by John Kindred
– Publisher —
“Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose,” usually translated as — “the more things change, the more they stay the same,” — Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr.
Now that’s hitting the nail right on the head. Judas Priest, much like Iron Maiden, is a constant in this inevitable world of change. The taste and flavors of Metal change year after year, and except for that one time when Rob Halford left the band and then came back … Priest has maintained a consistent level of growing, maturing and delivering powerful and metallic Metal.
It ain’t quite quitting time for the band yet. Nope. No way. Hammering out an existence since 1969, the group has maintained, persevered and carried on.
Halford, Tipton, Hill, Travis, and Faulkner have returned as one of the reigning champions of Metal with the group’s 18th studio album. A tour-de-force of Metal, Firepower does exactly as the name implies and delivers fourteen blistering tracks to assault your senses. After all these years Judas Priest shows no let-up, these new compositions are as strong as the band’s classic tracks from days gone by.
Impressively Halford’s voice has aged extremely well, his bite still rips into you with its ferocity like the old days. The dual-edged axe attack of Tipton and Faulkner are as sharp as ever. Travis’ drumming still maintains its intense double bass hammering while Hill’s low-end rumble emphasizes the bottom end.
With a run time of nearly an hour, Firepower is quite powerful, there is an energy that begins with the first song, the album’s title track, and carries on until the second to last song “Lone Wolf.” And finally ends with opus “Sea of Red” which begins tranquility as and builds to an epic crescendo. This energy has a youthful vibe that is a call to strength and confidence. The music is direct, delivers on queue and is in your face.
Utilizing the talent of producer’s Tom Allom (worked on classic Priest albums) and Andy Sneap (known for his modern Metal production) the duo provide Priest with the best of both worlds combining the majestic power of the old days with all the grandiose of the new.
Honestly, there is no reason to listen to modern day Judas Priest Metal clones, stick to the originators as they are still delivering the goods.
Genre: NWOBHM, Heavy Metal
Band:
Rob Halford – vocals
Glenn Tipton – guitars
Richie Faulkner – guitars
Ian Hill – bass
Scott Travis – drums
Track Listing:
1. “Firepower” 3:27
2. “Lightning Strike” 3:29
3. “Evil Never Dies” 4:23
4. “Never the Heroes” 4:23
5. “Necromancer” 3:33
6. “Children of the Sun” 4:00
7. “Guardians” (Instrumental) 1:06
8. “Rising from Ruins” 5:23
9. “Flame Thrower” 4:34
10. “Spectre” 4:24
11. “Traitors Gate” 5:43
12. “No Surrender” 2:54
13. “Lone Wolf” 5:09
14. “Sea of Red” 5:51
Label: Epic
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(9.5 / 10)
Fantastic album, gonna be on many best of 2018 lists!!