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Writer's pictureHeavy Hearted

Judas Priest “Invincible Shield” Album Review

Updated: Jul 26


Can everybody here agree on how lucky we are to witness Judas Priest's career still going strong? Judas Priest released their debut record, Rocka Rolla, in 1974. 1974! 2024 marks their 50th anniversary. This band has been around for five decades, and while some of their career choices remain as missteps, that doesn't change the fact that Priest is one of the most consistent bands in music history. We all gazed in awe at their return in 2018 with Firepower and witnessed their undeniable force once again. Firepower was a full-force heavy metal giant and their strongest effort since the legendary Painkiller. That's why, when Metal God and his brilliant companions announced their return in six years with Invincible Shield, I was sure that we would be mesmerized again. Was I right?


Invincible Shield marks the 19th spot in Judas Priest's gigantic discography. It's nothing different from Firepower, and it didn't mean to be either. Why break it while the formula is working? What they've found with Firepower was their ambition to go again just like the first time; they once again found the power that drives them through the gates of hell. The group released the first single, “Panic Attack,” not long before the release of the full beast, and it was quintessential Priest—bombastic drums over furious riffs and blazing vocals by the Metal God himself. But there were still questions about the rest of it. Because the heavy metal genre is kind of worn out these days, with some bands reviving the genre with a nostalgic sound but with a modern approach. Don't get me wrong, I actually find these reviving efforts enjoyable, but I don't think most of them are memorable. When a band like Judas Priest releases an album in 2024, I'm sorry, but my expectations are super high.


By the time I write this, I'm one day away from seeing Judas Priest live. And while my excitement is connected with my years of memories with Judas Priest, it also incinerated with the success of Invincible Shield. Because this beautifully crafted monster of an album exceeded my already high expectations. It's unbelievable that they're still going this strong. I know the majority of you already digested the record, but for those who haven't, Invincible Shield is heavy. Firepower was heavy too, yes. It was a good collection of what made Judas Priest the band they are today. Melodic passages, impeccable vocal deliveries, and high-quality, memorable heavy metal we've loved since the beginning. Invincible Shield has all that, but it also has a more focused and pummeling approach. First of all, it has no ballads at all. Priest was always good when it came to ballads, but as my personal choices suggest, I'm not much of a ballad guy. I prefer some dragonborn heavy metal in my veins. So grateful that metal gods have provided that with this.


The three-punch tour with the opener "Panic Attack," powerful "The Serpent and the King," and amazing title track ties you up to the edge of your seat and sucks you into an amazing journey. Halford's vocals are one of the highlights of the record, it's undeniable. When they released "The Serpent and the King" as one of the singles, I couldn't believe what I heard. This man is 72, folks. Can you imagine holding a note like that in your 70s? Well, try to hold that in your 20s. This man proves that it's not about age. After three strong punches, the record gives you mid-tempo, groovy Priest goods like "Devil in Disguise" and "Gates of Hell." While not being highlights, these songs are memorable and serve the album's cohesive feeling. Then comes "Crown of Horns," which I have to admit I didn't connect with the first time it was released. After a few listens, I realized that this record needed songs like this and "Trial by Fire" to maintain its momentum. Also, Priest has always been successful when it comes to creating mid-tempo grooves. And the fact that they've placed "As God is My Witness" between these two songs is a statement that clearly says, “OK, let's not loosen up yet!”


A heavy beast like "As God is My Witness" is solid proof that Priest's power has never changed and the ambition that created a monumental Painkiller is still there and they're still able to nail the heaviest tunes. Also, while being mid-tempo compared to this beast, tracks like "Escape From Reality" and "Sons of Thunder" also show Priest's heavy sides. While the record is a collective bow to their respective career by themselves, the closer "Giants in the Sky" does the job very well by being a diverse song. Even if there are three bonus songs on the extended edition, "Giants in the Sky" is the original closer to Invincible Shield and concludes it to a glorious ending.


While the bonus tracks aren't as pummeling and strong as the original song lineup, catchy hooks in "Fight of Your Life" and the stank-face riff in "Vicious Cycle" create some high-quality moments. And while I think the last bonus track, "The Lodger," is the weakest effort on the record and I actually couldn't listen to it from front to back, let's consider that as an amulet for the evil eye, right?


Invincible Shield is a superb record. It works pretty well as a cohesive composition, and every single piece of this achievement is impressive on its own. I couldn't believe that they could surpass Firepower with this one. Well, they surely did. While both records are incredible pieces for Judas Priest's discography, Invincible Shield is undeniably the superior one, and it is way up there with Priest's most dear and beloved albums. Congrats to these legends once again for creating a magnificent monumental piece like this.


Highlights

  • Panic Attack

  • The Serpent and the King

  • Invincible Shield

  • As God is My Witness

  • Trial by Fire

  • Giants in the Sky




Rating: 9.0 / 10

 



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