would be a 4 star review but everything has been released over and over again. Basically "Genocide" is the first 2 Judas Priest albums (Rocka Rolla & Sad Wings of Destiny)on a 2 CD set. it has a bonus track "Diamonds And Rust" which is a different version than on "Sin After Sin" but it is the same as on "Hero Hero" which was another collection of the first 2 albums released in 84. so if you are a Priest fan and don't already have the first 2 albums, this is a good deal because its cheaper than buying them separetly. If you already have the songs, there is nothing new.

This is a great release if you want to get the first two Priest albums in their entirety AND with the best sound. I personally think these first two albums are the best of their output; That`s because I tend to like more progressive rock and 70's heavy metal. I certainly appreciate the band they became- putting out some great metal that blended nicely thrash and speed genres into their brand of hard rock. But for that early sound, if that is what you are interested in, this includes a much more sonically clear mix of Rocka Rolla and the whole classic Sad Wings of Destiny album. The previous compilation, "Hero Hero" leaves out Island of Domination (WHAT!!!) and ,I think The Ripper. So......Yes this material has been packaged before, but here they finally got it right. The packaging is seemingly way NOT the 1970's ( Halford doesn't have the long flowing hair and the pictures included are right in the middle of the studded biker garb look- a rather odd and unnecessary mistake by the "art crew") and the liner notes do not suffer from their brevity because the original albums had little in the way of photos and info.. All in all - a great, and best, way to get the first two discs. A rip-off? Maybe. If you already own the music.(?!)

I'm a huge Judas Priest fan. I have every original CD from this one through Painkiller (their last with Halford).

The album is a double CD featuring Judas Priest's first two LPs - "Rocka Rolla" (tracks 1-10) and "Sad Wings of Destiny" (tracks 12-20). "Diamonds & Rust" (track 11) is a bonus track from their third album, "Sin After Sin" and is marginally different but not worth noting. It is a good song though.

Together the album is worth buying, individually the two albums might not be. "Rocka Rolla" has some good stuff that hints at JP's later greatness ("Cheater", title track, "Never Satisfied", "One for the Road") but the rest is very forgettable junk. By itself, this album would be probably 2 stars.

As for "Sad Wings of Destiny", it was better (some fans still regard it as Priest's best album though I disagree) and while the stand-alone version has very nice cover art its better bought here to make the first album worthwhile. "Ripper" is a great take on Jack The Ripper. "Genocide", "Tyrant", and "Island of Domination" are also very good. "Victim of Changes" is okay. The rest is just filler. By itself, this album would probably be 3 1/2 stars.

I can't believe the the low rating on this CD? 1976's Sad Wings Of Destiny is JP's greatest work! You will not find a better tune than Victim Of Changes. A 5+ Rating!