Being at the top of any field for over fifty years and still generating the same excitement as on the first day is admirable. Judas Priest has managed to do just that for heavy metal, and with their album “Invincible Shield” released on March 6, 2024, they continue to show us they still have it. For many, including myself, seeing these guys as the Metal Gods is undeniable. At 70 years old, they released “Firepower” in 2018, and now with “Invincible Shield,” they show us that age is just a number. It’s clear they are still very much alive and kicking for heavy metal music. Let’s dive into their nineteenth studio album, “Invincible Shield.”

The first single and opening track of the album, “Panic Attack,” released in October 2023, sets a solid entrance that gives us a taste of what’s to come. The song starts with an intense sound, a smooth guitar solo, and quickly transforms into a chorus delivered with Rob Halford’s signature deep wails, transporting listeners back to the ’80s. Halford, at 72, still delivers a jaw-droppingly youthful performance.

The second track, “The Serpent and the King,” presents stronger drums and deeper vocals compared to the first song.

Our third track, the title track “Invincible Shield,” with its anthemic and uplifting chorus, is a masterclass in heavy metal. It borders on power metal but offers a rich sound.

“Devil in Disguise” and “Gates of Hell” provide catchy riffs and fun segments, though they don’t quite reach the level of the first three songs in terms of material.

In the sixth track, “Crown of Horns,” we definitely hear a powerful ballad with an impressive chorus, but it still remains average overall.

The seventh track, “As God is My Witness,” has a power metal/speed metal feel that hits us hard. It gives drummer Scott Travis extra space to showcase his skills.

“Trial By Fire,” my second favorite song on the album after “Panic Attack,” was the second single released. They released it with a lyric video, which I recommend watching.

As expected, Ian Hill’s bass work remains solid and consistent. Hearing the prominent, gloomy yet effective bass in the ninth track, “Escape From Reality,” was a special treat for me.

The tenth track, “Sons of Thunder,” adopts a different approach, clearly influenced by rock and roll. The extended solos and the harmonious blend of various voices in the chorus suggest this song will be a joy to experience live. It has a perfect arrangement for live interaction between the band and the audience.

“Giants in the Sky” transitions between heavy and soft passages. An acoustic guitar solo gives the song an unexpectedly bohemian vibe amidst Halford’s growls, captivating me completely. The lyrics pay tribute to two heavy metal legends who are no longer with us, Ronnie James Dio and Lemmy.

In contrast, “Fight for Your Life” uses a more traditional formula, keeping listeners engaged with Halford’s vocals, guitar solos, and powerful drums.

The last two songs, “Vicious Circle” and “The Lodger,” complement each other with contrasting soundscapes. “Vicious Circle” energizes the listener with prominent guitars throughout, while “The Lodger” evokes a more somber atmosphere with smooth guitar rhythms and Halford’s deep, mysterious vocals in the chorus.

The conclusion we can draw from this album is that Rob Halford is a metal miracle. At 72, still hitting those high notes like during the Painkiller era is nothing short of miraculous. Glenn Tipton and the band’s younger member Richie Faulkner continue to work like a riff factory, delivering us the sweet fruits of heavy metal.

Despite the health issues the band has faced, their decision to produce a vibrant, powerful album rather than slow down is a testament to their passion for music and dedication to their fans. This metal legend will meet their fans on July 24, 2024, in Istanbul at Parkorman. As someone who has never been to a Judas Priest concert, I am eagerly waiting to take my place at this show.