A
Anonymous
Guest
Forostar said:
Don't forget this one. Not necessarily my favourite, but a big name still.
Forostar
Ancient Mariner
Yes I noticed that too, Perun. I haven't heard their music yet, but I surely know the brothers from Sepultura and their new album has some raving reviews. Need to check it out, beforehand.
From the JP site:
Think ‘Double vinyl, gatefold sleeve concept album,’ and some of rock’s all-time classic recordings come to mind. But in the realm of heavy metal, there has never been a double vinyl (now disc!) concept album that has managed to balance a thought-provoking storyline with metallic thunder. That was, until now. Metal legends JUDAS PRIEST will be releasing their sprawling double disc concept album, ‘Nostradamus’ via Columbia Records on Monday, June 16th in the UK/Europe, and a day later in the US on Epic Records.
Long in the works, ‘Nostradamus’ takes epic storytelling to a whole new level, as it recounts the life of this mysterious, world-known 16th Century French prophet. Some of the events that Nostradamus experts have interpreted as his predictions include the great fire of London in 1666, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and most recently, 9-11, among countless other renowned events.
“As in any concept piece, the lifeline needs to be of a solid source, taking the music over many levels of interest and perception,” points out singer Rob Halford. “Nostradamus’ contains new frontiers explored and defined. The sense of adventure and the journey we undertook bringing the man’s life alive with metal was a real labour of love.”
As with all new Priest releases, the group - singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis - will embark on a mammoth worldwide tour in support of ‘Nostradamus.’ Priest will be performing at the 2008 Download Festival - on a bill also featuring Kiss - which will serve as a ‘homecoming’ of sorts for the group, as they performed at the first-ever ‘Monsters of Rock Festival’ at Donington Park in 1980.
Since 1974, Judas Priest has been one of heavy metal’s most successful bands, issuing such all-time classic albums as 1980’s ‘British Steel,’ 1982’s ‘Screaming for Vengeance,’ and 1990’s ‘Painkiller,’ and such arena-rocking anthems as “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” However, Priest’s influence goes far beyond their music - they were the first metal band to embrace the ‘leather biker look,’ a fashion that has since become synonymous with the musical genre. Additionally, Halford’s powerful four-and-a-half octave vocal range and the twin guitar harmonies of Downing and Tipton have been ‘studied’ by countless metal bands in Priest’s wake.
“The 'Nostradamus' album - above all others - is perhaps the one I'm most proud of,” says Tipton. “Whilst in essence and character still very much Judas Priest, it has afforded the opportunity to explore areas of classical and operatic dimensions that the band normally wouldn't. As a guitarist and writer it has inspired me to greater heights and opened new doors to intrigue and passion. From start to finish, it will take you through a magical experience filled with light, shade, drama, melody and emotion that reflects this unique man and his life.”
“For me, ‘Nostradamus’ has been a musical journey without comparison,” adds Downing. “The intrigue and mystery that surrounds this revered man has expanded my perception of heavy metal to the highest plateau and enabled me to reach the outer limits of my imagination and transport unique feelings and emotions to the instrument that allows me to express myself.”
In addition to the regular jewel case double CD version of the album, collectors will undoubtedly be interested in hunting down a copy of a Deluxe Double CD housed in a 48 page hardbound book package. But that’s not all - a Super Deluxe Box-set version will also be available with triple vinyl, the double CD, an expanded booklet & a poster.
Most bands of this high stature would be happy to play it safe. But not Judas Priest, who continue to take chances and break new ground. No other rock band could have pulled off such a grand statement, and Judas Priest have raised the bar once more with ‘Nostradamus.’
As to why they chose to make a concept album about Nostradamus, Tipton explains: “We didn't - he chose us. We feel it was meant to be!”
-----------
Haha, that last sentence I find rather funny!
From the JP site:
Think ‘Double vinyl, gatefold sleeve concept album,’ and some of rock’s all-time classic recordings come to mind. But in the realm of heavy metal, there has never been a double vinyl (now disc!) concept album that has managed to balance a thought-provoking storyline with metallic thunder. That was, until now. Metal legends JUDAS PRIEST will be releasing their sprawling double disc concept album, ‘Nostradamus’ via Columbia Records on Monday, June 16th in the UK/Europe, and a day later in the US on Epic Records.
Long in the works, ‘Nostradamus’ takes epic storytelling to a whole new level, as it recounts the life of this mysterious, world-known 16th Century French prophet. Some of the events that Nostradamus experts have interpreted as his predictions include the great fire of London in 1666, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and most recently, 9-11, among countless other renowned events.
“As in any concept piece, the lifeline needs to be of a solid source, taking the music over many levels of interest and perception,” points out singer Rob Halford. “Nostradamus’ contains new frontiers explored and defined. The sense of adventure and the journey we undertook bringing the man’s life alive with metal was a real labour of love.”
As with all new Priest releases, the group - singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis - will embark on a mammoth worldwide tour in support of ‘Nostradamus.’ Priest will be performing at the 2008 Download Festival - on a bill also featuring Kiss - which will serve as a ‘homecoming’ of sorts for the group, as they performed at the first-ever ‘Monsters of Rock Festival’ at Donington Park in 1980.
Since 1974, Judas Priest has been one of heavy metal’s most successful bands, issuing such all-time classic albums as 1980’s ‘British Steel,’ 1982’s ‘Screaming for Vengeance,’ and 1990’s ‘Painkiller,’ and such arena-rocking anthems as “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” However, Priest’s influence goes far beyond their music - they were the first metal band to embrace the ‘leather biker look,’ a fashion that has since become synonymous with the musical genre. Additionally, Halford’s powerful four-and-a-half octave vocal range and the twin guitar harmonies of Downing and Tipton have been ‘studied’ by countless metal bands in Priest’s wake.
“The 'Nostradamus' album - above all others - is perhaps the one I'm most proud of,” says Tipton. “Whilst in essence and character still very much Judas Priest, it has afforded the opportunity to explore areas of classical and operatic dimensions that the band normally wouldn't. As a guitarist and writer it has inspired me to greater heights and opened new doors to intrigue and passion. From start to finish, it will take you through a magical experience filled with light, shade, drama, melody and emotion that reflects this unique man and his life.”
“For me, ‘Nostradamus’ has been a musical journey without comparison,” adds Downing. “The intrigue and mystery that surrounds this revered man has expanded my perception of heavy metal to the highest plateau and enabled me to reach the outer limits of my imagination and transport unique feelings and emotions to the instrument that allows me to express myself.”
In addition to the regular jewel case double CD version of the album, collectors will undoubtedly be interested in hunting down a copy of a Deluxe Double CD housed in a 48 page hardbound book package. But that’s not all - a Super Deluxe Box-set version will also be available with triple vinyl, the double CD, an expanded booklet & a poster.
Most bands of this high stature would be happy to play it safe. But not Judas Priest, who continue to take chances and break new ground. No other rock band could have pulled off such a grand statement, and Judas Priest have raised the bar once more with ‘Nostradamus.’
As to why they chose to make a concept album about Nostradamus, Tipton explains: “We didn't - he chose us. We feel it was meant to be!”
-----------
Haha, that last sentence I find rather funny!
Dr. Eddies Wingman
Brighter than thousand_suns
Forostar said:Artwork by Mark Wilkinson
Tracklist:
TRACKLISTING:
04. Revelations
05. The Four Horsemen
Holy crap, are we back in 1983 here?
Forostar
Ancient Mariner
FMQB Productions is currently hosting a reduced-quality Real Audio file containing the first single from the forthcoming album. Check out the song
Visions
— which was premiered on last night's (Friday, May 2) edition of the "Friday Night Rocks" radio show on New York's Q104.3 FM — by clicking on the play button below. (Note: You must have Real Player installed in order to play/see the file.)
The single is expected to impact "Rock" and "Active Rock" radio on May 13.
Visions
— which was premiered on last night's (Friday, May 2) edition of the "Friday Night Rocks" radio show on New York's Q104.3 FM — by clicking on the play button below. (Note: You must have Real Player installed in order to play/see the file.)
The single is expected to impact "Rock" and "Active Rock" radio on May 13.
Mmm...Donuts
Trooper
Visions has another great Rob performance, and while the arrangement if typical priest, the music kicks ass! 
I have big hope for Nostradamus .
I have big hope for Nostradamus .
Dr. Eddies Wingman
Brighter than thousand_suns
Ordered tickets yesterday for my first Priest concert, wohoo! They are headlining a one-day festival in Trondheim with the other acts including two big Norwegian bands; the prog metal band Pagan's Mind and black metallers Immortal, as well as a couple of other bands. Personally, I'm not a big fan of BM, so I'm looking most forward to Priest and Pagan's Mind.
Glory2Hypnotoad
Trooper
Most of Nostradamus has recently leaked onto youtube. Some very impressive stuff so far, almost sounds like a completely different band. So far I'd say the standout track are Revelations and Death.
Invader
Ancient Mariner
Sorry for double post, but this needed a new post. I just got back from Priest's first gig of their tour. Here are some comments. WARNING: HEAVY SPOILERS, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Judas Priest are definitely a very good live band and sound both heavier and better live than on record. However, Rob Halford is not a very good frontman, and loses to many frontmen of bands I have seen live. The band's playing was also a bit sloppy, and especially the guitar solos were sadly butchered on more than one occasion. This seemed more common with KK than with Glen, but this may be a biased observation as I saw KK better than Glen from my spot and so paid more attention to his solos.
They also had a great stage.
They started the set with
The setlist was, approximately in this order (about 90% accuracy I'd guess):
The crowd gave a mixed reception, though I generally shared their mood. The Nostradamus songs weren't that amazing, and the second one was downright boring. However, they went absolutely crazy during
. I screamed my voice hoarse and probably many others did too.
Highlights of the setlist were pretty much everything except the Nostradamus songs. My only complaint is that
Judas Priest are definitely a very good live band and sound both heavier and better live than on record. However, Rob Halford is not a very good frontman, and loses to many frontmen of bands I have seen live. The band's playing was also a bit sloppy, and especially the guitar solos were sadly butchered on more than one occasion. This seemed more common with KK than with Glen, but this may be a biased observation as I saw KK better than Glen from my spot and so paid more attention to his solos.
They also had a great stage.
The drums were mounted on a very high stand, and under this was an actual elevator. They used this elevator to bring a motorbike on stage during the encore. During that scene Halford was wearing more leather than the whole audience together. 
But then again, the song was Hell Bent for Leather.
But then again, the song was Hell Bent for Leather.They started the set with
a song from their upcoming album, Nostradamus. I thought this was a bad choice as an opener, since the audience didn't know it at all and therefore the beginning was a bit lame on the audience's part. Halford's entrance was great, though; there was another elevator to the right and when the rest of the band started playing he suddenly shot through the floor onto the highest platform. He was also dressed in a silver (yes, silver as in shiny silver) robe and carried a staff with the Judas Priest cross. I thought it was pretty cool, but some of the audience didn't agree with me.
The setlist was, approximately in this order (about 90% accuracy I'd guess):
Nostradamus song
Metal Gods
Eat Me Alive
Between the Hammer and the Anvil
Devil's Child
Breaking the Law
Hell Patrol
Nostradamus song
Dissident Aggressor
Angel
The Hellion/Electric Eye
Rock Hard, Ride Free
Sinner
Painkiller
---
Hell Bent for Leather
The Green Manalishi
You Got Another Thing Coming
Metal Gods
Eat Me Alive
Between the Hammer and the Anvil
Devil's Child
Breaking the Law
Hell Patrol
Nostradamus song
Dissident Aggressor
Angel
The Hellion/Electric Eye
Rock Hard, Ride Free
Sinner
Painkiller
---
Hell Bent for Leather
The Green Manalishi
You Got Another Thing Coming
The crowd gave a mixed reception, though I generally shared their mood. The Nostradamus songs weren't that amazing, and the second one was downright boring. However, they went absolutely crazy during
Breaking the Law and the like
Highlights of the setlist were pretty much everything except the Nostradamus songs. My only complaint is that
they DID NOT PLAY UNITED! Angel is a good ballad, but United would have been a better one.
Forostar
Ancient Mariner
Waiting for two favourite bands for such a long time is too much for me. I just took a peek at the setlist and I surely do not regret it.
This is the setlist from yesterday's opening gig of the tour:
BIG RESPECT to Judas Priest, to come up with these surprising choices!
I never thought I'd ever see the following very rare Priest tracks in my life, some of them were never played before. The third one I mention might even be my favourite Priest track of the 80s, and the second one contains some of the coolest Priest guitar solos and riffs (at least in the studio version) they have ever done!:
Also excellent that they're playing
again!
I'm really over the moon by this setlist!
@Invader: In 2004 @ Arrow Rock (NL) I was lucky that Halford was in good shape. Here a short clip from Painkiller, recorded by my wife. I thought that was a fantastic moment.
Hearing various bootlegs from that tour his voice was pretty bad. I'm aware of the rest of his performance, but when his voice "works" and when we get such a setlist, this should be a fantastic gig!
I have to admit that I do not know the new material yet, but it can't be the worst stuff ever.
Looking forward to it as hell, I'm curious if the setlist will stay like this!
This is the setlist from yesterday's opening gig of the tour:
01. Intro: Dawn of Creation
02. Prophecy
03. Metal Gods
04. Eat Me Alive
05. Between the Hammer and the Anvil
06. Devil's Child
07. Breaking the Law
08. Hell Patrol
09. Death
10. Dissident Aggressor
11. Angel
12. The Hellion / Electric Eye
13. Rock Hard, Ride Free
14. Sinner
15. Painkiller
---------------
16. Hell Bent for Leather
17. The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)
18. You've Got Another Thing Coming
02. Prophecy
03. Metal Gods
04. Eat Me Alive
05. Between the Hammer and the Anvil
06. Devil's Child
07. Breaking the Law
08. Hell Patrol
09. Death
10. Dissident Aggressor
11. Angel
12. The Hellion / Electric Eye
13. Rock Hard, Ride Free
14. Sinner
15. Painkiller
---------------
16. Hell Bent for Leather
17. The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)
18. You've Got Another Thing Coming
BIG RESPECT to Judas Priest, to come up with these surprising choices!
I never thought I'd ever see the following very rare Priest tracks in my life, some of them were never played before. The third one I mention might even be my favourite Priest track of the 80s, and the second one contains some of the coolest Priest guitar solos and riffs (at least in the studio version) they have ever done!:
Hell Patrol (I don't think they ever played it)
Between The Hammer & The Anvil (Only played during the Painkiller tour)
Rock Hard Ride Free (Only played in 1984)
Dissident Aggressor (I don't think they ever played it)
Between The Hammer & The Anvil (Only played during the Painkiller tour)
Rock Hard Ride Free (Only played in 1984)
Dissident Aggressor (I don't think they ever played it)
Also excellent that they're playing
Sinner
I'm really over the moon by this setlist!
@Invader: In 2004 @ Arrow Rock (NL) I was lucky that Halford was in good shape. Here a short clip from Painkiller, recorded by my wife. I thought that was a fantastic moment.
Hearing various bootlegs from that tour his voice was pretty bad. I'm aware of the rest of his performance, but when his voice "works" and when we get such a setlist, this should be a fantastic gig!
I have to admit that I do not know the new material yet, but it can't be the worst stuff ever.
Looking forward to it as hell, I'm curious if the setlist will stay like this!
Cosmiceddie
Back From The Edge
The setlist really looks good to me. However, I can't imagine Halford being able to manage
properly, can you?
'Devil's Child'
Invader
Ancient Mariner
I was also quite happy with the unusual setlist, though I wouldn't have minded a "greatest hits" setlist either. It was the first time I saw the band live, so
would have been quite welcome. I was really happy to hear
though.
And I screwed up a bit with the setlist earlier, I somehow ended up
Living After Midnight, Screaming for Vengeance, United, and Night Crawler
Between the Hammer and the Anvil, Rock Hard, Ride Free, and Angel
And I screwed up a bit with the setlist earlier, I somehow ended up
duplicating the two Nostradamus songs. In reality there were two, not four! 
Cosmiceddie
Back From The Edge
I'm terribly glad to see them play
,one of my favs, in fact!
'Angel'
Forostar
Ancient Mariner
Cosmiceddie said:
Most songs are actually very tough and contain very high vocals, esp.
Dissident Aggressor and Sinner
Invader said:
What I find quite remarkable is that this might be the first time that they do not play the first one you just mentioned (comparable with Maiden not playing e.g. NOTB, FOTD or RTTH!)
Invader said:And I screwed up a bit with the setlist earlier, I somehow ended upduplicating the two Nostradamus songs. In reality there were two, not four!
Well, that might mean they were too long (boring) for you
Invader
Ancient Mariner
Which we won't be seeing anytime soon, though I'm not complaining since I would really love to hear all those at my first Maiden gig. Well, maybe I could give up Number of the Beast though.
Well, maybe I could give up Number of the Beast though.The first one was quite a good song, but it was in my opinion a bad decision to open the gig (and tour!) with it when the audience couldn't have experienced the album beforehand. A classic along the vein of The Hellion/Electric Eye would have worked better, or then Priest should have released the album earlier. The audience was really pumped up by the time Priest hit the stage. There was almost continually chanting and clapping and in that way it was probably the most "unified" audience I've seen so far in a gig. Then Priest entered, and a strange new song was playing. It sort of let the audience down and I could hear some people actively swearing, eg. "is this how you fucking start a world tour?". The song would have been good if it had been in the middle of the set, but it didn't serve as an opener for a pumped-up audience.
And I'll just repeat: I'm not against new songs starting the tour and usually I think it's a good idea. But this time it wasn't only a new song, but it was an unfamiliar song. That sort of ruined it. Fortunately, they were able to come back by kicking straight into Metal Gods without a pause.
And I'll just repeat: I'm not against new songs starting the tour and usually I think it's a good idea. But this time it wasn't only a new song, but it was an unfamiliar song. That sort of ruined it. Fortunately, they were able to come back by kicking straight into Metal Gods without a pause.
And to be honest, I wasn't that worried about Halford's voice, it went well mostly except during the highest parts. A bigger letdown for me were Glenn's and KK's solos, which had quite many mistakes.
Some Youtube videos (none are mine):