Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
At The Back => Time Out => Topic started by: gwEm on April 22, 2008, 06:23:56 PM
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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!”
To get a taste of what awaits for you within ‘Nostradamus,’ go to livenation.com/judaspriest Monday, April 21st to download exclusive free mp3 of the album’s title track, as well as view the world premiere of the album cover art.
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i have high high high hopes for this album. also the world tour with testament, motorhead and heaven and hell looks good.
title track here: http://www.epicrecords.com/judaspriest/ not bad stuff!! (a bit too power metal for my taste, but still ROCKS!!)
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The track is basically a rework/recycle of Nightcrawler, but it's definitely Priest thru and thru and I really like the song.
Here's to hoping it's a filler-free album!
Edit: for the record, a double-disc is not anything like a double album of yore, if they are full CDs. It is more like FOUR ALBUMS worth of material.
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“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.”
“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.”
Yeah, I can just hear them saying all that :lol: . What an absolute load of pretentious old bollocks.
But it won't stop me buying the "Deluxe Double CD housed in a 48 page hardbound book package".
I just hope it's all music and no silly spoken bits like Operation Mindcrime.
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What an absolute load of pretentious old bollocks
:lol:
i still can't believe the only UK date is at download. i want to sweat my arse off in the mosh pit at hammersmith, the forum or some other appropriate metaaaaal venue.
PRIEST PRIEST PRIEST PRIEST PRIEST!!
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What an absolute load of pretentious old bollocks
:lol:
i still can't believe the only UK date is at download. i want to sweat my arse off in the mosh pit at hammersmith, the forum or some other appropriate metaaaaal venue.
PRIEST PRIEST PRIEST PRIEST PRIEST!!
I bet that will happen in early next year - just like it did before for Angel of Retribution.
Could this double album be as epic as the sprawling "Loch Ness" on Angel of Retribution (joking)
I still love the Resurection CD that Halford did as a solo artist
Did anyone else see Halford's gig where there was Halford, Geoff Tate (Queensryche) and Bruce Dickinson all singing together.
It was like a Heavy Metal version of the "Three Tenors"
I just hope it's all music and no silly spoken bits like Operation Mindcrime.
Oh Philly - how can you say such a thing. Mindcrime is a masterpiece!
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I just hope it's all music and no silly spoken bits like Operation Mindcrime.
Oh Philly - how can you say such a thing. Mindcrime is a masterpiece!
It is indeed. Apart from the bloody spoken bits, which are utter bobbins.
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*Was the 4000th odd to listen to the new track*
OH YES! I love the new track and I can't wait for the new album, they're coming here in '09 apparently.
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I grew up on a steady diet of Priest, but that's just 100% tap - totally naff imo. Not a patch on their classic work.
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i have high high high hopes for this album. also the world tour with testament, motorhead and heaven and hell looks good.
title track here: http://www.epicrecords.com/judaspriest/ not bad stuff!! (a bit too power metal for my taste, but still ROCKS!!)
Horrible intro.. When it got into it I thought it was ok at first but got really boring quickly. Dont think I'll be buying this one :?
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I like the track, but I have to admit the lyrics made me chuckle. They explore “the intrigue and mystery that surrounds this revered man” with about as much depth and insight as Ra-Ra-Rasputin by Boney M.
But then I’ve always thought Priest had a bit of a comedy factor, even when I first heard them 30-odd years ago. Something to do with all the studs and leather I think… :|
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I was waiting for the immense Priest riffage after the intro, but it never happened!
Just some generic riffs which didn't impress me.
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i want to sweat my arse off in the mosh pit
Moshing to Priest? Tisk, Tisk! Not to be heard of! Moshing to Priest is like headbanging to Madonna :shock:
Can't wait for this world tour! I have been waiting to see these guys forever! :o
EDIT: that album cover is hallarious :roll:; yeah, the song isn't up to usual Priest snuff...and the tone is pretty horrendous, it just seems badly produced :?
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i want to sweat my arse off in the mosh pit
Moshing to Priest? Tisk, Tisk! Not to be heard of! Moshing to Priest is like headbanging to Madonna :shock:
/quote]
Hell no!
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i want to sweat my arse off in the mosh pit
Moshing to Priest? Tisk, Tisk! Not to be heard of! Moshing to Priest is like headbanging to Madonna :shock:
Hell no!
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i want to sweat my arse off in the mosh pit
Moshing to Priest? Tisk, Tisk! Not to be heard of! Moshing to Priest is like headbanging to Madonna :shock:
Hell no!
Hell no to moshing to Priest? or Hell no to Headbanging to Madonna? Its lose lose either way i tell you! :P
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Well, that track sounds better than the last album to me... It'll probably be utter tosh, but I'll be getting it!
I know I come across as a blueser on here, but...
I was a big, BIG Judas Priest fan years back. Second gig I ever went to, Bristol, on the British Steel tour (with Iron Maiden supporting - I thought they were a pile of...! But the Priest was AMAZING). I was right at Glenn Tipton's feet, he gave me one of his white "Glenn Tipton, Judas Priest" plectrums, sigh, the memories...
When the reunion was brewing a few years back, I got very excited for a middle-aged bloke. I was even on the Judas Priest forum (that was a scary place!!) waiting for it all to happen.... Album came out - it was OK. Missus's favourite track... Loch Ness!! (she does like listening to the Les Miserables cast recording, though!)
Then came the gig, dragged the Missus to it, to share my lost youth with her. Me going out is a big thing nowadays - we've been to three gigs in the last 4-5 years, Priest, Motorhead (YEAH!), and Ocean Colour Scene(ditto). But the one I was most excited about, the one I was most longing for... the Priest... I was SO disappointed :cry: (It was one of the nights at Hammersmith, rumour has it that the other was better). A friend of mine saw them in Birmingham and left halfway through, similarly depressed.
But on the Priest forum, a load of aggro broke out - several of us reported our disappointment, and evryone else jumped on us... (including people who were at the same gig and declared it "awesome") I never went back to the forum after that. In hindsight, I think it was that us oldies, still lovingly polishing our "Sad Wings", "Killing Machine", and "Unleashed" albums, kind of missed the band we remembered... everyone gets older etc etc
But I thought the Scorpions absolutely blew them away (I'd never seen them before) - and they can't be that much younger!
Still... I'll be getting this Nostradamus malarky, I have to get it!
Seeing them live again though - I'm not sure I can be arsed... gwEm, somebody - help me out, did I see a bad night? :roll:
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I don't know whether I was at the same night as you or not, but I thought it was a good gig - and I'm another middle-aged, one or two gigs a year type.
I preferred the Scorpions set too, but they're one of my absolute favourite bands so that was to be expected (incidentally, Scorpions' average age must be less than Priest's, but Tipton's the only JP member older than Schenker or Meine! :lol: )
I did find Judas Priest excruciatingly loud though, my ears were ringing for over 24 hours. Now I take ear protection to gigs - "too loud, too old" be damned.
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I do remember them being loud that night - but a very "clear loud", I was amazed at how clearly I could hear both guitars all the time (and, er, not much in the way of vocals)(or drums a few times!)
Apart from the volume, the Priest set seemed a little bit lacklustre and "going through the motions". I almost felt like they were expecting me to do the work... Whereas, same night, it felt like the Scorpions were expecting a good time to be had whether we were there or not, but if we wanted to join in, that would make it even better.
We also came away with the impression that Mr Halford might not be a well man, and might be undertaking some kind of marathon "farewell" tour... (obviously not in hindsight, cos that was, what, 3 years ago?) It might have been those daft boots and 3 or four layers of leather coats he was wearing... I do remember he could hardly get up those steps at one point!
And Mr Tipton!! You're a very a proficient technical guitarist, sir - but what is that 3 minute (and, er, 3 note) solo spot all about??!
It was a very strange evening for us, we spent all the journey home conducting a "post mortem" on the gig and trying to convince ourselves we'd enjoyed it after I'd been looking forward to it so much. It wasn't until a day or two later we remembered what a thoroughly good time we'd been having until my heroes came on - and that the Scorpions had been utterly superb entertainment!
But anyway... ROLL ON JUNE the something!!! (16th?) I want me a new Priest album...
BTW... sshh, don't tell the Priest this (or Motorhead for that matter), loud as they were - it was only the OCS gig that left us deaf afterwards, that gig was seriously loud!!
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But the one I was most excited about, the one I was most longing for... the Priest... I was SO disappointed :cry: (It was one of the nights at Hammersmith, rumour has it that the other was better). A friend of mine saw them in Birmingham and left halfway through, similarly depressed.
But I thought the Scorpions absolutely blew them away (I'd never seen them before) - and they can't be that much younger!
I saw both nights at Hammersmith
On the first night the Scorpions absolutely killed - it was all fast heavy stuff and they were just brilliant. No Wind of Change - just great anthemic rockers - only ballad was Still loving you.
Priest were kind of OK but after the Scorps had a hard time finding their way IMO.
On the second night the Scorps weren't quite as good but Priest were fantastic - I enjoyed them a lot more that night - again it may ave just been that I was more in the mood for them and wasn't as blown away by the Scorps but I suspect that they had found their stride by the second night.
I also thought that Rob Halford looked unwell and wondered if they had done the reunion before any condition he had got too advanced.
He seemed to hide behind his sunglasses all night and was clutching to the railings like he might collapse otherwise.
Did wonder if after "coming out" (like ot was really a secret to any of us) that he couldnt look all the fans in the eye anymore.
Glad they are touring again - hope Rob's health isnt at risk
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i saw the second night at hammersmith, and i saw them again at the royal albert hall.
agree with feline's comments about the second hammersmith night.
at the royal albert hall the scorpions absolutely rocked it. priest then proceeded to follow suit, but lost energy half way through their set. and didn't play 'painkiller'. was dissapointed after the hammersmith triumph, but of course it was a great evening.