under-covers: Judas Priest/Hellsongs

Perhaps, one of the greatest guilty pleasures in my life: the perverse enjoyment I get listening to musicians covering other artist's songs. The weirder the cover, the better! It doesn't matter how awkward or horrible the quality (shitty cell phone video, I'm looking at you), I'm an absolute sucker for this stuff. Here's the latest installment of "under-covers."

Today we feature legendary heavy metal icons Judas Priest and their anti-authoritarian anthem "Breaking the Law." This song is over 30 years old and still gets heads banging and fists pumping like nobodies business.

That riff, dear lord it's that riff! Catchy and just cool as hell.

And now we head to Hellsongs' version of this classic tune. Don't let their name fool you though, despite their rough moniker, the band is anything but (411 on Hellsongs HERE).

HA. I love it. So mellow and un-metal that it works. At least I think so. Once again, that riff grabs you by the throat, only this time its the acoustic, tropical lounge version. While I appreciate the quirky nature of this version and love how it breathes new life into a three decade old song, nothing tops the original and Halford's gnarly high pitched wails.

What do you kids think?

"Judas" in Judas Priest

It was announced earlier this week that guitarist K.K. Downing was leaving Judas Priest after 40+ years with the band. Yeah, a lifetime of metal. I still find it insane that any human can actually retire from a long and illustrious career of headbanging. Although I applaud Downing's achievements and contributions to the genre I love oh so much, I gotta say....WHAT A DOUCHE. He's quitting the band right before Judas Priest was set to embark on their final world tour, aptly titled Epitaph.

K.K. has finally issued a statement regarding his abrupt departure from Priest. He cites:

"...an ongoing breakdown in working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time..."

Downing/Tipton Twin Guitar Attack is no more =/

as the reason for his departure. Boo-fucking-Hoo man. Dude is a millionaire. He's been with Priest since 1968! I really don't think it would have killed him to stick around for ONE LAST TOUR. Their legions of fans around the world (many of whom from impoverished, developing nations) don't give two shits about his discomfort within the band. They just want to see the Downing/Tipton twin guitar attack one last time and this stuffy old bastard has just robbed them of that.

I'm not the biggest Priest fan alive, but I must say they kicked serious ass at Ozzfest 2004. Maybe this is just a ploy to hype another Priest reunion? That seemed to work when Rob Halford rejoined the band after being MIA for most of the 90's. Now it will be a big deal when Downing returns to the fold in, oh lets say 2016? haha. Doubtful, these dudes will be bound to wheelchairs at that point. Who knows though. If this is for real and well, forever, shame on you K.K. Downing for being such a douche. And Tipton shreds all over him anyways!