Ready your leather jacket and aviator sunglasses because Judas Priest are back and they’re churning out metal mayhem like it’s 1985. “Panic Attack” is the latest single from the legendary metal outfit and as far as what fans could expect or desire from the band in 2023, this new single is as good as good gets. Ripping high octane riffs, dueling guitar solos, and Rob Halford’s signature pulsating screeches are on full effect on “Panic Attack.” This marks the first single release for Judas Priest’s nineteenth studio album, Invincible Shield, which is slated for March 8th, 2024.
It’s almost as if someone asked an AI bot to create a Judas Priest single that’s comprised of all the best elements from the band’s discography with a tinge of modern production, and most notably a razor sharp sounding Rob Halford. I say this only with respect, as it’s astounding just how good Priest sound on “Panic Attack.” Guitarist Richie Faulkner continues to prove himself a masterful metal guitar player and perfect fit for the band, while the chops and abilities of the band’s original members sound like they haven’t aged a day since 1990’s Painkiller. The band’s previous LP Firepower (2018) was also no exception to this, but considering that was five years ago it’s still surprising for a band of Priest’s stature and generation to be so consistent in delivering such pure wholesome heavy metal.
Maybe with the exception of Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, there’s not a vocalist from Judas Priest’s era of rock or metal that sounds as good as Rob Halford does in 2023. Whether on the record or in live concert, Halford is up there with Mick Jagger as far as impeccable rock vocalists go, and by the looks of the band’s recent performance at the Power Trip festival Priest are still firing on cylinders in concert.
“Panic Attack” is setting the stage for another impressive late career Judas Priest album. If Invincible Shield turns outs anywhere close to as good as 2018’s Firepower then Priest fans are in for one hell of a good time next Spring.
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