Judas Priest – Battle Cry (Live CD Review)

You all know the story. Judas Priest announces their Epitaph World Tour in 2011 – 2012 would be their last. Right before the tour started, K.K. Downing left the band. 31-year-old Richie Faulkner replaced him and seemed to inject new life into the band. They went on to release a new CD, Redeemer of Souls and even toured to supported it. Not only did they tour, but they played 130 shows in 33 countries! This resulted in their new live CD, Battle Cry. This CD puts you smack in the middle of 85,000 fans for their concert at the Wacken Festival in Germany.

Why release another live DVD/CD after the Epitaph DVD? For the simple reason that Judas Priest sounds incredible. The whole band is in top form. Rob Halford‘s voice shows no signs of giving out anytime soon. Glenn Tipton and Faulkner shred with reckless abandon. The fact that they can still play “Painkiller” as heavy and intense as they do here is a testament to how well they’re playing and singing.

Battle Cry offers 15 tracks (the DVD/Blu-Ray has the full show with “Turbo Love” and “Living After Midnight”). It’s a mix of the Priest classics that they can’t not play (“Breakin’ the Law”, “Electric Eye”, “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'”) with a few gems like “Devil’s Child” and “Jawbreaker”. It also features three tracks from Redeemer of Souls (“Dragonaut”, “Halls of Valhalla” and the title track).

Who would have thought that more than 40 years into their career this might be their best live CD? It’s that strong. If you haven’t been lucky enough to see them in the last few years, pick this CD up and experience Judas Priest at their best. The best part is that they’re working on a new album for 2017. So enjoy Battle Cry as you get ready for new Priest in 2017!

Buy: Judas Priest – Battle Cry