Judas Priest Bring the ‘Firepower’ on Blazing New Song
Judas Priest have returned with another new offering, sharing the title track from Firepower, their 18th studio album.
Over 40 years into their career, the Priest sound as molten as ever. "With weapons drawn we claim the future / Invincible to every storm / Bring in the foe to be defeated / To pulverize from dusk 'til dawn," sings Rob Halford across the opening moments, seemingly describing the scorching, metallic figure that graces the record's cover.
It's rhythmically-dominated with a giddy midtempo riff, shifting away from the motif for a hyper-melodic twin lead break after the second chorus, imbuing a sense of Iron Maiden, if only for a moment. Intensifying throughout the song's duration, Halford's familiar mid-range grit gradually works into his higher register, demonstrating that even at 66 years old, he's still every bit the self-proclaimed Metal God.
There's nods to some classic Priest sounds on "Firepower," especially with a couple rolling of the Rs which Halford used to great effect all across Painkiller. It's a subtle touch, but adds a fun dynamic to the track and during our interview (seen below), the singer told us that producer Tom Allom was behind that move.
Firepower comes out March 9 and pre-orders are available here. Priest will support the album on a North American tour starting March 13 with Saxon and Black Star Riders on as the support acts and you can check out the full list of stops here.
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Judas Priest Talk Firepower Title Track + "Lightning Strike"