Heavy metal pioneers Judas Priest show absolutely no signs of slowing down. Fresh off the heels of their highly acclaimed 2024 album Invincible Shield, the band is already deep into the creative process for their next studio release.
In a recent conversation with Spain’s Metal Journal, founding bassist Ian Hill provided a comprehensive progress report, confirming that the framework for the new record is quickly coming together.
Progress in the Studio
According to Hill, the band has made significant strides in recording the foundation of the album. Most of the instrumental tracking is complete, shifting the focus to vocal production.
“We’ve done most of the music, or all the backing tracks anyway; we’ve got them down,” Hill shared. “There might be one extra [song] to do. But the vast majority of it, the backing tracks have been done.”
He added that his bandmates have recently been in Phoenix, Arizona, collaborating with legendary frontman Rob Halford as he lays down his vocal tracks.
A Traditional Yet Direct Sonic Direction
While Hill admits he has only heard the material in its “very raw form”—consisting primarily of guitar, bass, and drums—he is highly optimistic about how the music is shaping up. He notes that the style will deviate slightly from their previous work.
“The style, it’s a little bit different from the last one,” Hill explained. “It’s—I don’t know—a little bit more traditional, maybe a little bit quirky with some of the things. And, yeah, it should be good… it’s shaping up to be a great classic Priest album.”
When asked to clarify if “traditional” meant a stylistic throwback to definitive 1980s albums like British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance, or Defenders of the Faith, Hill laughed and clarified the comparison.
“No, not that traditional,” Hill chuckled. “It’s more along the lines of Invincible Shield, but a lot more direct, shall I say.”
Fans can expect the album to drop in early 2027. Hill estimated a release window around March or April, though he noted that the final timeline remains “down to the record company.”
The Future of Judas Priest
Beyond the upcoming record, Hill addressed a long-debated topic among heavy metal fans: could Judas Priest continue to exist if its last remaining original members eventually retire? Hill took a pragmatic stance, pointing out that the band has successfully navigated numerous lineup changes throughout its five-decade history.
“There’s no reason why not,” Hill remarked. “I mean, we’ve already got through about six or seven drummers, four guitarists and two vocalists. So, why not? I’m sure everybody will be up for it if Rob or myself have to pack it in for one reason or another. Yeah, nobody’s irreplaceable, so you never know.”
With a new album on the horizon and an unbreakable dedication to the genre they helped define, Judas Priest continues to solidify its legendary status in the modern rock landscape.
