Prepare to Meet Your Doom with Judas Priest’s ‘Invincible Shield’ | Album Review

Legendary British heavy metal band Judas Priest released their nineteenth studio album, Invincible Shield, on March 8, 2024. The album was announced on October 7, 2023 during their performance at the Power Trip Festival in Indio, California. The lineup, which remains the same, consists of Rob Halford on lead vocals, Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner on guitars, Ian Hill on bass guitar, and Scott Travis on drums. Andy Sneap was brought in to produce the album, once again. 

It’s hard to say how much Tipton actually played on the album, given his battle with Parkinson’s disease. But either way, he sounds fantastic on Invincible Shield! Also, I think it’s sweet that the band still included him in the recording process, proving that he’s more than just a band member to them. He’s basically family. But, enough of that sentimental stuff, let’s get on with the music!

I’m just going to say it, I don’t like the first single, “Panic Attack.” In fact, I think it’s the worst song on the album. The chorus is so basic and the video game guitar intro is annoying. However, once you get past that nonsense, the album takes off like a rocket ship! “The Serpent and the King” has Halford shrieking up a storm, Travis is going berserk on the drums, and the chorus has a nice groove. “Invincible Shield” should be added to the list of greatest title tracks of all time. It’s intense, ferocious, and has a memorable chorus. 

The album isn’t all in-your-face, though. “Gates of Hell” is a melodic, mid-paced, fist-pumping anthem with a sing-along chorus. It sounds like it would’ve made a great fit for British Steel (1980). “Crown of Horns” is the most radio-friendly, laid-back, and commercial sounding track on the album. However, I think it’s fantastic, especially with the guitar melodies. Best of all, Halford gets a break from screaming at the top of his lungs.

“Escape from Reality” is moody, suspenseful, and has a doom metal vibe to it. The album closer, not including the three bonus tracks, “Giants in the Sky,” is my favorite song on the album. It’s a tribute to all the greats that are rock ‘n’ roll and heavy metal heaven. “Giants in the Sky” is very melodic and tasteful, especially with the Spanish acoustic guitar break past the halfway point. It’s another fist-pumping anthem that brings everyone together for the love of heavy metal.

I have the Target exclusive version with the three bonus tracks and while I think “Giants in the Sky” closes the album better, I’m glad to have the bonus tracks. “Fight of Your Life” is insanely groovy and “The Lodger” tells an intriguing story about a man out for revenge.

The guitar work on Invincible Shield is incredible, which Sneap’s production highlights really well. Halford’s vocals sound amazing, and this dude is in his 70s. However, in my humble opinion, Travis is the real unsung hero of this album. Depending on the song, he can either provide a simple beat for the laid-back rockers or go full-on beast mode with the double kick drum for the speed metal bangers. His technique really shaped Judas Priest’s sound for the better; he’s been doing that ever since Painkiller (1990). I’m not going to compare Invincible Shield to Firepower (2018) because that would be unfair and wrong, but I really dig this new album, for sure! Overall, I’ll give it 4.1 out of 5.0 stars.

Album Tracklist

1. Panic Attack

2. The Serpent and the King

3. Invincible Shield 

4. Devil in Disguise

5. Gates of Hell

6. Crown of Horns

7. As God Is My Witness

8. Trial by Fire

9. Escape from Reality

10. Sons of Thunder

11. Giants in the Sky

12. Fight of Your Life (bonus track)

13. Vicious Circle (bonus track)

14. The Lodger (bonus track)

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Take care and see ya real soon!

Lana