Here’s to the end of the long-suffered wait for fresh JUDAS PRIEST. As the Gods of heavy metal had promised, it seems the forthcoming record will be a classic example of the genre which PRIEST defined. The true fan must be elated to be transported back in time, into 1984 – not that of Orwell, but the larger-than-life times of Screaming For Vengeance, heavy metal’s quintessence.

Redeemer Of Souls makes a similar promise. Here’s one exclusive instance where „epic“ isn’t a cliche: the inevitable chant „Redeemer, redeemer of souls!“ is backed with exquisiteness. It’s an instance where „old“ and „new“ collide and ease-out into the classicism of metal’s forefathers who are happily still present, 40 years later, with the whole vividness and authority of their prime, and with the polish of time to add.

Besides the happy symbolism of 14-7-14, when the same-titled album will be released, the date can’t be a coincidence. Like David Lynch in a documentary, we start the countdown to the extraordinary event.

Vive!

Diana Chavdarova