Firepower is a polished and punchy recording, showcasing the likes of Andy Sneap on the album’s production helping this tried and true recipe sound modern, despite the fact that these guys have been doing this well for years. Considering the timelessness of Rob Halford’s now ageing vocal chords and the expected tear and wear that come from endless live shows and recording sessions (not to mention the documented substance/alcohol abuse that plagued some of our greats in their hey-day) his vocals have stood up year after year. Judas Priest’s front man still maintains an unrivalled vocal dexterity for a man simply ‘doing the rounds’ since forming this pioneering act forty-nine years ago.
Noticeably, is Halford’s (slightly) lower register, saving his signature high’s for fleeting moments throughout the album, creating nostalgic impressions of the band’s golden years without straining his 67 year old vocal chords to a point of cringe worthy, half-baked falsetto. It matters little that Judas Priest lose a small element of their signature sound, focusing on sheer quality of sound than holding onto lost dreams, but Halford’s soaring vocals are only one part of the Priest soundscape. Dual screaming guitars punch riffs through the speakers, ready to smack their listener in the ear. Licks and riffs aplenty bounce off emotive war cries and easily audible bass grooves. Judas is both new and old, revelling in a bombastic display of all the typical traits that helped define Judas Priest as exactly that: Judas [fucking] Priest.
At times it’s easy to forget that Priest’s members are heading towards (or are in) their smooth 70’s. Their music is well practised, fresh and has enough punch to rival any upcoming band with their faux leather jackets and pimple sores. Firepower has enough gusto to blow most modern bands’ releases out of the water, before immolating them with their flamethrowers. Sure, there are some flaws to the band’s eighteenth studio effort, but it’s hardly worth bringing up the change in the vocal range and the fact that Judas Priest simply going through the motions, is exactly that. Overall, Firepower is best thing Judas Priest has slapped their name on in fifteen years, and as unlikely as it may be we all pray to Judas that there’ll be at least five more before Halford and co. retire to their rocking chairs and “old man” stories.
Noticeably, is Halford’s (slightly) lower register, saving his signature high’s for fleeting moments throughout the album, creating nostalgic impressions of the band’s golden years without straining his 67 year old vocal chords to a point of cringe worthy, half-baked falsetto. It matters little that Judas Priest lose a small element of their signature sound, focusing on sheer quality of sound than holding onto lost dreams, but Halford’s soaring vocals are only one part of the Priest soundscape. Dual screaming guitars punch riffs through the speakers, ready to smack their listener in the ear. Licks and riffs aplenty bounce off emotive war cries and easily audible bass grooves. Judas is both new and old, revelling in a bombastic display of all the typical traits that helped define Judas Priest as exactly that: Judas [fucking] Priest.
At times it’s easy to forget that Priest’s members are heading towards (or are in) their smooth 70’s. Their music is well practised, fresh and has enough punch to rival any upcoming band with their faux leather jackets and pimple sores. Firepower has enough gusto to blow most modern bands’ releases out of the water, before immolating them with their flamethrowers. Sure, there are some flaws to the band’s eighteenth studio effort, but it’s hardly worth bringing up the change in the vocal range and the fact that Judas Priest simply going through the motions, is exactly that. Overall, Firepower is best thing Judas Priest has slapped their name on in fifteen years, and as unlikely as it may be we all pray to Judas that there’ll be at least five more before Halford and co. retire to their rocking chairs and “old man” stories.