Genocide

Don't let the cover art fool you. Genocide is just a repackaging of Judas Priest's first two recordings, Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny, two seminal heavy metal recordings by one of the genre's preeminent groups. There is much consternation between the band and their original label, Gull Records, and due to legal wranglings, Judas Priest does not formally recognize Genocide (or other similar greatest-hits packages from this era) as an official release from the band. All business considerations aside, the album does afford fans the opportunity to acquire two essential metal masterpieces for the price of one. All-time metal classics like "The Ripper," "Victim of Changes," and "Tyrant" (each from Sad Wings of Destiny) are tracks that fans of the group's dominant Screaming for Vengeance period would do well to familiarize themselves with. While the Rocka Rolla songs might not cut through your stereo speakers with the same twin guitar precision as Genocide's second half, true fans of Rob Halford-era Judas Priest will be able to pick out some inspired moments. It's hard to recommend a record so vehemently opposed by the band, but the music on Genocide has more than a passing value and should be pursued in whatever format or packaging that fans are comfortable supporting.