Concert Reports

Due to the overwhelming success of Judas Priest’s 17th studio effort, ‘Redeemer of Souls’ (which became the highest-charting album of their career, when it debuted on the Billboard 200 charts at #6), the band kicked off their fall tour at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Friday, October 16. Supporting Priest is one of modern metal’s top bands, Mastodon.

www.JudasPriest.com

www.VinaRoblesAmphitheatre.com

All Photos: Ray Soto/ Central Coast Rocks

‘Redeemer of Souls’ also went on to become one of the most critically acclaimed releases of the band’s career, with Rolling Stone stating, “Above all, ‘Redeemer’ is proof that Priest can still call themselves metal’s defenders of the faith,” while Revolver Magazine offered further praise, “Thus rejuvenated and recharged, the Metal Gods have delivered their strongest record in over a decade.”  

Comprised of Rob Halford (vocals), Glenn Tipton (guitar), Richie Faulkner (guitar), Ian Hill (bass), and Scott Travis (drums), Judas Priest is responsible for some of heavy metal’s all-time classic anthems (“Living After Midnight,” “Breaking the Law,” “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,” etc.) and albums (‘British Steel,’ ‘Screaming for Vengeance,’ ‘Painkiller,’ etc.).  

Ever since the release of ‘Redeemer of Souls,’ Judas Priest has been taking their music all over the world. And they are not finished yet!

CLASSIC JUDAS PRIEST METAL RELEASED WITH THEIR 17TH ALBUM

'REDEEMER OF SOULS'

There are only a select number of bands that have accomplished what Judas Priest has throughout their career (as well as having served as a stylistic influence on such a wide variety of bands). Soon the group - singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis - will be offering up more classic Judas Priest metal with the release of 'Redeemer of Souls'  

Released in the US on July 8th, 2014 via Epic Records (as a standard version and a deluxe edition with five bonus tracks), 'Redeemer of Souls' is Judas Priest's latest collection of epic metal - "raising the bar is consistent for us and 'Redeemer' hits the ground running" - it matches up perfectly to earlier Priest classics as evidenced by the album's leadoff single 'March of the Damned' ("we are forging ahead, slamming the pedal to the metal!") - the band mean business once again.  

"We feel 'Redeemer of Souls' reinforces our passion for what we believe in from the Judas Priest style heavy metal." The album also marks Richie Faulkner's studio debut with Priest and is the co-writer of the material along with Glenn Tipton and Rob Halford.  

First bursting onto the scene with 1974's 'Rocka Rolla' Judas Priest is responsible for some of heavy metal's all-time great albums - 1980's 'British Steel', 1982's 'Screaming for Vengeance', 1990's 'Painkiller' etc - and anthems 'Breaking the Law', 'Living After Midnight', 'You've Got Another Thing Coming' etc - as well as trailblazing metal's now instantly identifiable look - leather and studs - 2014 marks the 40th anniversary of the band.  

And while fans are undoubtedly starved for more Priest (their last studio album 'Nostradamus' was released in 2008) the band themselves are eager for the world to hear their latest studio triumph. "Classic combination of all the statements we love to create with raging guitar riffs and solos, thundering drums, thick grooves of bass and vocals tearing it all up!"  

www.JudasPriest.com

About Vina Robles Amphitheatre  

Welcome to the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, where European Inspiration meets California Character and the stars always shine. Here, two of California's great compositions meet, as exceptional wine and intimate live music are paired to create an unforgettable wine country experience.

The 3,300 seat boutique amphitheatre is nestled on a picturesque, oak-dotted hillside in Paso Robles on California's Central Coast. With its opening in the summer of 2013, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre became one of the largest outdoor venues for arts and entertainment in San Luis Obispo County. Featuring a style reminiscent of the California missions, guests are able to immerse themselves in a unique and intimate concert adventure as they enjoy modern amenities and first class hospitality. The concert season runs from May through November and features top tier acts from around the world in all genres. Various seating options all within 150 feet from the stage, including regular, VIP and general admission lawn seating, make events accessible to anyone in the community. We look forward to sharing our love of wine and the arts with you soon. For more information about the Vina Robles Winery, Click Here  

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