Producer: 'JUDAS PRIEST Does Not Fuck Around'

Roy Z, a multi-talented musician and record producer who has worked with artists such as JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN vocalist Bruce Dickinson and DOWNSET, recently stopped by the Ferrante's Power Equipment showroom to discuss his role as producer of the newly released PRIEST CD, "Angel of Retribution".

FPE: Roy, when you were tapped to be the producer for "Angel of Retribution", what was the first thing that went through your head?

Z: "I felt that now the game was on and it was time for me to get ready mentally and physically to complete the task at hand. I was ready to work and to be challenged. I grew up listening to PRIEST and am a huge fan of their music, so I was also extremely excited. I have worked previously with Rob Halford both as a producer and a guitarist so I was aware of what is was like to work with him, but I had not yet spent much time with the other band members."

FPE: Halford is one of the top singers the rock world has ever seen. What is it like recording such an amazing vocalist?

Z: "Rob Halford is an incredible talent. He takes his craft very seriously and he is truly passionate about what he does. He is also the loudest singer I have ever heard in my entire career. When he sings it rattles my bones. During the HALFORD tour, we once had a problem with the PA system during soundcheck. Rob sang two blistering songs without a microphone or PA while the band was playing at concert volume and his voice still cut through!"

FPE: "Angel of Retribution" sounds incredible when listened to on an iPod. What was the mixing process like?

Z: "When I mixed this record, for some songs, I would pan the tracks from an audience perspective. I imagined I was sitting in a concert hall dead center and 15 rows back watching the band. I also like panning of solos and other sound elements as a means to keep the music exciting and to juggle the listener's ear."

FPE: Where did you record "Angel of Retribution"?

Z: "We had a lot of fun making this record. We recorded in both L.A. and England at various studios and we used all types of gear, both modern and vintage. All the elements came together with ease."

FPE: If you will, please tell us a bit about certain songs such as "Loch Ness".

Z: "I heard 'Loch Ness' as a complete demo before we entered the studio. We added a few things and tweaked the arrangement but stayed very close to the demo. To me, that song's chorus is like a heavy-metal 'We Are the Champions' (QUEEN). It is full of triumphant and glorious melodies."

FPE: "Wheels of Fire"?

Z: "When we were recording 'Wheels of Fire', I pictured myself on a desert highway, riding a mean hog, with a beautiful redhead sitting on the seat behind me. It is a song about freedom."

FPE: "Revolution"?

Z: "The bass intro to 'Revolution' is actually from a cassette tape the band recorded back in the 1970s. We loaded the riff into ProTools and built the rest of the song around it. We went for a raw, modern '70s vibe. It is a wide-open rock and roll song."

FPE: "Demonizer"?

Z: "'Demonizer' is a like a heavy-metal vampire/demon fantasy movie. That is some good shit there."

FPE: "Eulogy"?

Z: "A lot of the great piano work on the CD is actually played by Glenn Tipton. 'Eulogy' is a good example. Whether on guitar or piano, Glenn has vibe and he plays straight from the heart."

FPE: Which previously released PRIEST album do you feel "Angel of Retribution" most compares to in vibe?

Z: "To me, the PRIEST I grew up with and love could be interpreted differently by another PRIEST fan so it is hard to say exactly. Bottom line to me is that it's all PRIEST!"

FPE: Now that you have completed the CD, what impressed you most about working with the members of JUDAS PRIEST?

Z: "I was impressed with how seasoned they are, how well they each play their instruments, and how aware they are of the world. JUDAS PRIEST does not fuck around. They are total pros. Both Glenn and KK are still hungry guitar players and one listen to their playing on this record is evidence of that. They challenge one another in a good way. It's tombstone, gunslinger shit, like a shoot-out at the JP corral! I am very fortunate and grateful to have worked with the band. I learned so much from working with them. They are gracious old souls."