Even though the sound of some of our earlier albums leaves a bit to be desired, I like the tone of the solo in "Raw Deal" and the phrasing in "Last Rose of Summer". I particularly like how "Hear Come The Tears" builds into a climax and joins in with Rob's vocals towards the end.
- Glenn Tipton
JUDAS PRIEST released their third album on this day in 1977.
...I really think the album kicks in with that one ["Dissident Aggressor"]. I mean, that was one of the last things we did, and that would've been a great starting point, if the album would have opened with that song. On that one, Glenn and myself were there solely for the musical side, whereas Rob was really reaching out on an international level, really, to be heard with his lyrics.
- K.K. Downing, Judas Priest Heavy Metal Painkillers
A couple of weeks later the only single from Sin After Sin was released - a cover of Joan Baez's "Diamonds and Rust" (1975).
I love that! I was so stunned when I first heard it. I thought it was wonderful. It's very rare for people to cover my songs. I think there are a couple of reasons. One is they're personal - they don't have a universal quality to them. And I think maybe it's because I've already sung them, and who wants to compete with that? But it's always flattering when somebody does.
- Joan Baez interview, Toronto Sun, 2010