JUDAS PRIEST Guitarist Says New Album Sounds Like 'Traditional PRIEST'

JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing has spoken to Canada's Chart Attack about the group's upcoming studio album — the first to feature vocalist Rob Halford since 1990's classic "Painkiller".

"It happened very quickly," says Downing. "We haven't beaten around the bush. And immediately, obviously with Rob's voice, it sounded pretty much like traditional PRIEST. So, without having to look to any other influences, I think we were able to look to ourselves and what we do best. I think pretty much you'll hear songs on there that could be on the 'Painkiller' album, could be on 'British Steel' maybe. Who knows, there could be a song on there that could've been on the 'Turbo' album. It's for everybody to decide when they get the goods."

With regards to whether he has noticed any difference in Halford's personality, given the passage of time, Downing said, "No, no, really, Rob… by and large, he's a gentleman. People might think that he's a very sort of dark, sinister, aggressive character; maybe, I don't know. But he's a mature gentleman, very professional in his approach to everything he does. He's very much got a grip on what is right for us and what isn't. He's pretty cool, really, amicable, pretty democratic in the studio. And Rob really does have a good sense of humor, because we all come from the same neighborhood. He's a very funny guy, you know. A lot of people don't know this, but he's a very good impressionist. He's always been able to do these impressions. He doesn't make that well known. He can take virtually anybody off. So he amuses us endlessly."