So, in my previous post Let’s Talk About Guitars, I inserted a song that I had just learned, which was Judas Priest’s “The Sentinel.” Well, in a case of “hey, what ARE those guys doing right now?”, I found out that these metal vets from Birmingham, England are preparing to release their 16th (!) studio album, Nostradamus (out June 17th).
And it’s more than just another album, gang; it’s a double disc (or triple vinyl, for you audiophiles/purists) CONCEPT album, all focused on the French apothecary Michel de Nostredame (or, you know, Nostradamus). The sound is also just as massive as the concept, as the band employs synths and bit orchestral elements to their already heavy standard of metal music.
Now, Judas Priest is one of my favorite bands. I remember seeing them live at Jones Beach in 2004 with Queensryche and, not only was it heavy, but it was also loud enough to leave my hearing permanently scarred (FTW!) However, I scratch my head at their decision to do a concept album. Aren’t those things popular to do as a 5th or 6th album, the proverbial “leap of creative faith” when you’re the darlings of the Billboard 200? If that’s the truth, I believe Rob Halford, KK Downing, Glenn Tipton, Scott Travis, and Ian Hill are just a little late.
Then again, who gives a shit? It’s JUDAS F’N PRIEST!! If they can push my eardrums to the limit with “Painkiller” and “Electric Eye” (as well as those other gems), then they have my blessing to get away with this bold concept. It should be an interesting listen, albeit a long one.
TP Duderman and the World That Surrounds 