JUDAS PRIEST - Killing Machine 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The Leather-Clad Rebellion Begins: Judas Priest’s Killing Machine Redefined Metal with Swagger, Speed, and Steel in 1978

Judas Priest Killing Machine 1978 UK LP front cover features a stylized robotic face with silver-studded black leather cap, reflective red-glass aviators showing explosive patterns.

Judas Priest's 1978 album, "Killing Machine," is a seminal work in the realm of classic heavy metal. Released on a 12-inch vinyl LP, it marked the end of an era with drummer Les Binks. The album's fusion of heavy metal and hard rock, coupled with iconic cover art, solidified the band's image. "Killing Machine" remains a pivotal record, showcasing Judas Priest's enduring impact on European metal.

Essential Album Information For: JUDAS PRIEST - Killing Machine

"Killing Machine" Album Description:

In the realm of classic heavy metal, few bands have left as indelible a mark as the British powerhouse Judas Priest. Their 1978 studio album, "Killing Machine," stands as a testament to the band's musical prowess and influence within the genre. Released on vinyl in the 12-inch format, this album encapsulates a crucial era in the evolution of Judas Priest.

"Killing Machine," known as "Hell Bent for Leather" in the United States, arrived at a pivotal juncture in the band's career. With a lineup featuring iconic figures such as Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, K.K. Downing, Ian Hill, and drummer Les Binks, the album marked the end of an era for Judas Priest, as it would be Binks' final studio collaboration with the band.

The album showcases Judas Priest's ability to seamlessly blend heavy metal with hard rock elements, creating a sound that resonated with fans and set the stage for the band's enduring legacy. From the opening track, "Delivering the Goods," to the anthemic "Hell Bent for Leather" and the memorable "Running Wild," each song on the album contributes to the overall intensity and energy that defines Judas Priest.

In the European metal scene of the time, Judas Priest's impact was profound. The album's release saw the band garnering an even larger following on the continent, where the fusion of intricate guitar work, powerful vocals, and driving rhythms resonated with audiences hungry for the next wave of heavy metal innovation.

As we reflect on "Killing Machine" today, it remains a pivotal record in the extensive Judas Priest discography. The vinyl LP format, with its tactile and analog characteristics, adds an extra layer of nostalgia for enthusiasts who appreciate the authenticity of the era. Collectors and fans alike cherish the 12-inch vinyl edition as a tangible piece of musical history that captures the essence of Judas Priest's sonic journey during this transformative period.

Music Genre:

British Heavy Metal . Heavy Metal

Label & Catalognr:

CBS – 83135

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1978 UK ( United Kingdom )

JUDAS PRIEST - Killing Machine Production & Recording Information

Producers:

James Guthrie - Producer

Judas Priest - Producer

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Andrew Clark - Sound Engineer

Andrew Jackson - Sound Engineer

Damian Korner - Sound Engineer

Kevin Dallimore - Sound Engineer

Recording Location:

This album "Killng Machine" was recorded at Utopia Studios, Basing Street Studios, CBS Studios, London

Mixed and Mastered at Utopia Studios.

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Roslav Szaybo - Album Cover Design

Photography:

Bob Elsdale - Photographer

Musicians on: JUDAS PRIEST - Killing Machine

Band-members, Musicians:

Robert Halford - Lead Vocals

Robert Halford (Lead Vocals): Widely regarded as one of the greatest metal vocalists, Halford's powerful and versatile voice has been integral to Judas Priest's signature sound.

Glenn Tipton - Lead Guitar

Glenn Tipton (Lead Guitar): Tipton is a masterful guitarist known for his intricate solos and songwriting contributions. His collaboration with K.K. Downing formed the iconic dual guitar attack of Judas Priest.

K. K. Downing - Lead Guitar

K. K. Downing (Lead Guitar): Downing's partnership with Tipton created the dual-guitar harmonies that defined Judas Priest's sound. His innovative playing and stage presence have left an indelible mark on the metal genre.

Ian Hill - Bass Guitar

Ian Hill (Bass Guitar): As the sole constant member alongside Halford, Hill's bass lines provide the backbone for Judas Priest's thunderous sound. His steady presence has been fundamental to the band's longevity.

Les Binks - Drums

Les Binks (Drums): Binks, the drummer during the recording of "Killing Machine," showcased precision and power. His tenure marked a significant chapter in the band's history before he moved on, contributing to the distinctive sound of the album.

Track-listing of: JUDAS PRIEST - Killing Machine

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Delivering The Goods 4:15
  2. Rock Forever 3:18
  3. Evening Star 3:55
  4. Hell Bent For Leather 2:38
  5. Take On The World 2:58
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Burnin' Up 3:55
  2. Killing Machine 3:00
  3. Running Wild 2:51
  4. Before The Dawn 3:20
  5. Evil Fantasies 4:09

JUDAS PRIEST - Killing Machine High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of JUDAS PRIEST - Killing Machine
Judas Priest Killing Machine 1978 UK LP front cover features a stylized robotic face with silver-studded black leather cap, reflective red-glass aviators showing explosive patterns.

This front cover of Judas Priest’s 1978 album Killing Machine presents a striking, surreal image rendered in hyper-realistic style. Dominating the black background is a ghostly white, airbrushed face that appears almost robotic, with high-contrast shadows and smooth contours, giving it a synthetic, mannequin-like appearance. The expression is neutral, even emotionless, amplifying the cold, machine-like aura.

The figure wears a black leather cap adorned with metallic hexagonal and spherical studs, arranged symmetrically across the crown like an industrial diadem. Covering the eyes are large, jet-black aviator sunglasses with blood-red, mirrored lenses. Within each lens are jagged, shattered patterns in explosive red hues, resembling abstract shards or detonations, which reflect a sense of violence or chaos — perhaps symbolic of the album’s title.

In the upper right corner, the classic Judas Priest logo in sharp-edged silver typography is offset by the album title Killing Machine in a bold red sans-serif font, creating a balance between metallic authority and brutal minimalism. The overall aesthetic projects power, danger, and a futuristic menace — perfectly aligning with the heavy metal themes of rebellion and dominance.

Photo Of The Back Cover JUDAS PRIEST - Killing Machine
Back cover of Judas Priest's 1978 LP Killing Machine featuring red-tinted band performance photos, full tracklisting, credits, and CBS label logo at the bottom.

The back cover of Judas Priest’s Killing Machine 12-inch vinyl LP radiates raw energy and stage presence, set against a matte black background. Dominating the layout is the band's name and album title in the upper center, printed in vivid red with the iconic sharp-edged Judas Priest logo, harmonizing with the red-tinted photographic montage below.

This montage features dynamic live shots of all five band members mid-performance. At center stage, Rob Halford, clad in leather, commands the scene with a fierce gaze and microphone in hand. Flanking him are guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, captured in power stances with instruments ablaze. Bassist Ian Hill and drummer Les Binks round out the image, their expressions frozen in intensity.

Tracklists are divided and positioned symmetrically in the upper corners — five tracks per side in bold red capital letters. The left column includes: “Delivering The Goods,” “Rock Forever,” “Evening Star,” “Hell Bent For Leather,” and “Take On The World.” The right features: “Burnin’ Up,” “Killing Machine,” “Running Wild,” “Before The Dawn,” and “Evil Fantasies.”

Below the band photos, the musician credits are printed in a clean serif font, followed by production details including the names of producers James Guthrie and Judas Priest, recording studios (Utopia, Basing Street, CBS Studios), engineers, and design credits. The CBS logo and catalog number “83135” are anchored at the bottom left, completing the composition. The overall design, art directed by Roslav Szaybo, emphasizes both performance ferocity and aesthetic precision, elevating the back cover to a visual metal manifesto.

Close-up Photo of Side One Record Label
Side One of Judas Priest's 1978 Killing Machine UK vinyl LP, CBS 83135 label in orange-to-yellow gradient with song titles, band name, stereo info, and production credits.

This close-up image displays Side One of Judas Priest’s 1978 UK vinyl LP Killing Machine, pressed by CBS Records under catalog number CBS 83135. The classic CBS label design features a striking orange-to-yellow gradient, fading from a deep sunset hue at the top into a bright lemon yellow at the bottom, evoking a fiery intensity well-suited to the album’s heavy metal legacy.

At the center top is the CBS "eye" logo in yellow, flanked by the large white block letters “CBS,” instantly recognizable to collectors. Beneath it, the album title Killing Machine and band name Judas Priest are printed in bold black uppercase type.

Aligned along the left side are the catalog details: “CBS 83135 A*”, “STEREO”, and the directional arrows signifying stereo playback. The right side includes the playing speed, “33 1⁄3 RPM,” the catalog number repeated, and the copyright notice “© 1978 CBS Records.” The lower edge notes that the record was “MADE IN ENGLAND” — indicating a UK pressing.

The tracklisting includes the first five songs: 1. Delivering The Goods (4:15), 2. Rock Forever (3:18), 3. Evening Star (3:55), 4. Hell Bent For Leather (2:38), 5. Take On The World (2:58). Each song lists its respective composers — Tipton, Downing, Halford — and publishing credits via Arnakata Music Ltd.

At the bottom, production credits confirm that the album was “Produced and engineered by James Guthrie” and “Co-produced by Judas Priest.” The full-circle text along the vinyl’s outer edge emphasizes copyright and performance rights. The label is clean, well-aligned, and rich in historical and design detail — a key feature for collectors of original first pressings.

JUDAS PRIEST - Vinyl Discography & Album Cover Gallery

Judas Priest's impact on heavy metal is immeasurable. Their music, image, and attitude have helped shape the genre into what it is today. Their enduring legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of heavy metal fans and musicians. Judas Priest is not just a band, but a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the world of music.

JUDAS PRIEST - Defenders of the Faith
JUDAS PRIEST - Defenders of the Faith album front cover vinyl record

  CBS 25713 , 1984 , Holland

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JUDAS PRIEST - Hero, Hero
JUDAS PRIEST - Hero, Hero (White Vinyl) album front cover vinyl record

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Hero, Hero (White Vinyl) 12" Vinyl 2LP
JUDAS PRIEST - Killing Machine
JUDAS PRIEST - Killing Machine album front cover vinyl record

CBS – 83135 , 1978 , UK (United Kingdom)

Judas Priest's 1978 album, "Killing Machine," is a seminal work in the realm of classic heavy metal. Released on a 12-inch vinyl LP, it marked the end of an era with drummer Les Binks. The album's fusion of heavy metal and hard rock, coupled with iconic cover art, solidified the band's image. "Killing Machine" remains a pivotal record, showcasing Judas Priest's enduring impact on European metal.

Killing Machine 12" Vinyl LP
JUDAS PRIEST - Painkiller incl Booklet
JUDAS PRIEST - Painkiller incl Booklet album front cover vinyl record

CBS 467290 , 1990 , Holland

Painkiller is a 1990 gold-certifed album by British heavy metal band JUDAS PRIEST. The album was recorded at Miraval Studios, Brignoles, France in early 1990, and mixed at Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum, the Netherlands later that year

Painkiller incl Booklet 12" Vinyl LP
JUDAS PRIEST - Point of Entry
JUDAS PRIEST - Point of Entry album front cover vinyl record

CBS 84834   , 1981 , Holland

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JUDAS PRIEST - Priest Live
JUDAS PRIEST - Priest Live album front cover vinyl record

  CBS 450639   , 1987 , Holland

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Priest Live 12" Vinyl 2LP
JUDAS PRIEST - Ram it Down
JUDAS PRIEST - Ram it Down album front cover vinyl record

CBS 461108 , 1988 ,

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Ram it Down 12" Vinyl LP
JUDAS PRIEST - Screaming for Vengeance
JUDAS PRIEST - Screaming for Vengeance album front cover vinyl record

 CBS 85941 (FC 38160) , 1982 , Holland

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Screaming for Vengeance 12" Vinyl LP
JUDAS PRIEST - Stained Glass
JUDAS PRIEST - Stained Glass album front cover vinyl record

CBS 32075 , 1980 , Holland

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Stained Glass 12" Vinyl LP
JUDAS PRIEST - Turbo Lover
JUDAS PRIEST - Turbo Lover album front cover vinyl record

1986

Judas Priest's 7" PS Single, "Turbo Lover," encapsulates the band's 1986 shift to a synth-driven sound, departing from traditional heavy metal. The A-side features pulsating synths, marking the band's adaptation to '80s music trends, while the B-side may include bonus tracks. European music critics would likely examine the cover art's visual narrative, the lyrical themes, and the single's role in the broader musical landscape of the time.

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JUDAS PRIEST - Unleashed In The East
JUDAS PRIEST - Unleashed In The East album front cover vinyl record

  CBS 83852 , 1979 , Europe

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Unleashed In The East 12" Vinyl LP
JUDAS PRIEST - Turbo
JUDAS PRIEST - Turbo album front cover vinyl record

  CBS 26641 , 1986 , England

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Turbo 12" Vinyl LP