BLITZKRIEG is giving their album A Time Of Changes a second chance with their re-release. Initially recorded and distributed in 1985, the band hoped to finally realize their dreams of putting out an excellently recorded NWBHM staple based on an idea they had for an album in 1981, the seeds of which were planted during a jam session at Impulse Studios. Did the album stand the test of time? While the production is dated, the foundation of the songs hold up really well.

The album opens with a short, electronic intro which ends with some great, medieval ambiance like a horn being blown and a mysterious gate opening. The pumping heart at the end also makes way for a "something wicked this way comes" vibe. Then, the first full track, "Inferno" comes in with speeding guitars and a production and musical quality reminiscent of the early days of speed and thrash metal. The vocals are solid, but they're a little buried by the instruments. Granted, this is par for the sound.

"Pull The Trigger" is a standout to me because with better, clearer production, the track could easily be a rocking 80s metal single. I love the murmuring guitars in the back and the slower vocal melody. The bass line is also strong and comes through well. The crashing snares give the song that extra 80s oomph. If Blitzkrieg were to re-record any of their songs, this would be my vote.

"Armageddon" gives me strong JUDAS PRIEST vibes, especially the fast, butting guitar riff in the intro. Bonus points for the echoing vocals, reminding of the sound mixing often used with Rob Halford's voice, especially on their song "The Hellion/Electric Eye". Granted, Blitzkrieg's vocalist's clearer voice shines through on this track, giving the echoing mixing a more ethereal, less gritty quality. Their live track "Hell To Pay" is another track reminding me of Judas Priest. Since it's a live track, I can forgive the vocals being back behind the instrumentals and background noise.

"Take A Look Around" introduces us to a smoother side of the band. The intro is compelling and the way the main melody sways keeps the song head-bangable. The way it gallops along is enticing and makes me love the song despite the production flaws, namely the vocals buried by the instrumentals and graininess of the track. If they re-recorded any song, I would want them to revisit this one and give it more studio polish. Similarly, "Vikings" has an old-school metal melody reminding me of early BLACK SABBATH work. The vocals are more forward and the overall song is softer and slower. The last two songs are a six-minute track which is a distortion of the beatitudes and a punk rock anthem closing out the album. Like the previous songs, both had the vocals further back. The former, "A Time Of Change" is a six-minute march full of slower moment and early rock riffs. The latter has a faster rhythm and devolves into cacophony before leaving you with a rocking sound.

Overall, if you're looking for a band that sounds like Judas Priest without sounding like a completely knockoff, look no further. If I could give the band my two cents, I would say this album should have a complete redo. Get it down to the studio, re-record it with clear production and contemporary equipment and you'll have a hidden gem for fans to rediscover.