If you like, Jack the Knife.

Saturday's post was the first time Judas Priest has appeared on this blog, which is embarrassing, unjust, and probably criminal. To remedy the situation, today we're going to span the Judas Priest spectrum. Saturday's song was from their most recent album, so today's will come from a much earlier time: 1976's Sad Wings of Destiny. 

Judas Priest had only released one album prior to Sad Wings of Destiny, and they hadn't yet found any commercial or critical success. Nor had they solidified their sound--the chunky, singalong hooks of "Breaking the Law" and "Living After Midnight" were still a few years away. The slower and sludgier influences of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple were still coming through loud and clear, as were the more operatic leanings of Queen. Rob Halford has called Freddie Mercury his ultimate hero, which makes sense considering their similar vocal talents. Today's song is one of Judas Priest's most Queen-like. "The Ripper" chugs along with heavy guitar riffs and layered vocals, but the fact that it's told from Jack the Ripper's point of view gives it Judas Priest's definitive stamp.

"The Ripper" became a fan favorite, so he still rears his evil head at many of Judas Priest's concerts. Check them out performing it just last year! Forty years may have passed since they first recorded it, but clearly Judas Priest's metal superpowers have only increased with time.