In 1979, Judas Priest was growing more and more influential. And as the 1980s progressed, it would become crystal clear that the British headbangers -- who influenced everyone from Iron Maiden to Metallica to King Diamond -- had every bit as great an impact as fellow British headbangers Black Sabbath. One of the Priest's strongest albums, Hell Bent for Leather cannot be described in anything less than glowing terms. Although gothic themes are present on such treasures as "The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)" -- originally recorded by Fleetwood Mac -- "Evil Fantasies," and "Before the Dawn," the album generally isn't as dark or morbid as Stained Class or Sin After Sin. But musically, the band is as aggressive and brutally intense as ever. The two-guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing is characteristically blistering, and lead singer Rob Halford never sounded more inspired. For those with even a casual interest in metal, Hell Bent for Leather is essential listening. [The 2001 reissue adds two bonus tracks: the studio outtake "Fight for Your Life" and a live version of "Riding on the Wind."] ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
true story; jamming this album (song was Running Wild) on my cassette player at a four-way stop in Paradise Valley, Arizona.....Rob Halford roared by in his 4 X 4 truck and gave me the thumbs up....
'Little did I know know when I "found" Priest,when my daughter was 1,that I'd conceive, & deliver, my son, to "Turbo Lover", & get him to sleep to "Rocka Rolla" 9 1/2 years later!
Kick a** albulm While Sabbath invented metal Priest perfceted it on "Hell Bent excellent dual guitars Vocals are extraordinary lyrcs are Metal all the way "Take on the world" is a classic Metal anthem Burning up Green Manalishi F**kin blow you away and The drums on Delivering the goods are sick Ametal masterpiece!