Judas Priest-Invincible Shield

Judas Priest, the mere name is evocative of a legendary past, present and future. A band who have defined a genre of music for fifty years. A band who continue to deliver. On their new album Invincible Shield, the band deliver everything and more.

“Panic Attack,” opens up the album, the synths harken back to Turbo but the riffage is classic Priest. Slamming into the listener’s brain and leaving them breathless. Mr Halford soars and sears on the vocals as he calls out the hypocrisy of the modern era. A phenomenal opener.

“The Serpent and the King,” is track number 2, and the riffage is insane. It hits you like a thunderbolt, a never ending pummelling journey that still somehow leaves you wanting more.

That more is delivered in the title track. “Invincible Shield,” is anthemic, brutal and frenetic. The riffage is insane, the melodies dance and sway in the passion of the light. Mr Halford soars and screams, the anthem delivers a sense of a live staple for many years to come.

“Devil In Disguise,” is groovy and shakes the foundations. The rhythm section of Ian Hill and Scott Travis lets this song shake and move. There’s a Sabbathy feeling to this number, one that immediately means it’ll be on repeat. There’s a brilliantly catchy pre-chorus that leads right into a fist shaking chorus.

“Gates Of Hell,” is epic. A song that delivers everything and more. A fantastic opening line, a superb melody, a dancing rhythm, a true rocker and a song that will be a barnstormer when performed live.

“Crown Of Horns,” is another fitting tribute to the memories of the past, whilst looking to moments of the future. A driving riff, a soaring vocal line, and a impressive rhythm.

“As God Is My Witness,” hammers through. Battallising and screaming into the motion. A thrashy number which allows Halford to show off his chops. A feat he pulls off brilliantly.

“Trial By Fire,” is a call to arms, a song that gets the blood pumping, the sense of endurance and triumph grow with each passing beat. A true battle cry and one that will surely resonate when performed live.

“Escape From Reality,” turns the clock back, to early 1970s Birmingham. The sledge and the sludge come together, Ian Hill’s bass moves firmly into the centre. The guitars create an eeriness that burrows deep within the metallic urging of time. Halford’s vocals roar and scream into the night. Escape from reality indeed.

“Sons of Thunder,” is Priest at their rocking best. A classic biker anthem that shreds and grooves, turning the dance floor into a puddle of mud. Brilliantly done.

“Giants In The Sky,” the final track on the standard edition of the album is a simply brilliant song. An epic conclusion to what has been an epic album. Riffage, bluesy contortions, driving rhythms, melodies that soar. A tribute to Gods who are no longer with us. The legend that grows, can you hear the crowd screaming this one live? I can.

Judas Priest have done it again, Invincible Shield is a phenomenal album. Driving, epic, riffing and furious. Judas Priest are giants in the sky, and they will never die.

The album is out now!