Rob Halford’s reflections on *Unleashed in the East* paint a vivid picture of a pivotal moment in Judas Priest’s career and in the history of heavy metal. Recorded in Japan in 1979 and released in 1980, the album is often dubbed *Unleashed in the Studio* due to the controversy surrounding its live authenticity. Halford’s detailed recollection clarifies that while his vocals were re-recorded later due to jet lag and exhaustion, the performance still maintained its raw, live essence. For Halford, it was essential to sing the entire set in one go, even though it took place at Ringo Starr’s house rather than on stage in Japan. He asserts that the album, despite this unique approach, was still very much a live effort—a bold and significant moment for Judas Priest and the broader global expansion of metal at the start of the 1980s. This album, which captures the energy and excitement of their live performances, became a catalyst for the genre’s explosion in the new decade.
September 17th also marks notable anniversaries for several other iconic albums, such as Philip Lynott’s *The Philip Lynott Album* turning 42, Guns N’ Roses’ *Use Your Illusion I and II* turning 33, and Ozzy Osbourne’s *No More Tears* also hitting the 33-year mark. Metal fans can also celebrate Steve Vai’s *Fire Garden* and ZZ Top’s *Rhythmeen*, both 28 years old, along with Judas Priest’s *Meltdown*, released 26 years ago. These albums, like *Unleashed in the East*, have left an indelible mark on the rock and metal world.
