Judas Priest – Invincible

It is impossible for Judas to release an album and not have it become a big deal. We are talking about a band where Metallica members appear at the same festival, but when the band is on stage, they watch and get excited as passionate metal fans, and they turn into fanboys by singing along to the songs. Ultimately, Judas Priest is one of those very few bands whose history and legacy define them as the dictionary definition of heavy metal.

I think the singles released before the release of the new album Invincible satisfied the listeners. But still the previous album ‘Firepower’ was so impressive and good regarding the fact that it was an album created by men with an average age of 60 taking into account that Faulkner was very young. That’s why, being a fan, I had kept my expectations high till the day Invincible came out. I was waiting nervously to see if the new album would be as good as Firepower. At the same time, I had the idea that it would be difficult to surpass Firepower.

And, finally, the album is out. However, it somewhat confirms my suspicions and it is not as good an album as Firepower. The release, composed by the Faulkner/Tipton/Halford trio, is definitely an uncompromising heavy metal album, so to say. But not all songs are equally beautiful.

The first 9 songs of the album, including the released singles, contain the best moments it. Besides, a separate parenthesis needs to be opened for the 9th song, Escape from Reality. It is Black Sabbath worship, both in terms of musical structure and Halford’s vocals in various places. The wonderful bass sound that beats the ears brings Geezer to mind. It is obvious that the band did this on purpose. Especially 13 era Black Sabbath comes to mind whilst listening to this song.

For the production, they worked again with Andy Sneap, who is occupied as the band’s live guitarist for some time. Andy knows how to record a good metal album. Guitars with ferocity worthy of Judas, roaring bass guitar and a fantastic drum tone. Halford’s vocals are as great as always.

To summarize, Invincible is a very good album, although not as great as Firepower. The metal gods show again that they live up to their name. Especially ‘As God is my Witness’ will be a cure for veteran Judas fans. We are grateful that even 50 years after their establishment, they do not give up and are still there with the same excitement and enthusiasm. Long live Judas Priest, Long Live Heavy Metal.

8/10