Review by Brian McLean
Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton’s solo album Baptizm of Fire, originally released in 1997 by Atlantic Records, has been re-mastered and re-released by Rhino Records with two bonus tracks not included on the now out of print Atlantic Records original release.
While recording the album, Tipton was joined in the studio by legendary and now deceased musicians Cozy Powell (drummer) and bassist John Entwistle, best known as an original member of The Who, veteran keyboardist Don Airey as well as other lesser know musicians at the time like Billy Sheehan, Robert Trujillo currently with Metallica and Shannon Larken from Godsmack.
The original release saw favorable reviews but support was lacking from the label during the post-grunge and pre pimp rock eras and eventually production of the disc ceased.
With Tipton heading up guitars and vocals, there’s plenty Judas Priest feel and studio sound to the ten-year-old recording and the re-mastering just brings it out more.
Even though Priest was non active during the recording of Baptizm of Fire which preceded the days of Ripper Owens, the album does have a toned down metal feel with a mid 1980’s Judas Priest guitar sound, but it’s not what one would consider a Judas Priest album minus Rob Halford on vocals.
The disc contains 13 tracks total including a cover of “Paint it Black” by the Rolling Stones as well as the two bonus tracks, “Himalaya” and “New Breed,” that wrap up the disc.
There are three heavy metal rocking anthems “Fuel Me Up,” “Killed or be Killed,” and the title track, “Baptizm of Fire” with the remaining tracks just cruising along on a harder edge. Tipton’s voice is unique and impressive for the guitarist that will chime in with backing vocals when on stage with the Priest.
With Judas Priest back in the limelight with their highly successful recent world tour, maybe now Tipton’s disc will gain the attention it deserves even though it’s ten years too late.