Judas Priest - Nostradamus (CD 2008)

with vocalist Rob Halford being a short-lived exercise in nostalgia need look no further than 2008's NOSTRADAMUS. This epic two-disc concept album represents a bold move for the leather-clad metal gods. With his previous lyrics for such Priest classics as "The Ripper" and "Beyond The Realms Of Death," Halford has already demonstrated a flair for dramatic storytelling. NOSTRADAMUS takes the life of the endlessly debated 16th-century prophet and propels it into a body of music that incorporates orchestration, sweeping keyboards, Latin-sung vocals, acoustic guitars, and (gasp) choirs. In the process, old-school Judas Priest fans are served a plentiful dish that picks up where 1990's PAINKILLER left off.

This would be a good cd if it were Dream Theater. But it's not. Where are the guitar riffs? What's with the keyboards and accustics? Bring back Ripper Owens. Priest has gone down hill since Rob came back. It's not a "Bad" album. It's just not Judas Priest!
If it were not for Halford's distinct voice, I would have sworn that there was a mistake. Where are the blistering riffs? Is Dave Holland back on drums? Sure sounds like it- or perhaps Scott forgot to bring his double foot pedal into the studio. WAY TO MELLOW! I understand the whole "concept album" thing, but you can pull it off without wussing out. With 23 tracks on 2 discs, only 3 or 4 tracks caught my attention. Has age caught up with The Priest?


Judas Priest: Rob Halford (vocals);
Glenn Tipton, K.K. Downing (guitar, guitar synthesizer);
Ian Hill (bass guitar);
Scott Travis (drums).

Track Listing:
1. Dawn Of Creation
2. Prophecy
3. Awakening
4. Revelations
5. Four Horsemen, The
6. War
7. Sands Of Time
8. Pestilence And Plague
9. Death
10. Peace
11. Conquest
12. Lost Love
13. Persecution

Nostradamus Songs DISC 2:
1. Solitude
2. Exiled
3. Alone
4. Shadows In The Flame
5. Visions
6. Hope
7. New Beginnings
8. Calm Before The Storm
9. Nostradamus
10. Future Of Mankind