JUDAS PRIEST – FIREPOWER ALBUM REVIEW
JUDAS PRIEST – OFFICIAL WEB SITE
JUDAS PRIEST – OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE
JUDAS PRIEST OFFICIAL TWITTER ACCOUNT
JUDAS PRIEST OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT
REVIEW BY – CHARLES FLORIO – check out Charles’ JP tattoo!!!!!

There’s no introduction needed when it comes to the mighty Judas Priest. Other than Black Sabbath, Judas Priest is arguably the most important and influential metal band on the planet. The band’s trademark dual guitar attack and their signature vocals expanded the genre beyond their NWOBHM label and ultimately created what would become the Power Metal scene. Judas Priest does not have to be everyone’s favorite metal band, but it is safe to say that, if you don’t at the very least like Judas Priest, then you are NOT a metal fan… pack up your dusty CD’s and put them on E-Bay, delete your copied mp3s, and take a long walk off a short pier. Judas Priest are a truly mandatory metal band.

 

Now onto Firepower, the band’s eighteenth release. It’s a great one, indeed… the band’s strongest release in decades and their best since Painkiller. To create this solid of an album at this admittedly twilight point of their career is a truly remarkable accomplishment. The production team of Andy Sneap and Tom Allom did a great job producing this CD. (I feel their guidance, suggestions, and talent were very important with the outcome of this CD. More on Andy later…)

 

Halford’s vocals are strong, a product of his inherent talent, unquestionable hard work, and a collection of wisely developed vocal lines that make the most of what Rob himself can still accomplish. The guitars kick ass- the solo work of Richie Faulkner and Glenn as well as the decisive rhythm section of Scott Travis and Ian Hill drop the hammer down in big time fashion. Stand out songs like Lightning Strikes, Traitors Gate, Evil Never Dies, Specter, Rising From Ruins and No Surrender all have the genuine feel of a younger band hitting their stride… great stuff indeed. The whole package- from the sleek artwork, the rock solid, bright production, and the rest of the songs that successfully complete Firepower make this a truly enjoyable listen.

 

I already mentioned the importance of Andy Sneap and Tom Allom, but their contributions deserve more attention. The announcement that Glenn Tipton would retire from touring due to Parkinson’s disease was a gut punch to the fans who love him and put the band’s future in doubt. As I enjoy Firepower I cannot help but wonder, what if Andy wasn’t involved in this project? Who would they have turned to when Glenn’s illness forced him to make the announcement he had known for so long would someday be required? Judas Priest’s world tour was already planned and announced, promotions were already underway and tickets were selling. The ramifications of cancelling those dates would have been devastating to all involved and would be a heartbreaking disappointment to fans. There are rumors that Andy in fact re-recorded many if not all of Glenn’s tracks. If this is true, then it is apparent from the results that Andy was the only logical choice. Glenn made the call and Andy accepted. If Glenn can still write and continues to be inspired and present song ideas, then we can only hope that the mighty Priest can go on to record and tour again if they choose to do so. We have to be honest with ourselves… the band’s age is the primary factor when it comes to the band’s future. If this is their final release, Judas Priest went out All Guns Blazing, Riding On the Wind of positive and unrelenting Firepower. Get this release, sit back and enjoy it… because Firepower is a great ride… a ride that we all enjoy, but must inevitably end someday.

4 out of 5