Album Review
Judas Priest
Invincible Shield
Epic Records
Released March 8, 2024
By: Joseph Suto
The album, Priest’s nineteenth studio release, was a long four year process that began in 2020. Obstacles such as a pandemic, touring and finding time to get everyone together prolonged the recording process. There was a lot of hype built up for this album. Does the album live up to the hype? Let’s dig into Invincible Shield and find out.
The album was written by the team of Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner with the exception of bonus track “The Lodger” which was written by Bob Halligan Jr. Leadoff track and first single “Panic Attack” help get the ball rolling in the right direction. “The Serpent and the King” which has Halford singing like only he can, sounds like it can be a leftover track from the Painkiller era. Other highlights include the title track and “Crown Of Horns”. It’s amazing how many cool riffs are employed here on this album. These guys are back with a vengeance. My personal choice for best track on the album goes to “Devil In Disguise”. From its opening riff to the catchy chorus right down to the fantastic guitar work throughout the song it standouts head and shoulders above for me. Judas Priest are one of the very few legacy acts who have recorded worthwhile music to build upon that legacy instead of tarnishing it.
If you like Painkiller and Firepower you will love this album. Those looking for old school Priest, while you may see elements and flashes of that era, this is the current version of Judas Priest who have taken the bull by the horns and forged ahead to expand their repertoire and sound. To summarize, Invincible Shield is a solid follow up to Firepower that is superior and memorable. Do yourself a favor and pick it up you will be glad you did.
Track Listing
01. Panic Attack
02. The Serpent and the King
03. Invincible Shield
04. Devil In Disguise
05. Gates Of Hell
06. Crown Of Horns
07. As God Is My Witness
08. Trial By Fire
09. Escape From Reality
10. Sons Of Thunder
11. Giants In The Sky
Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks
12. Fight Of Your Life
13. Vicious Circle
14. The Lodger
Judas Priest Are:
Rob Halford- Vocals
Glenn Tipton- Guitars
Richie Faulkner- Guitars
Ian Hill- Bass Guitars
Scott Travis- Drums
Produced, Engineered and Mixed By- Andy Sneap
Co-Producer on “Sons Of Thunder” and Giants In The Sky”- Tom Allom
For More on Judas Priest check out
https://www.judaspriestinvincibleshield.com
