Redeemer of Souls / Judas Priest (2014)

1. Dragonaut

2. Redeemer of Souls

3. Halls of Valhalla

4. Sword of Damocles

5. March of the Damned

6. Down in Flames

7. Hell & Back

8 Cold Blooded

9 Metalizer

10. Crossfire

11. Secret of the Dead

12. Battle Cry

13. Beginning of the End

Deluxe Edition Disc 2

1. Snakebite

2. Tears of Blood

3. Creatures

4. Bring It On

5. Never Forget

Finally, Judas Priest released a new album. Since that controversial album, "Nostradamus", metal fans were waiting for their METAL album. I personally liked "Nostradamus", but it was not a typical metal album that people would expect as the members called "rock opera". Since then, they went on long tour after tour. Somewhere in my mind, I was afraid that "Nostradamus" would be the last album when they announced "Epitaph Tour". However, they came back with a pure metal album.

To be honest, I did not have much impression when I heard the entire album for the first time. It went so fast even though the album contained 18 songs. I guess it did not have as much impact as "Angel of Retribution". Nevertheless, as I listened to the album more and more, I realized the essence of Judas Priest everywhere in the album, and this album brings all of their musical 

When I first listened to "Angel of Retribution", that album recaptured their music all the way back to "British Steel". Nevertheless, this album takes us back all the way to 70's. The songs such as tracks 10, 13, and 4, 5, in disc 2. They showed their extensiveness of music at the same time as pure metal. If you are expecting the same singing as "Painkiller", probably you would be disappointed. Rob cannot singing like before, yet he still has attractive and strong voice in mid-low range.

I guess the reception largely depends on which aspects of Judas Priest you are expecting. I think they released a killer album at this point of their career.

☆☆☆☆

Nostradamus / Judas Priest (2008)

Disc 1

1. Dawn of Creation

2. Prophecy

3. Awakening

4. Revelations

5. The Four Horsemen

6. War

7. Sands of Time

8. Pestilence and Plague

9. Death

10. Peace

11. Conquest

12. Lost Love

13. Persecution

Disc 2

14. Solitude

15. Exiled

16. Alone

17. Shadows In the Flame

18. Visions

19. Hope

20. New Beginnings

21. Calm Before the Storm

22. Nostradamus

23. Future of Mankind

I have never made a comment on this album up to this point. The reason was that I did not know how to put this album down in the catalogue of Judas Priest. "Turbo" was a controversial album for innovating synthesizer in metal. I would say this album was controversial but was on a completely different degree. "Turbo" is not even comparable with this record. This is their first concept album. The album structure was not usual. About a half of the songs were preludes and not full length songs. The music style was not typical heavy metal. It was just completely different from their past catalogues. Therefore, I did not know how to comprehend this record. Well, it has been more than 4 years, and I think I can listen to this album more objectively.

As I listened to the whole album once again today, I was surprised by the quality of arrangement of this album. Speaking of "Turbo", you can hear synthesizer and keyboard throughout the entire album. They turned more pop with "Turbo", but they used them to make symphonic sound and magnificent scale. When I first listened to this album for the first time, I could not believe that this was Judas Priest's album. It sounded so strange. Nevertheless, I realized that there was more Judas Priest essence in this record. For example, in the guitar solo of track 2, you can hear the guitar battle of K.K. and Glenn. Track 8 has a great minor melody. It is one of the best melody written by Rob Halford. This song can be in the second half of "Painkiller". Track 12 is a beautiful ballad. They also showed aggressive side of heavy metal music. Track 13 reminded me of "Night Crawler". Track 22 is the fastest number in this album. It starts with magnificent intro, and then the song becomes aggressive with Rob's high tone scream. The last song, track 23, is a dramatic number and suits as the end.

As I listened to this album today, I was surprised by the quality of this album. Even though there are 23 songs, I did not think that they made unnecessary additions. Each song has good melody line. The attempt of using synthesizer was very successful. It did not sound a thin veneer. It was much better than some cheap symphonic metal bands. If you ask me if this was the album that I expect from Judas Priest, I would say "No". This is definitely not what metal fans expect. This is not typical Judas Priest, yet I would like to evaluate their challenging spirit, musicianship and quality they brought in this album. I heard that they were going to release an album in 2013. I would like to expect them of "THIS IS THE METAL ALBUM" this time.

☆☆☆

Angel Of Retribution / Judas Priest (2005)

1. Judas Rising

2. Deal With The Devil

3. Revolution

4. Worth Fighting For

5. Demonizer

6. Wheels Of Fire

7. Angel

8. Hellrider

9. Eulogy

10. Lochness

In 2003, the news of the reunion of Judas Priest and Rob Halford ran through the world. Luckily, I was able to see their concert at Ozzfest 2004. It was truly a greatest hits live. I could not deny that they were all getting old, but they played with all of their heart. It was astonishing live. When it was announced that they were making a new album, I was half excited and half worried. Halford and the band both wandered off from the music that fans expect them during 90's. Can they still make pure metal? Soon after the release, I learned that my fear was needless.

From track 1, they made a strong statement with the message and music of the song. Judas Priest has returned!! This album really summarized their whole career, they put out what fans really expected. 

1. Judas Rising

A powerful opening number. It is not fast but has a strong message in music and lyrics.

2. Deal With The Devil

One of my favorites in this album. Obviously, his high tone voice is not as strong as it used to be. No one can fight against their age (Bruce Dickinson is very exceptional). But, he still has strong mid-range voice.

3. Revolution

The lead single. A nice mid-tempo song that reminds me of songs from "British Steel" or "Screaming For Vengeance". 

4. Worth Fighting For

This song has the mood of their earlier career in 70's.

5. Demonizer

I was bit surprised with this song. This song can be in "Demolition" or "Jugulator". But, the guitar solo is very straightforward metal.

6. Wheels Of Fire

This is another song has the feeling of their early 80's albums. 

7. Angel

In their career in 70's, ballad songs were essence of this band. They made another great ballad song. This song is really dramatic and moving. The arrangement is very similar to the acoustic version of "Diamond And Rust".

8. Hellrider

As they have created monsters in their songs, they created another one. This is another killer tune that is comparable to songs such as "Painkiller" or "Night Crawler". 

9. Eulogy

This is a song that flows into the next song. It is very dark yet dramatic.

10. Lochness

The most progressive song they ever have written. I think this song really summarized their career. This song has such big scale. It is dramatic, dark, and sometimes even mysterious. This is a kind of song they have never done before.

Overall, they did everything that they were expected as "Judas Priest". However, the great point of this album is that it is not just nostalgia. They still have enthusiasm as musician and strong will to challenge themselves as musician.

☆☆☆☆☆