JUDAS PRIEST – Redeemer Of Souls (2014)

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JUDAS PRIEST, the indisputable Kings of what have been known as ‘pure heavy metal’, are back with a new album to be released this July 14th, entitled “Redeemer Of Souls”.
The record, their first-ever without a key component of their songwriting mechanism (that would be retired guitarist K.K. Downing, who has been replaced by Richie Faulkner) has been announced by the band as a return to the style & sound which made Priest famous at the beginning of the ’80s.

“Sometimes in the past we may have come under fire for being too adventurous musically – so we have listened the fans” guitarist Glenn Tipton said in a statement, possibly referring to the mixed critical reaction the previous album Nostradamus received.
Well, it’s true; from start to finish, “Redeemer Of Souls” is 13 songs of pure classic Priest metal.
With a songwriting expansively akin to their ’78 / ’84 period, you have galloping riffs, melodic dueling solos, a smashing rhythm section and Rob Halford’s screams – a bit wasted – but faithful to their trademark output.

It’s strange, but the first single advance and title track “Redeemer Of Souls” (placed as track 2) is perhaps the only weak song on the album.
On the contrary, opener “Dragonaut” is a highlight, remembering the glory days of ‘British Steel’ / ‘Screaming for Vengeance’, Judas’ finest moment. It’s epic, sharp, with an assassin chorus and a metallic attack. Pure heavy metal indeed.
“Sword Of Damocles” is another solid cut starting at full speed but then in the middle the band adds a calmer atmosphere like they used to do in albums like Sin After Sin.

Then “March Of The Damned” is much more modern with some Ozzy / Black Sabbath feel in its groovy rhythm, sporting a hot metallized guitar solo.
“Down In Flames” is another favorite, with a monster ‘reverb sound’ again resembling ‘Screaming for Vengeance’ era. On this track you can note Halford’s diminished pipes, yet complies with ease helped by some effects.
There’s more solid numbers on the pumping “Cold Blooded”, the bluesy “Crossfire”, the dark midtempo “Secrets Of The Dead”, and the great closer / ballad “Beginning Of The End”.

Indeed, “Redeemer Of Souls” takes listeners on a true heavy metal journey from beginning to end.
At this point of history, pure early ’80s heavy metal means classic rock, and this is precisely Judas Priest 2014.
I mean, listening this type of music nowadays leaves you with a smile on your face. Remember ‘Rock Star’ movie, this is the same feeling spinning “Redeemer Of Souls”.
It’s fun, it’s effective, and it’s quite melodic compared with the brutal music appeared in the last 25 years.
Ladies and gentlemen, Judas Priest are back to their classic sound, and I like it.
Strongly Recommended.

01. Dragonaut
02. Redeemer of Souls
03. Halls of Valhalla
04. Sword of Damocles
05. March of the Damned
06. Down in Flames
07. Hell & Back
08. Cold Blooded
09. Metalizer
10. Crossfire
11. Secrets of the Dead
12. Battle Cry
13. Beginning of the End

Rob Halford – Vocals
Glenn Tipton – Guitars
Richie Faulkner – Guitars
Ian Hill – Bass
Scott Travis – Drums

PRE-ORDER:
www.amazon.co.uk/Redeemer-Souls-Judas-Priest/dp/B00JXEVXXW
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