Photos and Review by Max Stewart
Heavy metal used to be a lot of fun. Live shows were a tribal and cathartic experiences. Somewhere along the line, modern metal took a dark turn (not necessarily in a good, ‘rock ‘n’ roll’-type way) and the shows became subdued with little crowd interaction.
Judas Priest is a prime example of a band that are part of the founding fathers of heavy metal that still embrace the fun of the live show and all still perform at the highest level after performing for over 50 years (!). As one of the formative British metal bands who paved the way for so many in the genre, Judas Priest are kings of the counsel at the high-table of metal. What makes them so special is the consistent quality of output from Sad Wings of Destiny (1976), Killing Machine (1978), British Steel (1980), Painkiller (1990), Firepower (2018), and in March the band released their 19th studio album, Invincible Shield.
As the band took the stage, fellow British metal pioneers Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” blared from the speakers and the crowd sang in high anticipation. The band emerged in full formation surrounding the drum kit as a large curtain fell to the ground for their thrashing new tune “Panic Attack”. Fist pumps and good times ensued for the next two hours.
One thing that immediately was apparent is that singer Rob Halford‘s voice has held up and is even thriving at 73. That is nearly unheard of for singers that have the range and push it to the limit like Halford. Original bassist Ian Hill is still holding it down alongside drummer Scott Travis (since 1989) for a thunderous rhythm section. Guitarists Richie Faulkner and touring guitarists / latest album producer Andy Sneap (who tours in place of Glenn Tipton who no longer tours due to Parkinson’s disease) are a perfect pairing for guitar nerds who want their faces melted off on a Saturday night.
In addition to some of the standards that not-surprisingly were fan-favorites and got the audience singing (“Breaking the Law”, “Living After Midnight”, “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming”), the songs off the latest album held up just as well as any within their catalog, including “Invincible Shield” and “Crown of Horns”. One of my personal favorite performances of the night was the full throttle “Painkiller”, kicked off with the tenacious double kick drums of Travis. When Halford came out on his motorcycle for “Hell Bent for Leather”, it was another classic live staple of a band that leans into the fun aspect of a heavy metal show.
Overall, you never really know what to expect when seeing a band in their veteran years. With all honesty, this show completely exceeded expectations and proved that Judas Priest are still the good-timing kings of metal.
Judas Priest Setlist – Ameris Bank Amphitheater, Alpharetta, GA – 5/11/24:
“Panic Attack”
“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'”
“Rapid Fire”
“Breaking the Law”
“Lightning Strike”
“Love Bites”
“Devil’s Child”
“Saints in Hell”
“Crown of Horns”
“Sinner”
“Turbo Lover”
“Invincible Shield”
“Victim of Changes”
“The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)” (Fleetwood Mac cover) (preceded by Rob chanting with the crowd)
“Painkiller”
Encore:
“Electric Eye”
“Hell Bent for Leather” (with Rob riding a motorcycle on stage)
“Living After Midnight”
