Review Summary: All killer, no filler
The recent resurgence of metal bands decades into their careers is almost astonishing, but it does seem like the worse society gets the better the heavy music does. However, it’s exceptionally surprising when it comes to Judas Priest, who with
Invincible Shield have officially released records in each of the last six decades. As expectable for a career making its push towards 70 years, the Priest lineup has shifted numerous times. Bassist Ian Hill is the last truly original member from 1969, even mainstays Rob Halford and Glenn Tipton didn’t join until a few years into the 70s.
It’s understandable to attribute a lot of this energy to second guitarist Richie Faulkner, who is the most fresh-faced member at only 44 and just joined the band in 2011. That doesn’t explain quite explain away how Halford, almost three decades Faulkner’s senior, doesn’t show his age whatsoever. His distinct operatic tenor pierces through the wired web of riffs, carrying twelve straight belters directly into the hellmouth. It’s undeniably catchy, you’ll lose track of how many songs are stuck in your head at once. One of the rare few records that has you re-reading the track list just to be sure you didn’t miss a weak spot.
Perhaps the most amazing part of
Invincible Shield may also be its critical weakness. To paraphrase an old metal review cliche, it doesn’t stop and it doesn’t slow down. There are no power ballads or somber songs anywhere, every track from top to bottom is sent fully forward like the NWOBHM started yesterday. It’s easy enough to tell them apart, Halford is sure to howl the title multiple times. Full disclosure,
Invincible Shield won’t win any Pulitzers for lyrical poetry, but neither does it ever really encroach upon full cringe. Of course that can all be countered with, “Is that really what you come to Judas Priest for?” and…probably not. These are songs for driving 75 mph down a curve in a country road, for pumping yourself up before a job interview or the gym. Judas Priest don’t fool themselves and that freedom to go buck-wild and have fun is apparent all across the record.
It’s hard to call
Invincible Shield the culmination of 55 years of heavy metal, even though it’s tempting to put in on that pedestal. Despite keeping up a steady gallop til the end, the record is a whopping 64 minutes long. It definitely feels like the band built up the absolute best, most powerhouse songs they could and bundled them into a cannonball. It really does come down to taste whether there’s something to complain about there, because Judas Priest are already a mile down the road with the top down.
