Judas Priest Begins Work on New Album Following “Invincible Shield”

Recording Progress and Musical Direction

In a recent interview with Spain’s Metal Journal, Ian Hill, the bassist of iconic heavy metal band Judas Priest, confirmed that the band has started working on the follow-up to their upcoming album, “Invincible Shield,” set for release in 2024. Hill shared that the majority of the music has been completed, stating, “We’ve done most of the music, or all the backing tracks anyway; we’ve got them down.” He added that there might be one more song to finish, but overall, the backing tracks are ready.

Hill mentioned that the band members have been collaborating in Phoenix, working on vocals with lead singer Rob Halford. “He’s in the process of putting the vocals down,” he noted, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to bring this new material to life.

Musical Style and Influences

When discussing the musical direction of the new material, Hill indicated that it would have a slightly different style compared to “Invincible Shield.” He described it as “a little bit more traditional, maybe a little bit quirky with some of the things.” While he has only heard the tracks in their raw form—consisting primarily of guitar, bass, and drums—he expressed optimism about the album’s potential, calling it “shaping up to be a great classic PRIEST album” expected to release around March or April of next year.

Clarifying his earlier comments about the album’s traditional sound, Hill stated, “No, not that traditional. [Laughs] It’s more along the lines of ‘Invincible Shield’, but a lot more direct, shall I say.”

The Future of Judas Priest

During the interview, Hill was also asked about the future of Judas Priest and the possibility of continuing with new members if he and Halford decided to step back. He affirmed, “There’s no reason why not,” recalling the band’s history of lineup changes over the years. “We’ve already got through about six or seven drummers, four guitarists, and two vocalists. So, why not?” he remarked, suggesting that the band’s legacy could continue even if the founding members were no longer active.

Hill also reflected on how long he thinks he can continue recording and touring. He stated, “If the performance starts to suffer, it’s time to start thinking about [hanging it up]. So as long as we’re able to give that 100% — I’m talking personally here — yeah, we’ll carry on.” He highlighted that the enjoyment of playing and camaraderie within the band outweighs the challenges of travel, which he admitted can become tedious after prolonged periods.

Recording Sessions and Collaboration

In a separate update, guitarist Richie Faulkner shared insights into the recording sessions for the new album. He revealed that the band gathered in February near Nashville to lay down the foundational drum tracks, a process different from their previous album due to COVID-19 restrictions. “We got the drums done, we’ve got the bass done, we’ve got the guitars done,” Faulkner explained, expressing excitement about the project’s progress.

Upcoming Releases and Performances

In addition to the new album, fans can look forward to “The Best Of Judas Priest,” a career-spanning collection set for release on June 19 via Sony Music. This compilation celebrates the band’s significant impact on heavy metal over the past five decades, with over 50 million albums sold worldwide and billions of streams across their discography.

Judas Priest will also continue touring across Europe this summer, with notable performances scheduled, including a festival appearance at Bloodstock Open Air in the U.K. on August 9 and a headline show at Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith on September 21.

Documentary and Legacy

Earlier this year, an in-depth documentary titled “The Ballad Of Judas Priest” premiered at the Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival. Directed by Tom Morello and Sam Dunn, the documentary provides a fascinating insight into the band’s extensive career and will be released later this year.

Today, Judas Priest’s lineup features Rob Halford, Ian Hill, Richie Faulkner, Andy Sneap, and Scott Travis, continuing to make their mark in the heavy metal landscape. Despite Glenn Tipton’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease, the band has successfully adapted and evolved, showcasing their resilience and dedication to their fans.

Conclusion

As Judas Priest embarks on this new chapter with their upcoming album, the band’s commitment to pushing musical boundaries while honoring their legacy continues to shine. With a blend of new influences and traditional elements, fans can eagerly anticipate what the metal legends have in store for them next.

FAQs

When will the new Judas Priest album be released?

The new album is expected to be released around March or April of next year.

What is the musical direction of the new album?

Ian Hill described the new material as more traditional and quirky, while still being in line with “Invincible Shield,” but more direct.

Will Judas Priest continue after Ian Hill and Rob Halford retire?

Ian Hill believes the band could continue with new members, just as they have in the past with various lineup changes.

What upcoming performances does Judas Priest have scheduled?

The band will be touring in Europe this summer, with performances at Bloodstock Open Air and a headline show at Eventim Apollo in September.

Is there a documentary about Judas Priest?

Yes, “The Ballad Of Judas Priest” premiered earlier this year and provides a detailed look at the band’s career.