Judas Priest
Coast Observer
(Hard Rock Casino, Biloxi MS)
By: Scott Keller
Photography: Canonblue Lalley
They are heavy metal icons, widely considered one of the defining bands of the genre and idolized by both hardcore metalheads and casual listeners across the world. Boasting 45 million album sales and a career spanning more than four decades, they rose to prominence with hits such as "Breaking the Law," "Living After Midnight" and the crushing "Painkiller." In 2015, Judas Priest are back on the road touring on their newest album, 2014's Redeemer of Souls, and they are bringing the fire and leather to the Hard Rock in Biloxi.
We had the opportunity to speak with frontman Rob Halford about what is happening with Judas Priest these days, and what we can expect on July 11th.
The last time Priest came through the Hard Rock a few years ago, it was on what many fans believed was their farewell tour. "I believe the farewell tour was a bit of a misstep on our part," Halford said with a chuckle, going on to explain that the band soon realized that they weren't finished yet. They remained inspired to create music and tour, even if not as often as in previous years. "We had such a great time," he said of the previous tour. "We connected to the fans... we had such an inspiration... and what you see now is a regeneration of Judas Priest." Listening to Redeemer of Souls should be proof enough of this inspiration. The album is fresh and heavy as ever, chock full of sinister guitar riffs and Halford's unmistakable operatic vocal style. The intro track "Dragonaut" opens with an ominous thunderclap, building just enough tension before the guitars kick in and the song blasts straight into an adrenaline-charged hellride that encompasses both the spirit of classic metal and the mastery that comes with decades of experience, all with the power of modern production. The rest of the album follows suit and is a fantastic listen, having even been well received by the notoriously hard-to-please crowd of internet-posting metalheads. Every fan should hear and/or get their hands on this album.
The band is known for putting on amazing live performances. Though they frequently incorporate theatrical elements such as pyro, projection screens and stage props to bring stunning visuals to their metal assault, Halford again chalks it up to the fans as the most important element of a killer show. "It's about the reconnection." Priest comes at their fans full force, commanding the stage and holding nothing back. Whether you are seeing them for the first time or tenth, when you are dealing with one of the players who helped invent the game, It's a connection that can't be missed.
As a true music lover, Halford has also done a bit of work outside of Judas Priest over the years including solo projects and guest appearances. In 2013 he notably lent his vocals to the Five Finger Death Punch single "Lift Me Up," and performed live with the band. It turns out that he is a fan of newer rock and metal music and doesn't buy into the notion that the genre has run its course. "It just doesn't make sense to me," he says. "Yeah it's changed..." but not "the heart of it... the enthusiasm."
As far as heart and enthusiasm go, Judas Priest has plenty of it to spread around. They are doing what they love and loving what they do, and they'll be doing it big for us on the 11th. This is one you really don't want to miss. As far as what's next? Well, Halford says we may just be seeing yet another Judas Priest album, so keep an eye out!