It's awesome that a band that has been around for so long can still make such great music!! Metal Gods!!!!

I'm 45 and have just started listening to Judas Priest. I'm just blown away by how well every song/track is written and so well-combined. I haven't skipped one track through any of their albums, thinking it's too slow or not interesting. I'm very impressed with how well they pull each song together and keep you wanting more.

@torotaxi1

4 ай бұрын

Same here, I've heard the famous tracks over the years but not really listened to their albums, but I'm loving all the tracks on this album. One of the best metal albums, period!

Giants In The Sky is a homage to Dio and Lemmy

@bluejayfan5584

4 ай бұрын

That's great to hear.

@paulg930

4 ай бұрын

In addition to Dio, for me Giants in the Sky track is also a tribute to Warrel Dane and Chuck Schuldiner

@vinaymulukutla358

2 ай бұрын

I think it's also a tribute to Eddie Van Halen who was reportedly good friends with Glenn, KK and Rob.

Hell, this album is truly remarkable. Firepower was great, still Invicible Shield is yet another level. Not one weakness. Feels like they have taken influences from their best songs/styles/albums through the years, added some new ideas and the result is a masterpiece. The tempo, energy, riffs, bass and drums, everything. Truly 16:23 an overwhelming experience of metal joy!!!

I would have to agree Phil. Love your enthusiasm for this album. I'm 58 & an album like this gets me excited & takes me back to those exciting teenage years when everything was new as I was discovering all those great metal/hard rock bands.

I couldn't agree more and Firepower comes in at a close second . I have Priests entire catalogue on vinyl and cd , IMO the last 2 albums are absolute bangers . Great to see Priest and Saxon in 2024 still firing on all eight cylinders . Cheers once again Phil. 😉

You are not wrong sir. A powerhouse album. Amazing work by the band. So greatful.

It’s an absolutely phenomenal album. All killer, no filler in my opinion. I’m legitimately shocked how anthemic, bold and progressive it is. As excellent as Firepower is, I believe they hit the bullseye dead on for the first time since Painkiller.

They absolutely knocked this album out the park like they did with Firepower. This may very well be their best in the discography which seems very unusual to say considering it is their 19th studio album.

Phil The Lodger is written by Robert J Halligan,who wrote Take These Chains & Some Heads Are Gonna Roll on previous Priest albums. Cheers

@seekah1

4 ай бұрын

Some Heads is by far the best of the three.

@chenchen2831

2 ай бұрын

@@seekah1 I prefer Take these chains ;)

It's Priest ... and suddenly I'm a teenager again! It's lovely seeing your emotions and passion for the album especially around the 22:10 mark when the joy/excitement spills over. Great review

I have already listened to Invincible Shield album at least eight times these past few days and I love it more with every listen. I still love Firepower more, but it is still early. Judas Priest is still releasing phenomenal music. Greatest band ever in my opinion.

My for all-time favorite bands are Metallica, Black Sabbath, iron maiden, and Judas priest. And in 2024, I could honestly say that Judas priest by far are still putting out the best material out of those bands.

This album grows and grows . Such a masterpiece of evolution , covering all decades , feeling fresh , updated and creative. I have been a fan since 1980 , seen them 3 times in Norway, and hopefully on Tons Of Rock in June. I love this album . Period . Great review btw ❤

We are very much on the same page here, Phil. I hadn't got a ticket for the tour...but I have today! Can't wait to hear these songs and see them at Leeds on Wednesday.

I couldn't agree more. I tend to be pretty jaded towards new albums from bands I've followed since the 80s (although I always buy them). But this album has filled me with such joy! I'm obsessed with it. I don't even know how they've managed it, but they have. I'm 16 again.

I couldn’t agree more! It could be the very best ever, the weak songs DO NOT feel like filler material unlike almost all the legendary albums. I’m surprised that lots of folks are afraid to express that this one could be better than Painkiller, Screaming… or others. Great review!

100 agreed...I still cant believe my ears....They've done it!!!

Unfortunately, when the "Invincible Shield" meets the "Unstoppable Wife" dragging me out for her birthday meal this evening, even Rob Halford loses... I'll have to catch this later but that's fine, I will still be awake given I can't have a beer being the designated driver also... ho hum.

@nickclarkson7343

4 ай бұрын

🤣

@petecanthropus9947

4 ай бұрын

Please don't have a Panic Attack. Hopefully you'll be able to Escape From Reality.

@felixplaza823

4 ай бұрын

😂😂😂

@user-ur8by7sd2i

8 күн бұрын

One more reason I've never said "I do". I don't. Whoever she thinks she is doesn't either.

I couldn't agree more. When I first heard the whole album I immediately rated it #1 out of their whole discography. It is an amazing album. And by the way, I saw a very young JP open for Zeppelin in Day on the Green in 1977 at age 14! Nobody knew who Judas Priest was then! And to think they put out an album like this in 2024 when I am 60???

I got the CD and I'm experiencing very similar feelings towards the album. I also got the "Turbo" vibes at the beginning of Panic Attack. Also got some strong "Leather Rebel" vibes with As God is my Witness. After 5 times listening to the album in it's entirety I can say this is a monster. Monumental kind of stuff. Bravo!!! 👏🏻👏🏻

I’ve listened through several times already and my mind is still processing this incredible greatness. Halford continues to amaze with his vocals and there really are no words to adequately describe Richie Faulkner and what he’s brought to JP. 👏 A true metal god! The band lineup reads more like a hospital’s triage list. They shouldn’t be getting better, but somehow they are. This literally defies all nature! I can remember people back in the 80’s joking about how they’re gonna sound when they get old. 😂 Well! 🤷🏻‍♂️

Hey Phil! I totally agree with every word of your review. It has already become my second favorite Priest album of all time. Second only to Screaming for Vengeance. My third favorite priest album is Firepower. I think they've released some of the best music of their career on these last two albums.

Got it and I love it! 👌 👌 Great review. There is definitely something special about this album. Not a bad song on it! On about my 6th listen over the weekend!

It really is a five star album, no question. Like you, I had a big grin on my face as I listened through. I kept replaying "Giants in the Sky" , currently my favourite track. I bought the deluxe CD and the Vinyl at my local HMV. Worth every penny! Long live Heavy Metal. God bless Rob and the boys.🎸

I have listen to this album for about 7 times and it still gets better and bettter, i dont know what albums comes out this year but for now invincible shield is the best album of this year by far. I love it!!!!

I'm so glad I took the time to watch some reviews of this album. I inherently agree...it is the best studio album by Judas Priest. I find it difficult to say. I think it is due to 3 major factors: 1: Ritchie has been accepted and adapted to being an official member of Judas Priest. 2. Glen has accepted his condition and has UNLEASHED again. The chemistry between he and The Falcon has become a new metal on the element chart....remarkable. 3. Outside of the Covid farce and Ritchie's conversion to the Hellion, they've been on the road, working. The PRIEST IS BACK!!

What an album 💿 After the success of Firepower, Priest have delivered another milestone. What a masterpiece ❤️🤘🎶🔥

This album is just an absolute Masterpiece!

I’m going to see them in London. Hope they play a lot of the new stuff. That says it all when you really want to hear the new songs live ❤

Masterpiece. The best Judas Priest album of all time. Magnanimous! You have to just love Crown of Horns, As God is my witness, Devil in disguise. These three songs are a Bible sermon.

Great review Phil, your love for music really shines through. I’ll be seeing The Priest next week in Dublin! 🤘

Thanks for the honest review! It's even better than Firepower! The production and sound is just perfect! It's a good mixture of different eras of Priest! Rob's voice is just incredible for a man in his mid 70's! Rob being sober has helped his voice remain strong for sure! Even the bonus tracks are great songs! I love everything about this record! I think JP has surpassed even the mighty Black Sabbath when it comes to metal! Don't get me wrong Black Sabbath is amazing but this is on another level of metal! Metal Gods forever!

I agree with you 100% - Great review! Thank you

I love this album, I got the cd and also downloaded it on iTunes. Vinyl is still in the mail. Anyway, I cannot stop listening to it. I love this album.

Great review Phil! This is a outstanding record especially from a veteran band! Love the bonus tracks along with the title cut Gates of Hell Escape From Reality and Giants in the Sky! Cant go wrong here!

Judas Priest showing Iron Maiden how its done still. I was seriously impressed by this album.

@chenchen2831

2 ай бұрын

it makes me hope Iron Maiden could do the same today. I am sure they can do better than their last albums. Imagine Iron Maiden releasing an album as good as Invicible Shield. This would be fantastic! Otherwise, the last solo album from Bruce Dickinson "the Mandrake project" is excellent. You should give it a try.

I feel the same way! And I can tell that people I say this to think I'm just being a fangirl. But Defenders of the Faith has been my favorite album for 30+ years. I've never claimed that any of the other albums were my favorites when they were just released. I've only ever said that about Invincible Shield. It's like they took all the little things that I've loved the most about the band over the years, and made the ultimate Judas Priest album. I'm almost 47, I've been a fan since I was 14, and I can't believe I'm having the priviledge in 2024 of listening to this absolute masterpiece!

Un disco davvero stupendo, incredibile quello che questi "ragazzi" riescono a produrre ancora oggi. WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gran bella review, grazie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have bought every Judas Priest fan since 1980. My absolute favorite band. They continue to defy Father Time. Not only are they beating the odds they have released a steady run of great albums. Faulkner brought something to the band. They seem so energized. While younger metal bands can’t give us a descent album and rely on their past music Priest gives us amazing new albums.Redeemer of souls and Firepower and now invincible shield! Incredible. I haven’t missed KK at all.I’m a huge Richie Faulkner fan. Glenn is my all time fav Guitarist and Richie is a close second. Firepower and now Invincible Shield honest to god are in my top five only behind Screaming for Vengeance,Defenders,Hell Bent for Leather! Priest Rules. Always has always will!

@rodneybrimer5171

4 ай бұрын

I would be thrilled if they played more new material. I’m not saying do away with the classics but if they played a couple songs from the last two albums🔥

Hello Phil love your channel aswell as your contributions to Pete SoT, your knowledge is amazing. I agree that its a fantastic album, love that you mention you love Turbo too I think its an overhated/underrated album. I don't think this is JP best album but its amazing! Its awesome that bands like Accept, Saxon and JP still make amazing albums.

Like you Phil I bought Sad Wings of Destiny when released. First saw them live at the Top Rank Cardiff on the Stained Class Tour. Invincible Shield is simply incredible.

I’m fairly new to Judas Priest.. i have to say your review is spot on A phenomenal metal head crusher and gets better with each spin Very cohesive playing Halfords voice is just from another universe

Great review. I thought the last album was incredible, top 5 at least. I cannot wait to get into Shield. Your emphasis on metal being uplifting really captures what Priest are about. This is music that makes you want to live life to the fullest.

I'm also one of those who is completely thrilled with this album. I think the band did everything right on this album and I even think it's a little bit better than 'Firepower', which was already pretty strong. If this is Priest's last album (which I hope not) this is an absolutely worthy departure! Both thumps up !

@user-ur8by7sd2i

8 күн бұрын

Rob clearly states he's IMMORTAL on this record. 11. Thou shalt worship at the heavy metal alter of Judas Priest. For the Lord thy God had deemed this rock and roll to be the soul of mankind. Yesterday, today and ROCK FOREVER! The deliverance of goods shall not cease.

This album alone has set a standard that most other metal bands can no longer meet with luke warm releases, sloppy song writing, poor performances etc. And yes, I’m speaking about you Maiden and Bruce Dickinson (I have been a loyal fan since 1984), but this album…THIS album reminds us that greatness sometimes shows itself in a mix of everyday blah metal bands.

Wow, what a start to the year for Heavy Metal fans. First Saxon with Hell, Fire and Damnation and now Judas Priest. 2024 will be written in golden letters...

@Arutha_Con_Doin

4 ай бұрын

Don't forget the new Dickinson solo album

@benedictdonald4338

4 ай бұрын

Both are fantastic and Bruce Dickinson’s new album is the best of the bunch, imo. Looking forward to Accept, too.

@user-sm5qe2vy4c

4 ай бұрын

Don’t forget Bruce Dickinson 😊 2024 top!

@tonymontana-uw1bq

4 ай бұрын

Bruce Dickinson The Mandrake Project

@NormanDoll-rr6lh

4 ай бұрын

Later in the year we should see new ones from HammerFall, Sabaton, and Nightwish as well. 🔥

The title track Invincible Shield is my favorite Judas Priest title track!! I think it should've been the 1st song. I love the how Rob vocals start right after the guitar solo then stop and then start again.

This one SMOKES Firepower! Invincible Shield is the album Firepower should've been! It has twice the energy for one thing!

I'm a massive Maiden & Bruce fan but I can't believe how Priest has pulled this out of the bag at such a late stage. Bruce's new album "The Mandrake project" has some moments but Invisible Shield completely blows it out of the water! What a fantastic surprise! Unbelievable effort..👏👏👏

@Dacre1000

4 ай бұрын

I dont think there is a need to compare them. I loved both for different reasons. It is a glorious thing that we got veterans like Priest, Maiden and Bruce knocking it out of the park in their later years instead of just getting by from past glories.

@martintimmers8008

4 ай бұрын

I think they are both great albums. I think they will both be on the top of my list for album of the year.

I am also a huge Judas Priest fan. I agree, it's their best album with Screaming for Vengeance in my opinion. It's a synthesis of all what is and what has been Judas Priest's sound over the decades. They took everything they did,mixed it altogether and produced a masterpiece. One of the best heavy metal albums ever made, not only in the Judas Priest's catalog.

@user-ur8by7sd2i

8 күн бұрын

I would've said "composite" rather than "synthesis", but you are absolutely correct. Like SlimShady, they reached back in the bag, brah.

So far, I have listened three times,, though I've heard the tracks released early more. So far, I am loving it. I need to listen for a while before trying to rank it. It's already beat Firepower to me. I'll be listening to this album every day for a while.

This review is the best and very insightful.

I’m still listening.. Bought it on Vinyl Today Here in 🇨🇦..The Production is and Sound Is Great!. To be Honest so far I like it a Lot!. Great Review. Thx.

Big Judas week for me! First the new album on vinyl, loved it, then listened to Rob’s biography, then got the new album on deluxe CD, love it even more, and now Phil saying it’s the best he’s ever heard from them!?! Wehey! Cheers from Oslo Phil 😊

Wow please get Rob on the channel Phil 🤘💯

What more can I say? Thanks Phil for this unique album review!

I absolutely loved the new album! It is a masterpiece, it has a bit of everything JP have done in their 50+ years career!

The Album is really incredible

First saw them as a support band, at Leeds Town Hall, supporting Budgie. Then saw them a couple of times as a club Band. Never saw them when they got big. Actually going to see them this coming Wednesday, with Saxon and Uriah Heep as support bands, should be a killer concert.

@ScottyKirk1

4 ай бұрын

Budgie is still an underrated band. Really has a special place in my heart, as they were one of the first hard rock bands I really got into and had to find all their albums! 😅

I'm so happy to hear when musicians are doing reviews. I play guitar myself and absolutely love this album. The guitar playing is outstanding, and also the singing, drumming, bass playing. It's unbelievably great considering the average age of the members. Maybe Painkiller is my favourite. Glenn Tipton must have worked hard on the guitar. The lead work on painkiller title track is immense, it would take me weeks to nail that solo if I ever make it. Ritchie is using an wizard amp on this album. I saw Marshall silver jubilee in the studio also but I'm not sure if it's used on the record. And Glenn is using an Engl Invader. Love Engl!

@user-ur8by7sd2i

8 күн бұрын

They could be using a 30wt Crate and kick ass.

Got this on the weekend, going to listen to it this evening cant wait, i just got the normal cd version

I was at Birmigham Town Hall for the Sin tour in '77. It was great.

It is a fantastic album all the way through, have just finished listening to it. Looking forward to seeing them at the Bournemouth International Centre along with Uriah Heep and Saxon. Great review Phil, fantastic stuff.

@vaevictis_

3 ай бұрын

How was the show?

I have the Target Exclusive version of 'Invincible Shield' and while I think "Giants in the Sky" closes the album better, I'm glad to have the bonus tracks. Before the release, I only heard two tracks from the album. I wasn't a fan of "Panic Attack", but I loved "Crown of Horns"! I went into the album with no expectations and was really impressed overall!

Great album! You need to listen to the entire album to appreciate it all The riffs and drums? Holy Shyte. Congrats Rob!

Good stuff Phil. Got hold of the deluxe CD version yesterday. Love the album. It is as good as anything they have ever done. If this proves to be their final album, they are going out on a high note.

After a several listens I started to think the same thing, but I was worried if it was not a sinful thought :), so thank you very much that I'm not alone, who things that this is their best of the best :)

Invisible Shield is an amazing album and it may be the best from Judas Priest.

Great album Fantastic review, yes I am biased but Rob is the Metal God, so eloquent, doesn't need to curse. I haven't bought Metal Hammer english edition for years but Rob was on the front had to get it. He talks so well again no f bombs talks with passion about music, life meeting Dolly Parton etc. And his love of kittens lol. What a honest guy 🤘🤘🤘💯💯. Loving the album 🤘🤘🤘💯💯💯

Thanks for the review - ordered my copy on the day of issue in Australia - sad that I can't be in the UK for the Tour - seen Judas Priest several times over the years - awesome band, beautiful genre - long live Heavy Metal! 🎸

I've not been a super big Priest fan but this album is pretty epic. Add the age factor, it's legendary. IF this is the last, they are going out like a nuclear bomb.

Gates of Hell is like a newer version of Devils Child in some ways. The whole album is really great.

I saw Priest on the Sin after Sin tour. Been a massive fan since. Priests best album and tour SFV. Invincible Shield is a very good album..

Nice review, thanks. The Mighty Priest \m/!!!

You are very close to my thoughts. I find it hard to really rank in order.... just in bundles of albums. My favorites have always been: tied for #1: Sad Wings, Stained Class, Firepower, British Steel, Screaming / Defenders.... then in the #2 bundle: Painkiller, Killing Machine, Sin After Sin, Redeemer, Angel, Point of Entry..... then the next bundle, Rocka Rolla, Turbo, Ram It Down, Nostradamus... and then a distant last ... the 2 ripper albums. This album instally slotted in with that #1 bundle of favorites.... almost from the first listen. It is quite incredible that Rob/Glenn and now Ritchie can write songs this strong so far into the band's existence. This may end up being my favorite album of 2024.

This was a great album, but said wings of destiny is still my favorite. But I love how Judas priest draws upon a lot of their 1970s sounds and vibes with their new material.

An awesome album. All hail The Priest!

@user-ur8by7sd2i

8 күн бұрын

ALL HAIL THE PRIEST!!! \,,/

I totally agree with all your comments. It's an astounding album. Going to seeing them tomorrow night in Glasgow, I can't wait.

I certainly can understand the ‘growing up with heavy metal’ comment. I, too, can find it predictable having listened to it for decades and these days go for something more unorthodox such as progressive metal. I listened to this album twice in one sitting and was amazed how good it sounded. It still needs to bed itself in so I can’t say at this point if it’s their best album but it’s definitely up there.

Great stuff, thank you 👍

Great and unbiased review!, congratulations! I discovered Judas Priest in the summer of 78 when I was a 12 y.o. teenager and I turned into an ardent fan of them. This new album is absolutely among the very best ones of their entire catalog!!!

The first metal band to release albums 50 years apart, and what a way to do it! Can't wait to see the upcoming Wembley show. Last time I saw them was at Brixton and that was exceptionally good. Really enjoyed your review. I went for the cd, then caved in and got the purple vinyl edition. Favourite albums are (in no particular order) Stained Class, Screaming For Vengeance, Angel of Retribution, Defenders of the Faith...wait...I love 'em all, even Rocka Rolla and the Ripper Owens ones. Every album has something worth discovering.

Excellent review Phil, I love how passionate you are about this album. Amazing how Priest is making music like this in 2024. Long live rock.

I love your stuff on Thin lizzy too.

I absolutely agree with you Phil. Invincible Shield (Deluxe Edition) is Priest’s best album ever. I’d have to say that this one, Firepower, and Painkiller are their three best albums. Redeemer of Souls(Deluxe Edition) would come in at number four and Angel of Retribution number five. Crazy that Priest keeps getting better the older they get. But so does Saxon. Check out Hell, Fire, and Damnation. Cheers!

Great album! Invincible Shield one of their BEST!!!! My personal fave is Sin After Sin, but I also have a special place for Nostradamus!! Yes, I'm the guy that listened to it 524 days in a row when it first came out!! I still pull it out from time to time, and still love it to this day!!

Another great heartfelt review Phil. I concur about the creaking bones, i'm 60 next month and was outside picking up leaves a few days ago, and two hours later I was done. Couldn't move!... Haha 😆😆........So a bit of Metal therapy was required, so I took a Painkiller (see what I did there!) and had a listen to the new JP album. And yeah, it kind of harks back to the 'Ram It Down/Painkiller' period. I first saw the boys on the 'Point Of Entry' tour back in '81 and I'm going to see them again next Sunday in Bournemouth. It will be the 6th time I've seen them. Keep the great reviews coming Phil 👍

This album compared ro Firepower is what Screaming For Vengeance was to Point Of Entry or Stained Class was to Sin After Sin - yes its that fn good 🤘

Hi Phil i bought the full works cds ,picture discs cassette etc vinyls. So happy you approached it this one Phil ,such a professional presentation ❤❤❤ Thank you so much

Spot on, Phil.

I agree 100%! I would also like to hear this album live from beginning to end! I don't care if they don't play Painkiller, Riding on the Wind, The Sentinel or any other masterpiece of the past, that I love. This is a masterpiece of the present and it deserves to be played live!!!

Hi Phil your vid came up on my feed what a fantastic review. A fan since 85 I saw them a good a few years ago in Dublin for the first time. I will never forget Painkiller live, me and my mates jaw dropped when we heard it live, probably the best metal song ive heard live ever. But man Panic Attack is amazing, I have not bought the album yet but looking forward to it, I will be seeing them with Saxon who released another amazing album with Uriah Heep in Dublin next friday, cant wait and feel like a kid again, Im now 54. Hail the metal gods and the metal god and the mighty Saxon...🤘

You saw them in 77? Wow! That would have been cool. That was the year I was born, and Sin after Sin, Stained Class, Killing machine and Painkiller are my favorite JP albums.

The first album i bought from Priest was Stained Class . I was 15 years old , and man did that album spin on my turntable for a loooong time! After that i got hold of Sad Wings of Destiny , and thouse two albums are my all time favourites by Priest . Remember back in 86 we had to drive for 5 hours too se Priest here in Norway on the Turbo tour ! Felt like they was trying more and more to be accepted for the american market? Just like Saxon did about the time Crusader was released . BUT this Invincible Shield is flying the flag of true true heavy metal . Really love it , and is a real masterpiece!!!!🤩

And forever really comes into play.

Loving this new album💗 & love your show.😎

this is definitely my favourite album of theirs since screaming for vengeance and i can't even say that screaming for vengeance and sad wings of destiny are better musically, i just like them more because they were my introduction. priest have released an album 50 years after their first where i would without any doubt point anyone who wants to get into priest directly to this album. senjutsu was my introduction to iron maiden when i was 18 and i love it to death still. i know that this album is gonna do the same for future priest fans!

Great review Phil, cant wait for my CD to arrive.

Hi Phil, I really enjoyed the obvious love you have for Priest’s music and the positive vibes and energy in your review- so much so that you have yourself a new subscriber! I’m not the full book on more recent Priest but I have to say the new album is an absolute knockout. I have tickets for their upcoming show in London and I’m really excited about it!