Painkiller cover

Painkiller

Judas Priest · 1990

46 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal · traditional heavy metal

A relentless barrage of soaring vocals and thunderous guitars that redefine heavy metal's boundaries.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intense energetic experiences
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long immersive listening sessions
  • powerful motivational boosts

Where this album fits

Themes
adrenaline-fueled anthems· dark lyrical themes· speed metal revival
Career context
Released on September 3, 1990, 'Painkiller' is Judas Priest's twelfth studio album and marks a significant comeback following the less successful 'Turbo.' This album solidified their status in the heavy metal scene during the early '90s, showcasing a return to their core sound while introducing speed metal elements.
Stylistic neighbors
Iron Maiden· Black Sabbath· Accept
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Master of Puppets by Metallica — Shares the same aggressive guitar work and dark lyrical themes, embodying speed metal's intensity.
Rust in Peace by Megadeth — Features complex riffs and a similar speed metal revival vibe with dark, introspective lyrics.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Painkiller 6:06
  • 2 Hell Patrol 3:37
  • 3 All Guns Blazing 3:58
  • 4 Leather Rebel 3:35
  • 5 Metal Meltdown 4:50
  • 6 Night Crawler 5:45
  • 7 Between the Hammer & the Anvil 4:49
  • 8 A Touch of Evil 5:45
  • 9 Battle Hymn 0:56
  • 10 One Shot at Glory 6:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata