Invincible Shield

4.50

PICKMETER

4.87

HMB

4.46

CRITICS

band:

Judas Priest

release date: Mar 08, 2024

label: Sony Music

type: Full-length

HMB´S REVIEW

This year Judas Priest wants to show us that it is more relevant today than ever, reminding us of that band from the 80s that made us feel invincible. Impressive musical arrangements, an aggressive and euphoric sound, impeccable mastering, a musical pleasure for every metal lover who today receives this pleasant surprise from Judas Priest. The album opens the doors to us with “Panic Attack”, a good starter. Perhaps for some, it may seem like a generic theme, however, I would say that it is a song that aims to make us pay attention to the songs to come, the composition is reserved to burst our ears with a virtuoso guitar solo based on arpeggios and a tremendous shout of those that only Mr. and Master Halford knows how to give us. As I have mentioned, this previous piece was only to open the doors of this excellent album; the coming compositions are, without any exaggeration, entrancing. Weight changes, and rhythmic and harmonic modulations such as the one that goes to the impressive guitar solo from “Invincible Shield”, the song that gives the album its title. The guitar solo is divided into two sections, a first melodic section and a second more rhythmic and aggressive section. The drums are, in the same way, a great strong point of the album, how they direct the rhythm, not only of the drums but also of the guitar and bass, is a work to be appreciated. The song that breaks the scheme presented is “Crown Of Horns”, with a more meditative appearance, a piece that deserves our attention to see a different face in the band.

The weakest point of the album is the lyrics. There are a couple of songs that change the subject in the middle and make it so that in the end you don't know what they wanted to say. However, it must be recognized that there are also songs with a more precise lyrical meaning, with richer poetry. I highly recommend recognizing that aspect of the album, “As God is My Witness” when they say “When Minds Collide- War of the worlds - Speaking in tongues of the Unholy”, It is a very expressive poetic resource. In general, the lyrics are more at the service of the music than vice versa, it is not necessarily a bad thing, but a fact to consider. The album generally has very catchy choruses. To summarize, Judas Priest reminds us with great intensity of their compositional abilities, creating excellent arrangements that enjoy extensive musical resources, and also with pieces that constantly contrast between the melodic and lyrical and the virtuoso and aggressive, which makes it an auditory pleasure that captures your attention song after song. Experience and teamwork did their part on this album.

Review by Troadie - HMB´s Staff