Re-loaded
Al
Atkins
Gonzo
Media 2016
Review
by David Bowling
The
brass ring was within reach of Al Atkins but it passed him by. During 1969, he
formed Judas Priest with himself as lead vocalist. That band quickly imploded
but he re-formed the band in October of 1970 with all new members. He left in
May of 1973, just before the release of their first album, and the rest, as they
say, is history.
For
the last 40 years or so, he has maintained the faith. His career has existed on
the periphery of success as he has fronted band
s such as Holy Rage and the
Atkins/May Project, plus released a number of solo albums.
His
latest release, Reloaded, is
his re-imagining and re-recording of ten songs from various parts of his career.
It includes “Winter” and “Never Satisfied,” which he co-wrote and appeared on
Judas Priest’s debut album.
At
this point in his career, Atkins is who he is. He produces a straight forward
brand of metal and hard rock. He surrounds himself with veteran musicians
including Ian Hill (Judas Priest), Chris Johnson (Holy Rage), Rob Allen (UK),
and current band mate Paul May.
Tracks
such as “Cradle To The Grave,” “Love At War,” “A Void To Avoid,” and “Coming
Think And fast” are pounding pieces of rock and roll with Atkins voice leading
the way.
Reloaded is
an introduction to Al Atkins. It may not change the face of hard rock but it
helps gives a veteran of it his due.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
ReloadedCD - £9.99
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