Judas Priest - Nostradamus

Perhaps the end of a Judas Priest world at least

The metal gods return with their most ambitious project yet, guaranteed to surprise traditionalists. The three-minute catchy metal singles are gone: this opus sees Judas Priest move into concept album territory, focusing on the life of Nostradamus across 23 tracks that delve into power- and prog-metal as much as the trademark trad metal territories.

Nostradamus is dark, mystical, complex and occasionally acoustic, and the Priest write around Halford’s aging voice well, emphasising power over range. There’s not a Painkiller or Exciter in sight; instead we get Prophecy, with intelligent lyrics that set the scene and riffs nodding back to the late 70s and early 80s, but with a much fuller sound. Revelation is more melodic, with a nod back to Ram It Down, while Persecution is fast, furious and a guaranteed favourite.

Tipton and Downing can still riff with the best of them, while bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis really gel, providing some of their most solid and heavy rhythms yet. A big surprise for all, however, will be the use of guitar synths, with Don Airey providing layered keyboards and strings that fill the sound further. It’s almost over-ambitious but Judas Priest have pulled it off well.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Sony BMG | 88697315592 (2-CD)

Reviewed by Joe Geesin
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