Firepower is the latest release for veteran British heavy metallers Judas Priest. The album is overflowing with riffs that sound fresh and new while at the same time maintaining the classic style the band is famous for. Rob Halford’s voice continues to improve with time and is as captivating as always.
The first song “Firepower” begins with a vintage guitar riff and within the first 30 seconds of the song, Rob Halford unleashes his legendary scream sending chills down the spine of the most hardened metalheads. “Lightning Strike” finds the band locking into a groove that will make your body move whether you want it to or not. The guitars of Glen Tipton and Richie Falkner working together to drive the song.
“Never The Hero” is powered by one of the simplest but most effective underlying riffs with bass player Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis synchronising together to provide the hypnotic backbeat for the song. Rob’s vocals provide the melodic chorus that will have you singing along. “Guardians” is a short instrumental but provides the perfect intro for my favourite song on the album “Rising From Ruin.” If you are looking for a song to lift your mood this is the one. Lyrically it contains a positive message but if positive lyrics are not enough for you the guitar solos in this song will definitely be enough to make you smile.
“Flame Thrower” sees the band channel some classic Priest. The band locking in into the riff with Rob giving us some of his trademark screams. “Traitors Gate” sees Rob deliver a more aggressive vocal with another great riff song driven along by the pounding rhythm section. “No Surrender” continues with the riff-laden theme in this album as does “Lone Wolf”. The acoustic start to the final song on the album “Sea of Red” shows the versatility of Glen and Ritchie while it gives Rob chance to show the quality of his voice. The song builds to its powerful crescendo with the band showing the power of well-written lyrics that match the feeling of the song.
For Judas Priest to be still around and making music for as long as they have is in itself a credit to the band but to still be around and producing some of the best music of their career is an amazing achievement. The band is firing on cylinders on this album and have produced something that is essential listening for any Judas Priest fan.
