(Sterling Heights, Michigan)- Classic metal shows are always an excellent bang for the buck. The bands are drawing on decades worth of critic and fan-vetted catalogs. So as a fan, you’re just about guaranteed to like at least 90 percent of the songs played. So will everyone around you which also increases the fun factor. These classic acts also come from a time in which putting on a stage show was still valued, so your guaranteed costume changes, pulsing lights, and stage patter that is clearly appreciative of the audience. Tuesday at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre that’s exactly what you got when heavy metal legends Judas Priest unleashed their Invincible Shield Tour to a small but fervent crowd. The amphitheater, filled with generations of metalheads, were all on hand for an evening that would blend the nostalgic power of the band’s classics with fresh, thunderous material from their new album Invincible Shield.
As the last beams of the fading summer sun were cast upon the pavilion, anticipation rippled through the black t-shirt and leather wearing crowd that filled the outdoor venue. Suddenly, the curtain dropped and the legendary Judas Priest erupted with the aggressive opening track “Panic Attack” from their new album. The songs rhythmic lyrics and thundering guitar riffs were only the start of what would soon be be a relentless barrage of classic heavy metal. Rob Halford, the “Metal God” himself, made his grand entrance, decked in his signature leather and studs. Halford’s vocals were in fine fashion, sounding half his age with his piercing screams and operatic range still undiminished by years of touring.
The duo of guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap followed Halford’s lead with their blistering solos and tight riffs. Faulkner, now a well-established member of the Priest family after more than a decade, injected his youthful energy into the performance, making his guitar sing with unabashed precision. His chemistry with Sneap was obvious, particularly on tracks like “Rapid Fire” and “Sinner,” where their guitar interplay was a masterclass in heavy metal shred. Sneap, initially known for his production work, has fully cemented himself as a key part of the Judas Priest live experience. His restrained, yet potent playing added depth and grit to the band’s legendary heavy sound.
“Rapid Fire,” from the iconic British Steel album, was a particular highlight, igniting the audience in a wave of headbanging and fist-pumping. The song, with its rapid tempo and raw energy, showcased Judas Priest’s speed-metal roots while Halford’s signature banshee wail on the chorus sent chills through the amphitheater.
Without missing a beat, the band segued into the anthemic “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” a track that needs no introduction. The crowd roared as Halford urged them to sing along, turning the night into a sea of raised fists and voices. Bassist Ian Hill, the steadfast backbone of the band since its inception, laid down the driving rhythm with his familiar basslines, holding the foundation steady as drummer Scott Travis kept tempo, pounding the skins with unrelenting precision. Hill, often the most understated member of the band, was the glue holding it all together, his calm stage presence and deep grooves allowing the twin guitars and Halford’s vocals to soar.
One of the many standout cuts in the night packed full of heavy metal hits was “Saints in Hell,” a track that rarely finds its way into Judas Priest’s setlist, but tonight it was there and met with overwhelming approval from the hardcore fans. Its dark and brooding atmosphere, complemented by Halford’s growling low notes, showed the band’s overall versatility while fans subconsciously caught their breath from the red-hot opening cuts.
The title track, “Invincible Shield,” was greeted with curiosity, as it represents the latest chapter in Judas Priest’s storied career. The song, with its crushing riffs and defiant lyrics, was an instant crowd-pleaser, showcasing that the band is not just relying on their past but still pushing boundaries in their twilight years. Subversley, thes urprise addition of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)”was a nice homage to one of the band’s earliest influences. However, Judas Priest made the cover their own with a metalized version that had the audience swaying and chanting along.
As the setlist progressed, the amphitheater was transformed into a heavy metal cathedral, with tracks like “Turbo Lover” and “Victim of Changes,” evoking powerful, almost cult like responses from the loud congregation. It was raw, passionate and loud with every sinner and saint singing back to the band as if in a sacred ritual. Pure, unadulterated rock and roll bliss for the masses.
The evening’s apex came with the triple-threat closer that no Judas Priest fan could ever tire of. As the unmistakable intro of “The Hellion” and “Electric Eye,” rang out, the audience roared their approval, their spent energy somehow elevated to new heights. Travis’s drumming on these tracks was a force of nature, driving the band forward at breakneck speed. The leather-clad Halford mounted his motorcycle for “Hell Bent for Leather,” a visual cue that always sends fans into a frenzy, was no different this time. His roar of “Hell Bent!” was echoed by thousands of voices, a true heavy metal communion amongst the.
The encore wrapped up with the timeless “Living After Midnight,” a generational anthem for anyone who’s ever stayed up too late and lived to tell the tale. It was a perfect closer, leaving the crowd energized and fulfilled, but still eager for more. As the final notes rang out, Judas Priest took their bow to thunderous applause, a standing ovation that lasted long after the band had left the stage.
Throughout the night, there was no doubt that Judas Priest still stands tall as one of the greats in the metal pantheon. Their performance at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre was a classic textbook rock show, a salute to their enduring legacy and a highlight to their commitment to Judas Priest fans. The Invincible Shield Tour not only celebrates their past but proves that Judas Priest still has plenty of fire left to burn. For those lucky enough to witness this show, it was a night to remember—loud, unapologetic, and 100% pure heavy metal.