Judas Priest — Invincible Shield

Despite being a "metal guy" for nearly three decades, there are some classic bands whose material has never stuck a chord with me. There was something about the combination of 80s guitar work and falsetto / high vocals that never appealed, and lead to me completely ignoring groups like Judas Priest for a long time. Bands like Guns N Roses and King Diamond met a similar fate.

It wasn't until 'Priest — already deep into a legendary career — dropped their 2005 record, Angel of Retribution, that I gave them another chance. A lot of this was spurred by the return of frontman Rob Halford, a universally celebrated figure in the metal scene. That record was impactful enough that I was able to re-evaluate my tastes, opening up a new world of music. I'm still fairly selective when it comes to certain things like vocals in the higher ranges, but I'm able to appreciate them in the right setting.

That all being said, I did not follow Judas Priest extensively, even after my change of heart. The band was ever-present in the news, always on tour, and releasing a steady stream of music with relatively few misses — if one is to believe the critics. The lineup would change, with the band experiencing an acrimonious split with founding guitarist KK Downing, but they soldiered on, undeterred.

Judas Priest truly shocked the world with this album's predecessor, Firepower, as it garnered the type of criticial acclaim that is almost unheard of when dealing with a band dropping their eighteenth studio record. Even with a catalog full of fan favourites too numerous to fit into a single setlist, Priest have somehow managed to remain inspired even after 50+ years of recording and performing. Most bands have given up well before that point, if not literally then figuratively — spiritually. Even more shockingly, Judas Priest follow that achievement up with another standout album, Invincible Shield.

Right from the intro of "Panic Attack," the record establishes a strong classic metal vibe but enriched by a robust, modern production job. Andy Sneap has helmed some of the best metal records of all time, and his longstanding relationship with Judas Priest both serve the material on this record well. Everyone is firing on all cylinders here, as the album pummels the listener with a barrage of ear-catching riffs and tasty, shredding guitar solos. Rob Halford's voice is in a form one would think impossible for a 72 year-old, displaying a range that would be impressive for a man less-than half his age.

Invincible Shield has a great variety and pacing, while never really taking its foot off the gas pedal. The album opens fast, but gives the listener some respite with mid-tempo jams like "Crown of Horns" and "The Serpent and the King." The whole album exudes an infectious energy that, even after more-than a half-dozen listens, has not dulled at all. Gems like this are why I never like to dismiss a band entirely, although Judas Priest are outliers both in terms of longevity and strength of output. Still, if nothing else they prove what is at least possible.

Summary

Whether or not you can teach an old dog new tricks is irrelevant when the dog in question is still really good at what it already knows. Judas Priest further cement their legend, raising the quality bar for tenured acts to lofty heights. You would never guess the average age of the band's members is 65. One of 2024's best records, and biggest surprises, Judas Priest sound almost impossibly good on Invincible Shield.

Album Information

Release date: March 6th, 2024
Record label: Columbia / Epic Records

Rob Halford — vocals
Glenn Tipton — guitar
Richie Faulkner — guitar
Ian Hill — bass
Scott Travis — drums
Andy Sneap — production, additional guitars, mastering, mixing, engineering

Track Listing

1. Panic Attack
2. The Serpent and the King
3. Invincible Shield
4. Devil in Disguise
5. Gates of Hell
6. Crown of Horns
7. As God is My Witness
8. Trial By Fire
9. Escape From Reality
10. Sons of Thunder
11. Giants in the Sky
12. Fight of Your Life
13. Vicious Circle
14. The Lodger

Link: spotify.com

—by Derek

Published: June 30th, 2024.