Judas Priest - Redeemer Of Souls Review

Band: Judas Priest
Album: Redeemer of Souls
Label: Epic Columbia
Genre: Heavy Metal
Country: England
Release Date: 14th July 2014

Who would have thought that the loss of a founding member and songwriter would actually turn out to be a good thing for Judas Priest. When KK Downing announced his depearture from the band (oddly at the beginning of the "farewell" tour) many, including yours truly, thought that the band was done - it felt like the tour really would be an "Epitaph" for one of Metal's most popular and revered acts. Enter new guitarist, Ritchie Faulkner - who, incidentally hadn't even reached his first birthday when the classic 'British Steel' album was released. After 40 years, it seems as if a new and exciting young guitarist was just what the band needed to rekindle the spark that has been missing for too long and to reignite the passion and energy which had been lacking from the last few releases. So, with a new lineup in place, Priest entered the studio to begin the recording of album number 17.

After what has felt like an eternity - but was actually just 3 years - said album, 'Redeemer Of Souls' is finally upon us and I am very pleased to announce that, not only is it far better than anything I could have expected following the disappointing 'Angel Of Retribution' and the flaccid 'Nostradamus', but it is actually a genuine, lead-weight Metal classic. I did everything I could not to be swept along by the hype that has been forthcoming from the band  in the media, but despite myself, I found myself positively buzzing with excitement over this album. Somehow it seemed like this might finally be the one that every Priest fan had been waiting for since Rob's return to the band. It may have taken just over a decade, but as the old adage goes "better late than never".

Style-wise, 'Redeemer...' is a potent blend of 'British Steel' and 'Painkiller', but with hints of the early days, the Ripper-era and Rob's solo material making their presence felt. This is without a doubt the strongest collection of songs from the band since the aforementioned 'Painkiller', but with the variation and timeless feel of the late '70's / early '80's material. Simply put, this is classic Judas Priest, reinvented and re(de)fined for the modern era. 

Although the production job is clean and crisp and emphasises the (as always) flawless lead guitar work, it does feel a little flatter than I'd have hoped for and whereas I'm happy to hear Rob on fine form (in the studio, at least), the bass and drums are unfortunately a little lost in the mix and are lacking in power. This little gripe aside - and in the grand scheme, it is a minor issue - this is a great Heavy Metal record for the ages and one that could hold its own if it was to be played back to back along with anything from Priest's impressive back catalogue. 

This is the record I wanted to hear back in 2003 and this band of hoary old veterans have finally delivered the goods. Sorry Hell, but Judas Priest have regained their crown as the best pure Heavy Metal band on the planet and in doing so have really upped the ante. It's been said before, but this time it can actually be said with all sincerity...The Priest is back!

Total Playing Time: 61:32

Overall: 10/10

Tracklist:

Dragonaut
Redeemer Of Souls
Halls Of Valhalla
Sword Of Damocles
March Of The Damned
Down In Flames
Hell And Back
Cold Blooded
Metalizer
Crossfire
Secrets Of The Dead
Battle Cry
Beginning Of The End