This release contains some of the greatest Metal classics of all time, performed very well, but I must say that I have mixed feelings about this live album. As a huge Priest fan I love all their albums, and I was a bit surprised when I read that they where going to release a new double live cd, when they just after the Jugulator tour put the genius 98' Meltdown together.
The guys still play with high professionalism and the tracks are very well performed. But I miss the intense feel that 98' Meltdown had. Together with the sound quality and power of the band that live album has grown to one of my all time favourites.
Live In London offers 25 songs, and there are plenty of classics.
Heading Out To The Highway comes out in a positive way,
Desert Plaines sets a great mood,
Running Wild contains a lot of strength and the
Hell Bent For Leather version is packed with energy. There are two cover songs in the set where I rather would have heard some of their own stuff.
A critique is that only one song has never been featured on a Priest live album,
United, which is one of the best in the set, very tight and powerful.
The stage show reminds me too much on 98' Meltdown, and with their huge back catalogue they could have played more surprising songs. There are three songs from their latest release Demolition, and the best song in my opinion form that album
Hell Is Home is played with great power and detail.
On to the sound which is very clear, but could have had more depth. The crowd are totally in on it, and the atmosphere is good. The drums are very well played but could have been turned up a bit. The bass on the other hand is more in front and the grooving touch fits perfect. The twin guitars are working "as always" in a great harmony, very well balanced. Owens sings on a very high level, and matches the old songs perfect.
All in all a pretty good live record, it could have been more exciting if they had played other songs and made more of the stage show, but all these great classics performed with love and accuracy makes me come into a good mood.
Written by
Tommy Monday, January 13, 2003
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