What makes Locked In by Judas Priest notable?

The title track 'Locked In' received significant airplay on rock radio stations, contributing to the band's continued success. This album also marked a period where Judas Priest was influencing the burgeoning thrash metal scene, with their aggressive sound inspiring bands like Metallica and Slayer as they rose to prominence. Released on May 1, 1986, 'Locked In' came during Judas Priest's commercial peak, following their successful album 'Defenders of the Faith' in 1984. At this point, the band was solidifying their status as pioneers in the heavy metal genre, experimenting with production techniques while maintaining their signature style.

How many songs are on Locked In?

Locked In has 4 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Locked In

Judas Priest · 1986

17 min · 4 tracks · heavy metal

A powerful fusion of galloping rhythms and soaring vocals that epitomizes the traditional heavy metal sound of the mid-1980s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Locked In (Extended Version) — The title track showcases the band's signature blend of melody and aggression, featuring intricate guitar solos that highlight their technical prowess.
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Reckless — This track exemplifies the energetic spirit of the album, with driving rhythms and anthemic choruses that resonate with fans of classic heavy metal.
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Desert Plains (Live) — As a live recording, this song captures the raw energy of a Judas Priest performance and emphasizes their ability to engage audiences in concert settings.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Strong composition and craft highlight Judas Priest's heavy metal sound, though the single format limits its overall cohesion.

What we noticed

The title track features a galloping rhythm with prominent guitar riffs and soaring vocal lines that exemplify the heavy metal style.
The extended version of 'Locked In' adds additional instrumental sections, creating a more elaborate arrangement compared to the original.
The live tracks showcase the band's performance energy, with crowd interaction and variations in instrumentation that differ from studio recordings.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.