Let me first start out by saying that I grew up listening to Judas Priest. Rob Halford is one of those guys with a voice that cannot be mistaken for anyone else’s. He showed a lot of courage coming out of the closet and announcing to the world that he is gay. That may have been an unpopular move – especially considering the genre they play in – but you know what? Who cares!? Who friggin cares!? I know I don’t.
“Balls to the Wall” was a great song, one of legend just like the band that recorded it. If KISS can get into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame then Judas Priest should be in there sometime soon as well! For me to be able to review something this raw from one of the greatest metal acts of all time is simply awesome.
I wasn’t given much to work with though as I was just given two songs and an “info” track from the band itself. The album is yet to be finished and will have 23 tracks with story transitions and they are on tour this year. In fact – the title of the CD will be called Nostradamus and is meant to tell his story. Operatic intrigue no doubt.
Even with just a pittance of songs I can assure you that Judas Priest is back. And you know what? Better than ever! The metal genre needed them to come back and maybe this will be a sign to other greats to stand up and say: “Hey! We can still rock this mother out!” cause I wanna see Twisted Sister make another run! Metal is not dead – it was just hibernating a little bit.
The vocals have not lost a step for Judas Priest and had just matured. Musically I have not heard the band sound any better. If these few songs are any indication of the rest of the CD then it will be pure magic and metal bliss. Visions is the title track and shows a maturity that only comes with age. It tells a story that one can only consider is meant as a personal tribute to the band itself – in not knowing what lies ahead down the road. It is telling of he bands’ soul and is equally as brilliant.
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More Information
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