the Holy Grail.  The seminal album of Ronnie James Dio career marked the apex for the band album wise.  Not only is this Dio's top album, many consider this as one of the top heavy metal albums of all-time history.  Definitely one of the best debut albums of all-time as well.  Simply a masterpiece in every way.  The record featured every aspect of a great heavy metal album.  Awesome musicianship.  Top of the line songwriting.  Multiple mega hits.  Plenty of relevant substance.  Zero Filler.  All the marks of an excellent album.  Dio struck gold on this one and the record lives on forever.  Raw and edgy but to the point.  Lyrically and stylistically elite.  The top of the food chain for Dio and one many metal fans all time favorites no doubt.  Bow to the King.

Once again, we hope that you enjoyed this edition of top album lists.  Dio is one of the all-time greats and it was a treat going back in time to chronicle their catalog.  Of course, as always this is a matter of opinion and hopefully you will share yours.  We will continue to bring you the best of top album lists and we challenge you to request your favorite bands so that we can cover them in the future.  As always, we hope that you will join Kevin Law and Johnny E every Thursday from 7PM-9PM as they pound out the best of metal old and new!!  And in closing, we wish you continued safety during these unchartered times.  As we close, please enjoy this special from Holy Diver!!!  Rock on Mates!!

Written By Jason Voorhees

Considered one of the most successful heavy metal bands in history, Iron Maiden has carved their legacy in stone despite very little mainstream efficiency. 

Instead the band has mastered the underground platforms In an effort to forge an army of loyal fans and support.  The band's success is due in large part to their energetic coma induced live performances that have become legendary in the metal industry.  

Throughout the years Maiden has produced a catalog of some of the greatest metal albums we have ever saw.  With that being said, there is widespread debate on which albums belong among their best.  In this week's addition we will attempt to put aside the doubt and face the critics head on while compiling our very own ranking of Maiden's top records.  

So, take a journey back to Somewhere in Time; its A Matter of Life and Death as we take this Dance of Death into the Final Frontier ​with Iron Maiden...

One of the top albums during their reunion era, this classic brought the audience to a warfront stage.  While infusing themes of war, death and religion the record was a lyrical and musical masterpiece.  It's a spirited mix of classic Maiden epic synergy and elite songwriting.  There are plenty of stone cold hits as well as some sleeper stalwarts.  Tracks like 'These Colours Don't Run,' 'Brighter than a Thousand Suns' and 'The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg' belong on the same level of their most beloved classics.  It's truly those hidden gems though that set this album apart among their very best.  This is truly one of Maiden's most underrated albums and it was no coincidence that they chose to play it in it's entirety during the debut tour.  Solid effort and definitely among the best of Maiden's catalog.  

The return of Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith marked the resurrection of Iron Maiden.  And this album represented a return to greatness for the band.  The highly anticipated release came on the dawn of a new millennium as all of the stars aligned.  When all hope seemed to be lost, Maiden proved that they could once again rise to the top as they produced this timeless classic.  Musically and lyrically it followed the bands prudent formula of galloping rhythms, blistering solos and mystified story telling.  The result was another epic standout of heavy metal purity.  Standout tracks include 'The Wicker Man', 'Ghost of the Navigator' and 'Blood Brothers.'  There was not much filler here.  Fans were ready and the underground giants definitely delivered on this one.  Exhilarating album at the least.

Often mistaken for a concept album, Maiden's latest studio album has received widespread criticism.  And this is the exact reason why the record belongs so high on the list.  Iron Maiden has never been afraid to experiment and test the boundaries as far as creativity goes.  'Speed of Light' was an enigmatic anthem that returned to old school  Maiden of yesterday and the sound was brilliant.  The album boasts many other classic style tracks that pay homage to the band's roots.  I sometimes see similarities between negative attitudes of  this album and Judas Priest's conceptual  thriller 'Nostradamus.'  These criticisms usually center around the length of many of the tracks.  However; it's the longevity at the album's core that has always separated Maiden from its competition.  Best album in years hands down.

A progressive classic from beginning to end.  The album blends synthesizer laden music with Maiden's trademark gallop riddled rhythms.  A colorful epic flavor of heavy metal madness.  Another underrated record in their catalog, its sometimes the forgotten step child because its buried between two seminal giants.  However; the album does not lack star power as it assaults the senses musically and lyrically.  When it comes to Maiden, there is always going to be an underappreciated value to all of their work and 'Somewhere in Time' is no different.  "Wasted Years" is among the bands greatest tracks of all-time while "Alexander the Great" ranks among their most prized sleepers.  A must own for die hard Maiden enthusiasts and if you have never listened I challenge you to take a spin; you will be pleasantly surprised.

The birthplace for Iron Maiden made its bed in this raw edgy debut self titled thriller.  The pioneers of the new wave of British Heavy Metal made a dazzling impression with their original style and sound.  If it were not for the sound production this one could have landed closer to the top.  With that being said, what the album loses in sound it certainly makes up with  brilliant musicianship.  The album also featured the band's first lead vocalist Paul Di'Anno who could absolutely wail on the microphone.  The combination of Dave Murray's stellar guitar, Steve Harris' elite bass playing, Clive Burr on Drums and Di'Anno's jaw dropping vocals was exactly what the heavy metal world had been waiting for.  Some of Maiden's most cherished songs make there home here; the band's very first instant classic. 

Although it would mark the end of Di'Anno on vocals, it did usher in the era of Adrian Smith.  The duo of Smith and Murray gave Maiden their very own KK. Downing/Glenn Tipton montage and the results paid instant dividends.  There was more harmony and inspiration which invoked more energy.  It seemed that the group had graduated from jayvee as they joined the ranks of varsity lore.  And even though the record was Di'Anno's swan song, he was leaving the band at his absolute peak and this album signified that feat.  From the inglorious intro "The Ides of March" through the galloping glory of "Wrathchild" to the raucous "Murders in the Rue Morgue", the album was filled with metal magnitude of top line proportions.  This was where Maiden made their jump and there was no turning back.

This conceptual masterpiece saw Iron Maiden embrace their progressive style as they perfected the brand.  As concept albums normally do, the album takes the audience on a visual journey that's more real than your most remembered dreams.  Honestly, when I first heard this album I had nightmares for two weeks; that's how powerful the trance centered core screams as you listen to the album in its entirety.  Its no wonder that this was one of Maiden's most successful commercial endeavors as the album charted high all over the world.  An album that's littered with top notch hits and zero filler.  Sounds like an excellent recipe for success to me.  Tracks like "Moonchild", "The Evil that Men Do" and "Clairvoyant" provide chills while the title track is a nine minute marathon of non stop attitude. Top notch metal album from start to finish.  A grand slam home run.  

Some fans and critics say this is Maiden's best pure album.  There is definitely something that can be said about the songwriting and literacy of their lyrics.  Nicko McBrain made his debut behind the drums and provided a new element; that which elevated the band to new heights as they were rising to superstardom around the world.  One significant characteristic that stands out is the technical tightness of the band as a whole.  While its predecessor put them on the mainstream map, "Piece of Mind" truly showcased their elite status as artists.  It also marked a transition from classic metal to a more progressive and novel approach.  The band was maturing in front of our eyes and were truly successful in making that jump.  This was the straw that stirred the drink for many years to come.

If we were doing a popularity contest this one would definitely take the cake for Iron Maiden.  In fact, this album is mentioned whenever top heavy metal albums are discussed.  A wall to wall cataclysm that sent Maiden over the mainstream threshold and onto commercial success.  The debut album for Bruce Dickinson represented the bands breakthrough.  Although Di'Anno was an elite vocalist in his own right, Dickinson simply had more range and his stage presence was contagious.  You can hear that endless energy throughout the album.  Too many hits to list, this was definitely Maiden's calling card of epic stardom.  This timeless classic is owned by heavy metal maniacs all over the world.   Definitely one for the ages and one that I can still listen and jam to from beginning to end at capacity volume.

How do you follow up a record of magnitude like 'The Number of the Beast'.  That answer is easy...just perfect the formula.  That's exactly what Iron Maiden did when they released this bombshell.  Many would consider this as a controversial pick for top album but not the true experts.  These metal enthusiasts consider this the definitive album of Maiden's entire catalog.  A fierce collection of big dick energy, the record consists of several top of the line giants.  There are a smattering of hidden gems and sleepers.  And then there's the encore "Rime of the Ancient Mariner."  Wow.  There is really not many words that can describe this epic giant.  Not only is this Iron Maiden's Mount Rushmore, it also features some of the most elaborate artwork penned to an album cover.  Phenomenal album by a killer band!  

Thanks so much for taking that journey with us as we chronicled the best of the best of Iron Maiden.  We certainly hope that you have enjoyed this new segment and challenge you to send in your picks; so that we can rank your favorite band's catalogs.  In the meantime, we hope that you will check out Kevin Law and Johnny E Thursday evenings from 7PM-9PM as they play your favorites from past and present.  I also would like to wish you and your families best wishes and pray for your continued safety during these unchartered times. 

​As we leave you...please enjoy this timeless classic from the Powerslave album.  Until next time...rock on mates!!!

Written By Jason Voorhees

Black Sabbath is recognized as the forefathers of heavy metal music. While Sabbath may have invented the genre, Judas Priest is responsible for being its most significant pioneer and has most defined the style over the years. Judas Priest even once labeled themselves the Metal Gods, and rightfully so. 

2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the band's existence, and they are still going strong despite some lineup changes along the way. 

With that being said, their catalog remains one of the most extensive in metal, encompassing 18 studio albums. When reviewing most other band's top albums, the same ones usually appear at the top, give or take a few. However, there is widespread debate when it comes to Priest's catalog. Ranking this band's albums will undoubtedly be a challenge, but Philly Rock Radio is up to the task. 

​The 14th Studio Album by Priest was the second and also the last to feature Tim "Ripper" Owens on vocals.  The follow up to 'Jugulator' was in fact not very good.  Taking Rob Halford away from Judas Priest is like taking a bottle from a baby, its just not the same.  This is in no way a shot at Tim Owens; who in deed did a very admirable job taking over the lead gig in Halford's stead.  The album just lacked that Priest energy and upper echelon sound.  Stylistically generic and over produced.  Unfortunately this one missed the mark which leaves it at the very bottom of the barrel for Priest.  Not a terrible album, just not the standard we have grown accustomed to with Judas Priest.

Jugulator' was the first album not to feature Rob Halford on vocals. As expected, this did not sit well with the fans, and record sales suffered. The band adopted a more ferocious style in the realms of Pantera and Slayer. Judas Priest was trying to adapt to the times, and the new persona showed. Overall, much better than 'Demolition' and an album that gets better with time. It grows on you after you put away your preconceived stereotypes of what Judas Priest should sound like. While the album lacked melody, it was replaced with a more in your face approach, and the results were mixed. Nonetheless, it did have a few standout tracks, including "Blood Staind" and the epic finale "Cathedral Spires." All in all, this is a record that has gotten better over the years.

​This record was ground zero for Priest. The debut album was edgy and raw. Although the album was not groundbreaking, it did provide a blueprint that would eventually help the band strike gold. A polished work of art, this was the record that would plant the seeds of future success. Tracks like "Never Satisfied" and "One for the Road" were hard rock in their infancy, and the sound was much more progressive. The album also provided a sneak peek into the dual guitar mastery that would later be the band's trademark. The songwriting was masterful as Priest was putting their stamp on the music world—a solid album overall but certainly not the same level as their heavyweights. 

​After they attempted going glam with 'Turbo,' Priest decided to return to their classic sound on this one. While the album still contained traces of electronics, it was more synthetic. With its long term producer Tom Allom jumping ship, the band seemed out of sync. Nonetheless, the record took on a much more solemn tone as they tried once again to embrace their roots. While the songwriting suffered, the album did produce a few bona fide hits with "Ram it Down" and the epic "Blood Red Skies." Unfortunately, there was more filler than sizzle as Priest was still trying to capture yesteryear's flavor. Let's call it all or nothing, as the band was always seeking elite status after this bumpy detour.

​This album would undoubtedly sit much higher if it didn't sit smack in the middle of two instant classics. The band's third album still shared that raw, edgy sound of classic Priest and represents the calm before the storm. A transitional record at heart, the band, had not quite hit puberty. However, tracks like "Starbreaker" and "Dissident Aggressor" hinted at that changeover to heavy metal glory. The highlight of the album was a cover of Joan Baez's "Diamonds and Rust," which showed the band's dynamic nature. Another record littered with filler but one that predicted the band's readiness to overtake metal's upper echelon.

​Probably the most debated piece of work ever done by Priest. A conceptual album in its purest form, opinions were widespread and split across the board. While many experts rank the record much lower due to its marathon longevity, they seem to miss the elite songwriting and musicianship captured throughout. Concept albums tell a story, and Priest brings you on a joyride into one of the most controversial historical figures. If you listen to the album straight through, you can almost see the prophetic visions insight. Standout tracks include "Nostradamus," "Prophecy," and "Pestilence and Plague." A masterpiece of art and highly underrated among the Judas catalog.

Judas Priest meets glam metal in this synthesizer induced coma. 'Turbo' was met with much criticism by die-hard fans and music critics alike. However, even though this was a far cry from what Priest is known for, the album was good. The title track was as right as any of their big-name classics and is still played during concert tours to this day. While the style was much different, the songwriting was magnificent. Underrated tracks galore on this one, including "Parental Guidance" and "Private Property." Critics will say that the synthesizers dumb down the music when they indeed emphasize the stellar guitar mastery. An instant classic, even if it wasn't classic Priest.

​Judas Priest's soul was redeemed by this record, one that wasn't even supposed to happen. KK. Downing had retired, thus ending the career of the band. Enter Richie Faulkner. The young prodigy guitarist had played for the band during the Epitaph tour and had done such a great job. This is a record that spans the entire career of Priest as far as style goes. "Sword of Damocles" takes you back to seventies Priest while the title track and "Halls of Valhalla" scream Painkiller era. The band does not miss a beat with Faulkner on the ax, and the record sizzles. "Down in Flames" has an old school 80's feel much like the Defenders era. Yes, Priest was going full-on back to their roots. Long live metal.

​This was deja vu as Rob Halford was back in the band. They say lightning rarely strikes twice, but that is precisely what Judas Priest did with this album. It was clear what the fans had been waiting for, and the results were marvelous. A solid metal album from beginning to end, Priest, was back with a vengeance on this masterpiece. From the opening track, "Judas is Rising," Halford's voice was ferocious and epic. "Deal with the Devil" and "Revolution" continued the lyrical onslaught moving right into the semi-ballad "Worth Fighting For." And the classic dual guitar energy was present throughout the entire album. This release proves that you can take the band away from Halford, but certainly cant take Halford away from the band. Welcome back, Metal God.  

​Quite possibly the most underrated album of their catalog. This one had huge shoes to fill as the follow up to 'British Steel,' and the band did not disappoint. Although you don't see the same love or zeal for this particular record, there is no denying that it's a damn good album. The opening track, "Heading out to the Highway," makes you want to hop in a convertible to speed down the sunset strip. If you're looking for hidden gems, you don't have to look further than "Desert Plains." And if it's party anthems that feed your fancy, check out "Solar Angels" and "Hot Rockin." The sound was much more commercial, but the attitude was still blazing. I love me some classic Priest baby. 

​Rated by many as the best heavy metal album of the past decade, 'Firepower' took the world by surprise. Maybe the biggest surprise is that Rob sounds like he has not aged a day. Fantastic album from top to bottom, it displays the full Judas Priest mantra on a platter. Blistering guitar solos embody the epicenter while Scott Travis' drumming keeps the sound on point. The title track sounds like a reboot from the Painkiller album, while "Lightning Strike" literally strikes fear into its audience. This is as close as you will come to Priest in their prime. Not to mention, coming in at number 5 on the billboard top 200, it was the band's highest-charting album of all-time. 

​Released as "Hellbent for Leather" in the United States, this album was the first to embody that classic incarnate sound. It was the gamechanger we had all been waiting for, and Judas sealed the deal with a kiss. One of Priest's calling cards is their songwriting, and this one defined the essence of the elite. The record is littered with stalwart anthems including 'Delivering the Goods," "Hellbent for Leather," "Killing Machine," and "The Green Manalishi." They also recorded another top-line ballad with "Before the Dawn." The maturity of the band indeed rang out throughout this record as their diversity shined brightly. The album is pretty much the straw that stirs the drink in Priest's rise to the top. 

​A kick-ass heavy metal masterpiece. The opening one-two punch of 'The Hellion/Electric Eye" may be the greatest in heavy metal history. The dual lead guitar work is quintessential Priest at its absolute best. And the rest of the album maintains the signature style and sound that we all love. This album is always mentioned when discussing classic metal records that genuinely defines this genre. Some critics rank the album as Priest's best. The only reason it's not higher for me is a few useless duds. No doubt one of their seminal albums and top rank worthy. Other standout tracks include "Devils Child," "Bloodstone," "Screaming For Vengeance," and "You've Got Another Thing Coming."  

​The sophomore release for the metal gods may have very well cemented heavy metal at its core. Some historians consider this the very FIRST proper metal album. Wherever you stand on this argument, there is no doubting the album's importance to overall heavy metal lore. Lead vocalist Rob Halford showcased his screeching high pitched voice throughout the record and quickly became a fan favorite. "Victim of Changes" is an epic musical masterpiece that features multiple bridges, bends, twists, and many other metal mania facets. Simultaneously, "The Ripper" showcased the first example of KK/Tipton's golden dual ax action. This may have been infancy, but it was undoubtedly mastery—an instant classic.

​​​Released as 'Hellbent for Leather' in the United States, this was the first in their catalog that embodied the classic incarnate sound. It was the gamechanger we had all been waiting for as Judas sealed the deal with a kiss. One of Priest's calling cards is their songwriting, and this song defined the essence of the elite. The record is littered with stalwart anthems, including "Delivering the Goods," "Hellbent for Leather," "Killing Machine," and "The Green Manalishi." They also recorded another front line ballad with "Before the Dawn." The maturity of the band indeed rings out on the album, and their diversity shines bright. The album is the straw that stirs the drink in The Priest's rise to the top.

​Judas Priest redefined traditional metal with one fell swoop when they released 'Painkiller.' Unfortunately, this would be the last record to feature Rob Halford for a very long time. This was the archetype metal album on display for the entire world to see, all guns blazing! The dictionary and thesaurus for all future metal bands to forge their craft. From beginning to end, this album flat out rips. The opening title track provides the narrative for the rest of the album—loud, heavy, intense, heart-pounding, and lightning-fast. A generous fistful of metal at your fingertips, and all you have to do is hit play. The album contains multiple hits, including "Painkiller," "Nightcrawler," and "A Touch of Evil," but it's the uncut gems that genuinely make this a standout among rulers. Now let 10,000 heavy metal maniacs scream!

​Speed metal was spoken into existence on this instant classic. "Exciter" was the prototype speed metal art de jour and spawned an absolute beast of an album. Finally, Judas Priest had arrived at the edge of their peak, and the result was a technically perfect blend of musical mastery. 'Stained Class' is the moment that The Priest announced they were kicking ass and taking names. Epic riffs, melodic symphonies, the Halford screech; this one has it all, folks. And dare I say, maybe the most superb heavy metal ballad was ever written..."Beyond the Realms of Death" takes the listener into another trance level. It's one of the most extraordinary pieces ever written by Priest and a flat-out mortal lock in the realms of heavy metal history.

​Eternal debate shines its light when ranking the favorite albums in The Priest catalog. However, there is no debating which album was made at the band's absolute peak, and that would be 'Defenders of the Faith.' The most polished effort they have ever recorded. The album once again is filled with masterful songwriting, and the musicianship is elite. The lyrical content is top-notch, and the composition is legendary. The entire album is enjoyable, mostly the first eight tracks, which rival most in their catalog—an innovating, inspiring performance by the whole band. "Freewheel Burning" brings the energy. "Jawbreaker" brings down the house. "Rock Hard Ride Free" has one of the most glorious intros you will ever hear. And "The Sentinel" may be their best song ever. The point is, I could write a novel about just how good this album is but will settle for a paragraph. The best of the best, hands down.

​Judas Priest will always be near and dear to all of those that admire heavy metal. 

It's no secret that they have produced one of the most excellent catalogs in metal history. Hopefully, you enjoyed our journey as we chronicled these albums and ranked the best. This has been an exciting new segment, and we hope to continue this trip down memory lane with the greatest metal bands of past and present. We certainly would love to hear feedback, and we challenge our fans to request their favorite bands.

Don't forget to check out Kevin Law and Johnny E every Thursday evening from 7 PM-9 PM as they countdown the most excellent metal from present to yesteryear! And as always, have a great week, and please stay safe in light of the recent coronavirus incident and mania. Please enjoy this Judas Priest classic as we leave you until next week...Rock Hard Ride Free!!!

Written By Jason Voorhees

Welcome back to another addition of Top Album Lists here at Philly Rock Radio. 

Thanks for joining us as we have taken a deep dive into some of the most iconic metal band's catalogs in history.  Today that journey continues as we take a look at one of the most popular metal band's to ever grace the stage. 

That band is of course AC/DC.  And just like the previous bands, these guys do not need any introduction. 

Their history and legacy speaks for itself.  Formed in 1973 by the Scottish-born brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, AC/DC quickly forged a path of elite musicianship in their rise to the top of Mount Rushmore. 

The results tell the true story...over 200 million records sold world wide; including 71.5 million albums in the United States alone.  The band was named the seventh greatest metal band of all-time by Rolling Stone Magazine.  VH1 ranked them at #4 on their "100 Greatest Hard Rock Artists of All-Time."  Some experts have even named them the greatest rock and roll band ever.  You get the point...this band is an iconic brand if we ever did see one.

Needless to say, when ranking the catalog for a band of this magnitude, the task will be incredibly difficult.  However; we are confident that our expert knowledge and ears for talent will help solidify the best of the best. 

​One fun part about these projects is that we get to go back In time and replay the albums in their entirety.  This process has been extremely rewarding and enlightening.  So For those about to rock we salute you.  Now let's go back in black on this highway to hell...      

An extremely underrated album and definitely one of my personal all-time favorites.  In fact, there is not one bad track on the record.  One popular knock on AC/DC is that many of their tracks sound exactly the same.  Well I would say that this particular release definitely spit back in the critics faces.  The record was more stylistically advanced and definitely had much more variety.  Overall a solid album from start to finish.  The album charted at # 4 on the US Billboard Top 200 and shares a 2x platinum in sales.  Key tracks include "Hard as a Rock", "Burnin' Alive", and "Ballbreaker".  If you want a sleeper though check out "Hail Caesar"...wow.  I think the x-factor was Rick Rubin as he initiated  an absolute killer production.  Obviously not the best AC/DC album ever but definitely top ten worthy! 

The eight year hiatus between albums was the longest tenure in AC/DC's history.  The fifteenth studio album just happened to be the bands' longest running time as well.  This record truly tried to recapture the classical sound that AC/DC fans had grown to love and the band did not disappoint.  "Black Ice" was a huge success as far as sales and it landed at #1 atop the billboard charts.  This was the kind of comeback that fans had all been starving for.  Great album with lots of energy.  Unfortunately, this was also the last time you would see the "Back in Black" era gang together as one.  Nonetheless, this was a solid effort that put AC/DC back on top of the musical mountain.  Did not think they would ever out due 'Ballbreaker' but this one absolutely ate the cake.  A must own for any of the classic era fans. 

What an awesome name for an album title.  Evil, raunchy and rowdy.  Album title and cover aside, this is a tremendous rock and roll record.  In fact, many say that this is arguably Bon Scott's best effort with AC/DC.  The title track is a live show staple and has stood the test of time as an absolute stalwart at all of the band's concerts.  Dirty Deeds as its known for short exemplifies the bands attitude and even more so the persona of lead singer Bon Scott.  The honesty and suggestive narrative is what separates the album from mainstream melancholy.  Tracks like "Big Balls", "Squealer", and "Problem Child" represent the epicenter of a band riding that bad boy mentality to pay dirt.  This masterpiece is raw and relentless.  Definitely one of the best albums in the catalog. 

The birthplace for AC/DC in the United States.  In reality, its the international version of T.N.T. which was only released in Australia.  Despite this confusion, there is no doubt that this album put the band on the map for the long haul.  An instant classic full of high energy tracks that is the calling card for the group.  Edgy and raw rock and roll in its truest form.  Although the album did not chart particularly well, it did receive critical acclaim for being original and to the point. This is what you call a plug and play as there is not one dud to be found.  Many of these tracks can be found on almost any AC/DC concert set list.  The staying power of this material makes it one of the most influential of the entire catalog.  T.N.T its dynamite, take cover from the high voltage folks or you may get the jack.  Top notch album.

As the successor to 'Back in Black' this album was pretty much set up to fail before it even began.  In fact, over the years the album has endured its fair share of criticism from countless avenues.  Despite the negative perception though, the album was a big hit as it scored a #1 rating on the Billboard, a feat that is sometimes forgotten.  One could say that this record lives mainly off of the gargantuan hit title track and that is the easy way out.  However; truth be told there are many solid songs on the album in spite of the lack of name recognition.  I think its safe to say that had this record been released before its predecessor, its popularity would have been off the charts.  Brian Johnson's pipes are even more glorious on this one if that can even be possible.  4 Million record sales later, it still remains a classic.

This was AC/DC's rebirth 2.0.  Just like 'Back in Black' had done ten years earlier in revitalizing the band's career, this album was the spark that fans had been waiting for.  Sometimes all it takes is a new producer with a new vision to get a band back on track.  That is exactly what happened here as they now had Bruce Fairbairn in toe and the rest was revisionist history.  Angus Young was given an ultimatum to travel the time machine to a place where he was once again seventeen.  And the finished product was absolutely epic.  The first track "Thunderstruck" is arguably the band's greatest song of all-time.  And the album is compromised of many other 'A' list monsters.  As other musical genres (grunge, nu-metal, etc.) were taking over, The Razors Edge saw AC/DC once again claim top dog of hard rock greatness.

Widely considered the crown jewel of the Bon Scott era, Let There Be Rock is the straw that stirred the drink for the bands takeoff in popularity.  This album was the antithesis to technical sound and progressive musicianship.  Punk rock meets heavy metal so to speak.  Angus Young truly showcased his talents on this one folks and Bon Scott's vocal words were musical magic.  If you did not know any better, one might mistake this studio album for a live one as far as sound production goes.  In fact, 'Hell Ain't A Bad Place to Be' was recorded completely out of tune.  The sound of the record was aggressive and raw; a feature that appealed to the masses.  The rest of the album smelled as good as roses...especially a 'Whole Lotta Rosie.'  Everyone was going left while AC/DC went right with this instant classic.

The band was finally able to take the platinum plunge.  AC/DC's breakthrough album busted down the highway and when the dust settled there was only hell to pay.  This would be the last album that Bon Scott would ever record as he sadly passed away only one year later.  Not only did the album fair better in sales and popularity, it also marked a change in production and sound quality.  Definitely the most polished and technical album of the Scott led era.  The title track may be the greatest arena anthem ever made and embodies the passion of the entire band.  The addition of Mutt Lange as the band's producer paid huge dividends.  They finally boasted a record with top of the line sound and quality.  This was the high point for the band till this point a crescendo that would not last very long though.

This was the album that truly showcased the dual guitar talents of Angus and Malcolm Young.  The duo was brilliant and Scott's lyrics were the missing link to an incredible masterpiece.  The infancy had matured in many ways, the training wheels were off and the band was rocking on all levels.  However; they still enjoyed that raw and unkept flavor and that's what made this album better than its successor in 'Highway to Hell.'  Most experts and many musicians consider this the best overall album of the band's catalog and cites its musical purity.  Another record with attitude but with more focus this time around.  You could tell that the group was trying to tell as story and the results were unanimous.  They finally struck gold and this was the holy grail.  This is another one you just have to crank up!

This was probably the easiest pick for a band's top album that I have ever had the chance of making.  A slam dunk, grand slam, power play, pick six all in one.  This album was literally the resurrection of AC/DC, as they had just lost their lead singer.  Not only was this the grand daddy of all comeback records, but it is mentioned as arguably the greatest rock and roll album of all-time.  The cream of the crop for the Australian Metal Gods, this represented their finest hour.  The album is littered with "A" list hits.  The hits keep coming fast and furious and if your looking for down time you will never ever find it.  I consider this one of the greatest overall records of all time in all musical genres.  The album never gets old and its one that you can still play through from beginning to end without skipping a track.  Passes the ear test with flying colors.  To hell with Mount Rushmore...This is more like Mount Everest.

Hope you enjoyed the walk down memory lane with AC/DC.  Next up is the METAL GODS themselves...Judas Priest.  Don't forget to check out Kevin Law and Johnny E every Thursday from 7PM-9PM.  Let us know what you think of the new segment and don't forget to send in any requests for a band you would like us to cover moving forward.  Until next time...Rock on Mates!!  We leave you with a special treat from AC/DC!