Album Review: JUDAS PRIEST — 'Invincible Shield'

The time is finally upon us. JUDAS PRIEST returns with a new album Invincible Shield (Epic Records) and let me tell you something … IT. IS. GLORIOUS!!

Over the course of 14 tracks, we are treated to a feast of metal that will have audiences going back for more, again and again.

From the opener “Panic Attack” to the shot across the bow that is “The Serpent and the King” it is abundantly clear that the Boys from Birmingham aren’t playing around! And the title track only drives that point home.

Frontman Rob Halford is in fine form throughout and his delivery when he sings these songs is pretty magical. “Devil In Disguise” mines that sidewinder groove that this band does oh so well, while “Gates of Hell” wouldn’t be out of place on Defenders of the Faith from 1984.

“As God Is My Witness” is another winner, and, quite frankly, if this one doesn’t make it into future setlists I will be shocked. The riff machine is alive and well here, courtesy of Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner.

“Trial By Fire” is like the soundtrack to good fighting evil, while “Escape From Reality” is very thick and beefy thanks to Ian Hill’s deep, dark bass work. “Sons of Thunder” is yet another monstrous fast-paced anthem with drummer Scott Travis driving this locomotive.

One of the bonus tracks is “The Lodger,” a tune I was iffy on at first but has since become an album favorite.

The bottom line is this: With Invincible Shield, the members of JUDAS PRIEST have not only written an exciting new chapter to their story, they have 100% created the album of the year … Fact.

STANDOUT TRACKS: ALL OF THEM