The Band
Judas Priest is an English heavy metal band formed in 1969. One of the most successful bands in their genre, along with others like Iron Maiden.
Band Members:
- Rob Halford – vocals
- Glenn Tipton – guitars
- Richie Faulkner – guitars
- Ian Hill – bass guitar
- Scott Travis – drums
The Album
After six years, the Metal Gods return with a new album. Invincible Shield is the nineteenth studio album of the band, after Firepower (2018). Released on March 8th, 2024.
They started the writing process of the songs in February 2020, but the pandemic came. Then, when they returned to tours, Richie Faulkner had heart problems that required hospitalization. Besides, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And now, at last, we have this masterpiece, so the waiting was worthwhile.
The Songs
1. Panic Attack. The first song of the album and the first single that we got to know last year. It starts with the guitar, and then it keeps building up to a heavier track that transforms itself into a song that reminds us of the 80s Judas Priest. Very classic, British Steel album kind of vibe, with killer guitar solos.
The panic attack refers to our current world of social media, and how we sometimes have this reaction when we see something on the Internet.
2. The Serpent And The King. This was their fourth single. It begins fast and powerful. Classic heavy metal guitar solos. It’s about God and the devil, positive and negative, good and evil, and that in the end always good wins, and love always triumphs.
3. Invincible Shield. The title track. It’s a heavy punch to take, with a great guitar solo. Talks about resilience and standing up for yourself.
4. Devil In Disguise. It has a slow-paced tone but with a contagious groove. I liked it a lot, good guitar solo. It refers to politicians.
5. Gates Of Hell. This song sings of purgatory, yet also has the feeling of a metal anthem because it invites us to belong to the metal community. Good guitar solo, as usual.
6. Crown Of Horns. The third single of this album. Celebrates finding love and finding Christ. Power ballad.
7. As God Is My Witness. A song on mortality. Life can be a battle. Fast and powerful, with a great guitar solo.
8. Trial By Fire. Their second single is about false accusations, in general. It starts with guitars and the typical classic Judas Priest sound. Great track.
9. Escape From Reality. It speaks of going back in time and fixing some personal stuff.
10. Sons Of Thunder. Amazing guitar riff that develops into an awesome guitar work during the whole song. It refers to the freedom you feel on a motorcycle. Strong track.
11. Giants In The Sky. This song is a homage to the late Ronnie James Dio and Lemmy, as music legends but also as their friends.
… Deluxe edition bonus tracks:
12. Fight Of Your Life. Speaks about heavy sports like boxing or MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), where you are fighting for your life.
13. Vicious Circle. It refers to relationships and politics.
14. The Lodger. This song was written by Bob Halligan Jr. It’s like a mini-movie of revenge and justice.
Final Thoughts
I loved this album. It has Rob Halford’s fantastic voice, Faulkner and Tipton’s mighty guitars, the strong bass lines of Ian Hill, and the crushing Travis drums. It has it all. Classic heavy metal, classic Judas Priest sound. No bad songs. Everything we love about this band… and that’s why they’re the Metal Gods!
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Tracklist
- Panic Attack
- The Serpent and the King
- Invincible Shield
- Devil in Disguise
- Gates of Hell
- Crown of Horns
- As God is my Witness
- Trial By Fire
- Escape From Reality
- Sons of Thunder
- Giants in the Sky
Deluxe Edition:
- Fight Of Your Life
- Vicious Circle
- The Lodger