Rough Edge: Fight CD Reviews

FIGHT

"K5: The War of Words Demos" (Metal God; 2008)

Nearly fifteen years after the release of Rob Halford's first post-Judas Priest recording, the critically and commercially successful "War of Words," comes this collection of demos recorded as reference tracks for the soon-to-be-recorded CD. Surprisingly, most of the demo tracks included here don't sound that much different than their completed counterparts. Halford's vocals are, as would be expected, nearly perfect throughout, the music parts sound complete and the production is amazingly clear and full.

What makes this CD different from the original release, however, is that it includes two demo tracks not found on the original release ("Psycho Suicide" and "Jesus Saves") and five new Fight tracks, recorded in 2006. (Okay, "Jesus Saves" was actually a hidden track on the "War of Words" CD but, because it was hidden, you may not have heard it).

"K5" doesn't include demos for every song that eventually appeared on "War of Words" ("Immortal Sin" and "Little Crazy," for example, are absent) and, of the five new tracks, only "Dead Men Talk" comes close to the intensity and ferocity of the original CD. Still, it's awesome to hear these slightly more raw versions of the songs from "War of Words," and the new and unreleased songs ... while perhaps a bit underwhelming ... are pretty cool.

While "K5" may be an album just for Halford completists, it does offer a little more as well. By the way, if you're wondering what "K5" stands for: That's the secret name that Halford and the other band members came up with during the recording sessions so that no one would realize the Metal God was in studio, recording new material.

Fight: Rob Halford - vocals; Russ Parrish - guitar; Brian Tilse - guitar; Jay Jay - bass; Scott Travis - drums.

For more information, check out http://www.robhalford.com.

"A Small Deadly Space" (Sony Music; 1995)

Reviewed by Snidermann

"A Small Deadly Space" is the follow up to the wildly popular "War Of Words." The music is a lot darker and grittier here than on "War Of Words" but that is a good thing. Rob Halford’s musical expression at that point in time is just what the release needed to be great.

I must say I was not a fan of this CD at first, but now I must say I like it a lot. The imagery also is a step to the darker side and again that is a good thing.

Halford has set himself up again with some really talented musicians and it shows in each and every track. "A Small Deadly Space" is a fine example of the huge talent of Metal God Rob Halford. It shows his creative insight into the sounds of heavy metal in the mid 90s.

You just have to add up all the bands and music Rob Halford has made before and after this CD to see what his genius mind was thinking when making this recording. You'll find that it was the right music at the right time.

For more information, check out http://www.robhalford.com.

"War of Words" (Sony Music; 1993)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Fight’s "War Of Words" is exactly what you would expect from Rob Halford, the former lead singer of Judas Priest. Fight is in-your-face, on-your-back, kick-you-in-the-ass metal. This CD was originally released in 1993 and even today, nothing can compare with the band's sheer intensity and brutal emotion.

Rob Halford uses his unique heavy metal style to produce a truly remarkable metal experience. "War of Words" was cutting edge when it first came out and it still sounds fresh and strong today.

This CD simply rocks and is the best of the three Fight releases. If you like Judas Priest, you are sure to like this "War of Words."

Fight is Rob Halford - vocals/guitar; Russ Parrish - guitar/keyboard/vocals; Brian Tilse - guitar/keyboard/vocals; Jay Jay - bass/vocals; Scott Travis - Percussion/ vocals.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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