Old timers are tough and Judas Priest doesn't want to throw in the towel anymore. The farewell tour is already 8 years behind us and the band is back with an 18th album, "Firepower". With "Redeemer Of Souls", the British legend had made a good impression, delivering a heavy quality but not without some length. The contribution of Richie Faulkner having been a blessing, it remains to hope that the rejuvenation cure lasts.
The album sees the return behind the console of Tom Allom 30 years after "Ram It Down", helped by Andy Sneap. Judas Priest makes another nod to their past with a tribute cover to "Screaming For Vengeance". The record is very rich, 14 tracks for almost an hour but has been cleverly built like on a vinyl, with an interlude as a side change.
And the least we can say is that the first part starts strong. Judas Priest has placed some missiles that stick to the seat. With 'Firepower' and 'Lightning Strike', he proves that he is gifted when it comes to heavy metal with riffs and solos as we like them. Rob Halford is at the top of his art and goes high without doing too much. The old-fashioned production avoids the modern pitfalls. But this part is not only pure heavy metal. With 'Never The Heroes' the band signs a catchy track worthy of the "Turbo" era. Finally stands out a short and heavy 'Necromancer' with a remarkable chorus and burning soli.
The second part is also rich and the band refuses the easy way with talent. 'Guardians' leads delicately to a melodic and catchy 'Rising From The Sun' carried by a Halford who gives the shiver with his very pure, powerful but not forced vocals. With 'Spectre' Judas Priest gives us a track of which he has the secret with a remarkable entrance riff, a more composed vocal worthy of the 70's and a breathtaking instrumental part. And it is not finished. 'Lone Wolf' with its heavier tone worthy of a Black Label Society is a success while 'Traitors Gate' scotches us by its epic force and its raw power. 'Sea Of Red' ends the record in a beautiful way. From its 70's ballad-like beginning to its rise in power, it is full of feeling and allows Rob Halford to offer a high-flying performance, between emotion and epic power.
With "Firepower", Judas Priest shows that, like their friends of Saxon, they are still able to release high class albums full of strong moments. Between heavy and catchy melodies, the album is a perfect melting pot of the best of a legend at the top of his art.