JUDAS PRIEST point of entry CBS84834

Heading Out to the Highway: Judas Priest’s ‘Point Of Entry’ (CBS 84834)

Today’s entry focuses on a polarizing but essential chapter in the Judas Priest saga: the 1981 studio album, Point Of Entry. We are looking at the original UK pressing released on the CBS label with the catalog number CBS 84834. This specific copy is a treat for collectors as it retains the original hype sticker on the front cover.

A Shift in Direction
Released in February 1981, Point Of Entry followed the massive success of British Steel. For this album, the band (Halford, Tipton, Downing, Hill, Holland) traveled to Ibiza Sound Studios in Spain. The resulting sound was noticeably more spontaneous, melodic, and radio-friendly than their previous work, designed to crack the American market. While it features a more stripped-back “hard rock” approach compared to their heavier metal classics, it remains a crucial part of their evolution.

Key Tracks
The album opens with the driving anthem “Heading Out To The Highway,” a song that became a live staple. Other high-energy rockers include “Hot Rockin’” and “Don’t Go.” However, the album is perhaps best revered for the atmospheric and driving track “Desert Plains,” which is widely considered by fans and the band alike as one of their greatest compositions. The album also features the heavy, mid-tempo stomp of “Solar Angels.”

Collector’s Details
This UK pressing is particularly desirable for several reasons.

Hype Sticker:
Finding a copy with the promotional sticker still attached to the sleeve is a significant bonus for serious collectors.

Mastering:
The runout grooves feature the etching “RAYS,” indicating it was mastered by the legendary Ray Staff at Trident Studios, ensuring superior audio quality.

Inserts:
This release originally came with an insert advertising other Judas Priest albums and merchandise, a great snapshot of the band’s marketing at the time.

CBS 84834 is a high-quality artifact from the golden age of British Heavy Metal. It captures Judas Priest at a fascinating crossroads, balancing their heavy metal roots with a sleek, highway-ready hard rock sound.