Judas Priest returns with what could possibly be their last album, and if it is, what a way to put the icing on the cake! Invincible Shield destroys from start to finish. Back in 2018, the band released Firepower which was hailed as a serious return to form. Great album, no doubt. Now that Invincible Shield is a fact, Firepower feels like an album that laid foundations for what was to come.
The songs are great, full of energy, melodic hooks, and incredible lead breaks. Halford sings as if he was in his 20s all over again. Perfect performances from everyone involved. The songs are credited to Tipton, Halford, and Faulkner. While Tipton/Halford formula was already well established, it’s Faulkner’s contributions that bring his youthful thunder into the equation. Even if you can’t pinpoint what he’s specifically written, you know it’s there. The album is very well balanced. Also, there are moments where that sensitive side of Priest comes out, and it's absolutely great to experience that once again.
There are lot of songs that echo the past, yet they are clearly grounded in the present day. Judas Priest has a lot to compete with, namely its own classic catalogue. Invincible Shield shows a strong sense of belonging into that catalogue, can clearly be considered a late career classic. Invincible Shield, elevates (once again) Judas Priest into the heavy metal elite. It’s an explosive album filled with tracks that have classics written all over them.
Mark Kadzielawa
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