The metal band that “ignores” controversial albums even on Spotify

O Judas Priestis among the greatest heavy metal bands in history. In addition to the more than 50 million records sold and the various tours carried out across the planet, the English group is notable for having helped develop the aesthetics of the genre, whether musically or visually.

One of the most controversial moments in this trajectory took place between 1996 and 2003. With the classic member Rob Halford outside, the position of vocalist was taken over by Tim “Ripper” Owens, in a period that divided opinions among fans. The partnership yielded two albums: Jugulator (1997) and Demolition (2001), which did not have the same impact as their direct predecessors.

With the return of Halford, in 2003, the albums no longer had their songs performed in shows. But something that upsets some involved with the group during the period is its total absence from streaming platforms. Can’t hear Jugulator or Demolition at the Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Qobuzbetween others.

Why does this occur? The versions given by former and current members of Priest differ in this sense.

What bassist Ian Hill says

Of the five musicians who recorded the albums, two are no longer in the band. In addition to the aforementioned Ripperthe guitarist K.K. Downing left in 2011, claiming he would retire. When she turned back and decided to remain active, it was already too late: the remnants brought Richie Faulkner. The bassist Ian Hill and the drummer Scott Travis are still involved, as is the guitarist Glenn Tipton — who is still listed as an official member even with his advanced diagnosis of Parkinson’s.

In a 2019 interview with the podcast Mitch Lafon (via website Igor Miranda), Hill declared that the “disappearance” of JugulatorIt is Demolition not only from streaming platforms, but also from physical record stores, there is a lack of agreement with the record company at the time: SPV, which went through bankruptcy proceedings. O Priest Today he is hired by Sony Music. The bassist commented:

“It’s weird, because there are good things on both albums and Ripper is an incredible vocalist, who did a great job in Jugulator It is Demolition. The fact that it’s not for sale has nothing to do with the band. It must be due to something contractual between the Sony and whoever has the rights to those albums, I don’t know. It’s a shame, because there are good things there. As a band, it’s still Judas Priest. I know it wasn’t our traditional training, but it was still Judas Priestso it is disappointing if it is true that the material is not available.”

What former members say

K.K. Downingwho returned to play with Tim “Ripper” Owens In the project KK’s Priestdefined as “mystery” the absence of Jugulator It is Demolition of digital platforms. In an interview with American radio 94.3 The Shark (via Blabbermouth), the musician declared:

“It’s a bit of a mystery, actually. Obviously, I no longer have control over these records, but I don’t think it’s a record company thing. Because record companies always like to sell records, right? Ripper and I are still very proud of everything we have done as part of our history and legacy. We would love to see the discs available once again. So, we hope to see this come to fruition. But the good news is that the KK’s Priest will be out there playing these songs live.”

But the strongest statement on this matter came from the Ripper. In an interview with Marcelo Vieira to the website Igor Mirandathe singer accused Ian Hill of being lying. Initially, he criticized the attitude of making the two albums “disappear”.

“They made these records disappear, like Houdini. Craziness. They could be making money off these records, and fans would love the opportunity to buy them on vinyl.”

He then denied that it was a contractual issue that prevented the materials from returning to the market. According to Owenscase Hill was telling the truth, Jugulator It is Demolition would not be present in the box set 50 Heavy Metal Years of Musicwhich compiles all of the albums Judas Priest and was released in 2021. He also took the opportunity to criticize a controversial recent decision by the group.

“It’s a lie. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be present in that $500 box-set. Although they are the same people who announced that they would continue with just one guitarist, right? So, it’s not like they’re experts at making the best decisions.”

It is worth remembering that the Priest announced the dismissal of Andy Sneap — which replaces Glenn Tipton at shows — in January 2022. The idea was to continue with just Richie Faulkner on guitar, but the fans’ reaction was so negative that they backed down.