After six years so finally new songs the alleged Metal-Grandpa. And (in the deluxe edition) equal to 18 thereof. Faulkner gives the troops a boost creativity and shines with intelligent riffs and solos. As for Rob Halford - are plagued by extreme back problems exceptional singer in recent years repeatedly cause for concern (partly he even drove through the area in a wheelchair), it sounds to "Redeemer of Souls" all the more vital and alive.
Is directly apparent in the crisp opener "Akagi". Although we endeavor immediately all Metal clichés, but at least he rocks officially and offers everything expected from Priest. "Father of Sin, I'll drag you all in". More remains to be said.
The first single "Redeemer of Souls" is by comparison quite harmless, therefore, the double bass rolls a little too discreetly. The chorus gets stuck quite light really does not, however, want the number. Is mainly due to getting used to sound. Although produced by modern standards sounds the entire plate thin and toothless. The drums rattle without any pressure in the background and remain strangely without identity, Ian Hill's bass is barely audible and the guitar work penned without air to breathe, almost streamlined. Regrettably, even almost a fiasco. In this way, taking the soul compositions. Sounds like music that was put together on the computer, without ever a real person played an instrument. Damn shame, that.
After all the pieces themselves are largely convincing, albeit mostly of the traditional melodic (power) metal borrowed textbook. For example, the mythology anthem "Halls of Valhalla". If you can hide the text again cliche dripping (Manowar had its bright joy), this shows the number of brachialste CD. Has a lot of power in the ass and a fat chorus. That's the way it has to be.
Also "Sword of Damocles" has succeeded. The guitars sway back and forth in time, the hook is ultra true and Halford sings like in his best days. This extraordinary mixture of melancholy, anger and self-confidence only gets it back. The Metal God stands in a row with the big as Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan and Bruce Dickinson. Expression and technology paired with emotion and character - here heard one of the most compelling metal voices ever. Even with nearly 63 still a guarantee for highest quality.
In comparatively simple Stampfer "March of the Damned" presents itself as a nasal Halford Ozzy clone. Not spectacular, works well live better. Casualties can here on the one hand a horde of zombies, or even their own fans be that band together for a concert. Um, yeah. Almost bordering on lyrical helplessness.
Before it is too simple, can "Down in Flames" listen up. Pretty old-reef at the Hard Rock style and an extremely dynamic chorus. A real gem that you want to hear over and over again. It works as a start the LP now only really at.
"Hell & Back" provides namely then ramming heavy metal with a good dose of drama - classic trademarks that finally now come full advantage. In addition, the solo stands out.
"Cold Blooded" starts with dreamy guitar-glassy and then develops into a pathetic hymn in Sile from "Out in the Cold" or "A Touch of Evil". In the meantime, the pace is even properly tightened. Like me incredibly well. Here shines the whole band. Highly emotional and gripping. At least now likely also non-fans can use the fascination of these troops understand.
"Metalizer" provides quantitative usual power food. Staccato whipping and screaming Halford. Seems a bit forced and fake.
The bluesy "Crossfire" is also not a masterpiece, but is easily as an album track.
"Secrets of the Dead" turns out to be slightly hypnotic epic with an oriental touch. With atmosphere this band knows very well. A wonderful solo on top and a spoken word part - impressive!
Who until then the hardness is something to come shortly, which is well served with "Battle Cry". Wild Reef and a sweat-inducing chorus - will come on stage to best advantage. The incredibly stupid war heroes text produced in me nothing but uncomprehending shake of the head. Gentlemen, this really does not have to be now. Clear should not be sung about Halma legendary victories or Mikado exploits the metal. But this one track is then too uncritically. Not like that!
After all, compensated the final ballad "Beginning of the end" for everything. I as Priest-interested people but not necessarily find fan has always been that Rob Halford's voice can best achieve their full splendor in the quieter moments. And as she does here! Deeply saddened, optimistic and at the same time torn - such bandwidth gets back only this unique singer. For me one of the best songs of the year. Comes almost to the higher genius "Angel" (2005) approach. Moving.
The five bonus tracks of the Deluxe Edition have actually all did not fit into the context of the regular album. But when stringent EP they are best suited. No rejections, but consistently strong material. Especially the punchy hard rock number "Snakebite" has it done to me. The ballad "Never forget" makes one last time for an eye-opening experience. Judas Priest Say goodbye to here about forever? The line "We thank you for it all - we will never forget" leaves little scope in this regard. Perhaps it is indeed time, so slow to say goodbye. After all, one has reconciled the fans something back to the much-criticized (but in my opinion immensely powerful) concept album "Nostradamus" with "Redeemer of Souls".
The interviews on YouTube make it clear that the band wanted to write a classic metal album and that's it succeeded. Some sounds a little too confident and to Schema F, the overall impression but gets quite positive. However, the high-tech, soulless sound robs many titles her charisma and most of the lyrics are crude spasm. Provides you the varied guitar work, Halfords surprisingly good vocal performance and the good cover against, you get to earn three stars at the end. The master stroke is different, however many the whole had expected much worse before. Rob Halford (vocals), Glenn Tipton (guitar), Richie Faulkner (guitar), Ian Hill (bass) and Scott Travis (drums) bring the best out of themselves. Result: A medium magnificent album with some highlights. That's for a band of this caliber and age quite a compliment.
