I grew up during the time when the likes of Priest, UFO, Rainbow and Whitesnake were holding their own in the UK -– yes, I’m a Brit -- but were only just starting to make slight ripples in the US market.
Anyway, confession time. Whilst I never really took Priest to my heart hook, line and sinker like I did those other bands, I liked a few of their numbers, and the music always kind of grabbed me. It was Rob Halford’s voice that I just couldn’t quite accept 100%.
So I know already that you’re thinking, “Why is this guy reviewing this if he’s not into Priest?” Aha, well it’s because I’ve total respect for Tipton’s playing ability. The real question is can he sing lead vocals too?!
Baptizm Of Fire (Expanded/Remastered) was originally released in 1997 and has now been expanded with two bonus tracks. Those who bought the original release will have a good idea of what this album is all about. Put simply, it’s heavy and, frankly, dark in places. Metal, even Grunge fans should love it. Although Tipton’s vocals vary somewhat astonishingly, one thing is constant throughout: that is the level of musicianship. This is what keeps the album interesting.
Track By Track
It’s heavy Priest in grunge mode with “Hard Core,” the opening track.
Next, it’s a version of “Paint It Black” – yes, that song – kind of thrash / punk like in presentation. Throw away. Sorry Glenn, really does nothing for me.
“Enter The Storm” has a kind of Nivarna type vibe/sound in places, grunge with a little extra something.
“Fuel Me Up” chugs with a Metallica type approach.
“Extinct” follows a similar dark style as it opens, but it then develops a little more with some interesting progressions.
The title track is an instrumental piece with just a few dark words in the middle. This track is actually the standout on the disc, as it should be, being the title track. It features the talents of Billy Sheehan on bass, Cozy Powell on drums and Don Airey’s keyboards.
On “The Healer” GT’s voice doesn’t sound too far removed in parts from Ian Anderson or even Lenny Wolfe (Kingdom Come) perhaps.
Next up, “Cruise Control” tends to have that real strong metal sound. Actually I began to think of “Steel Dragon” from the movie Rock Star with this track, but it really doesn’t seem to go anywhere.
“Kill Or Be Killed” starts with an atmospheric, eerie sound before launching into an Iron Maiden meets Metallica type metal groove.
“Voodoo Brother” has more of a traditional hard rock feel, with serious rifforama throughout by GT. One of my fave tracks on the disc.
“Left For Dead” has a kind of Alice Cooper air about it.
One of the new tracks, “Himalaya” could actually be an awesome album opener. The intro is superb, then it simply builds into a strong rocking track that features powerhouse rhythm section bassist Neil Murray and Cozy Powell on drums.
The other new track, “New Breed” is not Nu-Breed style metal, but it is a very catchy, commercial slab of rock and it works well as a closer.
As an album for metal fans I’d give it about 8+ out of 10. For me personally, maybe a 6 overall, but a few of the tracks are 10 out of 10.
Now, on to Edge of the World
