Concept recordings are a daunting task. Especially when the subject is one Michel de Nostradamus. Metal icons Judas Priest have accepted the task and have created, in my opinion, their greatest work to date. Judas Priest take storytelling to a whole new level, as it recounts the life of this mysterious, world-known 16th Century French prophet. Most bands of this high stature would be happy to play it safe. From the beginning and for the next 2 hours the listener is pulled into this mesmerizing journey, through the complex and intriguing life of Nostradamus. There are many intros, with short almost poetic lyrics and soft, acoustic and building guitars. The opening "Dawn Of Creation", which thunderously leads into "Prophecy". Lyrically this is an intro to the band's conception of 'Nostradamus'. The guitar work of Glenn Tipton and KK Dowing is reminiscent of late and early Priest, with some mainstream Halford vocals. And what is clear from the start is the emphasis on power over range. While Halford's wide range is utilized, there are not the extremes. Think power and clarity. "Revelations" is the next track, that has a more melodic vibe with both Tipton and Downing working in some guitar synths as well as their dueling guitar work. Don Airey lays down some cool keyboard work on the track as well. Not giving too much away, disc one continues with, "War", "Sands Of Time", then there is the more operatic "Pestilence And Plague", the strings and keyboards work well together than you could ever imagine just by describing it here. Similarly the piano in "Lost Love", is as close to a metal ballad as Priest have ever achieved. Part one closer "Persecution", is classic Judas Priest putting the pedal to the metal. Part two opens with "Solitude", which segues into "Exiled" a melodic number that has that hard edge that sees Rob Halford doing what he does on so well with his powerful voice blessed by the Metals gods themselves. "Visions" and "New Beginnings" are again excellent tracks, the later featuring some excellent guitar work from Glenn Tipton and KK Downing. Next up is the title track "Nostradamus" highlighted by everything big. Big sound and big production. The final chapter is unveiled in the form of the 8 minute "Future Of Mankind" which closes the album and concept well. 'Nostradamus' is sure to be a huge success for Judas Priest. The members of Judas Priest will tell you they knew that all along. How did they know it would be a success? Because Nostradamus predicted it.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
