What makes A Touch of Evil by Judas Priest notable?

A Touch of Evil is notable for its live rendition of You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’, which had previously topped charts and solidified the band's reputation. The EP helped keep the band's momentum alive during a transitional period in the early 90s, as they prepared to release Painkiller, which would further influence the heavy metal genre. Released in 1991, A Touch of Evil marked a pivotal moment in Judas Priest's career as they embraced a more polished production style following their commercial peak with Turbo. This live EP came just before their landmark album Painkiller, showcasing their commitment to both evolving their sound and maintaining their heavy metal roots.

How many songs are on A Touch of Evil?

A Touch of Evil has 3 tracks, running approximately 16 minutes.

A Touch of Evil

Judas Priest · 1991

16 min · 3 tracks · heavy metal

Dark, brooding melodies intertwine with soaring vocals and aggressive riffs, defining the essence of classic heavy metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Touch of Evil — The title track exemplifies the band's signature sound with its haunting lyrics and powerful instrumentation, perfectly encapsulating the themes of darkness and desire.
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Between the Hammer & the Anvil — This track showcases intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, reflecting the band's technical prowess while addressing themes of conflict and struggle.
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You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ (live) — The live version captures the raw energy of Judas Priest's performances, revitalizing a classic anthem that emphasizes resilience and defiance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

This single showcases solid writing and performance but lacks the depth and cohesion of a full album.

What we noticed

The title track features a slow build-up with layered guitar harmonies that create a dark atmosphere before launching into a faster, aggressive section.
The live version of 'You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’' includes extended instrumental sections and audience interaction, enhancing its energy.
The second track, 'Between the Hammer & the Anvil,' maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace with intricate guitar solos that showcase technical proficiency.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This live EP helped maintain Judas Priest's momentum after their commercial peak.
Themes: dark romanticism· heavy metal legacy· conflict and choice
Career context: Released in 1991, A Touch of Evil marked a pivotal moment in Judas Priest's career as they embraced a more polished production style following their commercial peak with Turbo. This live EP came just before their landmark album Painkiller, showcasing their commitment to both evolving their sound and maintaining their heavy metal roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Iron Maiden· Black Sabbath· Accept