CD REVIEW: REDEEMER OF SOULS by JUDAS PRIEST

REDEEMER OF SOULS by Judas Priest
(Epic Records)

There are only a small number of bands that have accomplished what Judas Priest has throughout their career. The mighty Priest in 2014 is comprised of  Rob Halford on vocals, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis. The "Metal Gods" are back with their latest offering, 'Redeemer of Souls.' Judas Priest do not reinvent their sound on the new album. They simply give us a molten slab of the rock we banged our heads against back in the days of , 'Hell Bent For Leather', 'British Steel', 'Screaming For Vengeance' and to more recent outings like, 'Painkiller' and 'Angel Of Retribution'. Each track begs for the volume to be cranked up just a little more to the right and the momentum builds throughout. Highlights are the opener, "Dragonaut", the title track, "Sword of Damocles", "Down In Flames" and "Battle Cry", all of the songs being very solid. Rob Halford's vocals are finely tuned and there are plenty of his demon growls and signature high-pitched screams; dueling axes from new addition Richie Faulkner and Glen Tipton have great chemistry.  Ian Hill is steady as ever on bass. Scott Travis' drumming is monstrous! I was pleasantly surprised with the new album. The album has plenty of aggression, optimism and energy. Any fan of Judas Priest or Halford's solo material owes it to him/her self to get this this album.  Bottom line, 'Redeemer of Souls' is a must have for Priest fans. This is an album designed to both delight the faithful and to introduce metal's new listeners (the kids) to the timeless sound of an old classic heavy metal band in top form. Old school metal is back! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine