Judas Priest – Nostradamus (2008) – Review
June 17th, 2008 by 
220volt
Being a skeptic about pretty much everything in life, I wasn’t really pleasantly surprised when I heard Priest is making their concept album about this guy’s life, prophecies and ultimately his death, but I wasn’t going to judge it before giving it a good listen, so after finally hearing this thing few times over, here’s the review.
Priest guys are pushing into their 60’s, but it really doesn’t seem to matter in this case. That unprecedented spark of creativity and expertise is still there. Clocking in over 102 min, Nostradamus project will give even Kevin Costner run for his money. With Nostradamus, Judas Priest embarked on a long journey of once banned sport in metal; Symphonic orchestration and acoustic arrangements. Priest being known for making a different record each time, is not pulling any punches here neither. Everything from Euro-melodic symphonic metal to a couple of minutes Pink Floyd type passages is featured here. Piano, violins, Gregorian-gothic choirs, daring acoustic passages and every kind of guitar effects are used to their full potential. All of that mess was tied nicely by Halford’s majestic vocals and band’s clever arrangements. Long epics, mini melodic ballads to short instrumentals bombard listener no matter where he is on the record; so ready to be transported to a breathtaking tapestry of musical imagery and sonic gymnastics.
“Dawn of Creation” opens up this two hours plus mega opus with dramatic strings, piano, flute and some contemporary flavor added just for the taste. It builds up for full two minutes until it slams into the heavy “Prophesy” riffs and doesn’t let up until minute and a half long gothic filler “The Four Horseman” which turns into sinister “War”.
“Sands of Time/Pestilence and Plague” is really good display of Halford’s vocal power. Faster tempos and galloping Maidenesque rhythms with string section providing a backbone. True live crowd pleaser. Half of the song he babbles something in Italian.
Majestic “Alone” is first out of two sonic brilliance. Second one being David Bowie like “New Beginning”. Band is embarking on creative ballad journey not seen since their 70’s stuff or maybe never seen before. And of course the best rocker on the album goes to driving hammer “Persecution”. It really slams viciously into your metal psyche and doesn’t let up. This is what Priest is all about, and record is worth purchase just for these three. Title track is also not to be dismissed. It features one of the most vicious Halford’s “I am getting eaten alive” screams.
Scott Travis is way in the back on this record. I really have to be reminded that there’s a drummer present here. There’s so much melody on this album that really there’s no room for drums. Even though there are some groovers, this record is all about melody. No question about that. “Conquest” features brilliant solos and soaring vocals from the man.
This is not a metal record, but then again, it is. I really could not classify it.
There’s no comparing this record to any other Priest (or any other metal band for that matter). I guess if I had to compare this record to any, it would be Guns and Rose’s Using Your Illusion I and II. Not really musically, but just by the sheer volume of music and importance on the bands career. Just not as good as Illusions. Undertaking of project like this must be daunting process. Truly, record of epic proportions. It might take listener few months to swallow the whole thing trough.
There are more than enough rockers on the album, but they feel drowned in the sea of melody and mini epic balladry. For my taste, you could pick out ten excellent cuts from this album and make a truly unforgettable Priest album. Highlight of the album to me however are not rockers, but those mini intro ballads like: “Awakening”, “Peace” “Sands Of Time”, that reeks of early mystery goth ballads Preist is famous for.
I am going to also have to shave off whole point for production values and concept. Boy, those synth guitars Glenn and K.K grew found of since Turbo days are really ruining Priest sound. It weakens the power of the record big time. Judas priest as far as I’m concerned never had powerfully produced record and this one is no exception. Everything is produced well, except instruments that actually needed good production; like guitars and drums! Bass is also meatless. Come on guys. After four decades of making music, you can certainly afford good producer or at least add some meat to your guitar sound. Even though Priest is one of the heaviest bands to see live, their record are just getting destroyed by poor guitar production. And the concept album about Nostradamus. Yawn… That’s another half a point.
This is a record that’s full emotional outbursts, soundtrack worthy pieces and music imagery. It is so hard to judge record like this. My biggest complaints are production and the theme of the album. Taking into account that this is one of my favorite bands of all time, some clever arrangements, couple of really good Goth ballads, and sheer dedication of the band to the project , I will give it a strong 4 stars. This could be truly a masterpiece if production was better and if they tackled more serious theme. Having said all that, I will bet my right arm that this record will sound phenomenal performed live which Priest is planing for next year.
The faves include: “Pestilence and Plague”, “Persecution” “Alone”, “New Beginnings” and title track.
Rating: 
Track List
Act 1
1. “Dawn of Creation” * – 2:31
2. “Prophecy” – 5:26
3. “Awakening” * – 0:52
4. “Revelations” – 7:05
5. “The Four Horsemen” * – 1:35
6. “War” – 5:04
7. “Sands of Time” * – 2:36
8. “Pestilence and Plague” – 5:08
9. “Death” – 7:33
10. “Peace” * – 2:21
11. “Conquest” – 4:42
12. “Lost Love” – 4:28
13. “Persecution” – 6:34
Act 2
1. “Solitude” * – 1:22
2. “Exiled” – 6:32
3. “Alone” – 7:50
4. “Shadows in the Flame” * – 1:10
5. “Visions” – 5:28
6. “Hope” * – 2:09
7. “New Beginnings” – 4:56
8. “Calm Before the Storm” * – 2:05
9. “Nostradamus” – 6:46
10. “Future of Mankind” – 8:29
Album Lineup
* Rob Halford – vocals
* K.K. Downing – guitar
* Glenn Tipton – guitar
* Ian Hill – bass
* Scott Travis – drums
Posted in Reviews | 
23 Comments »
June 17th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
I’m listening to it now. I’m enjoying Disc 2 a lot better than Disc 1.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
This album is a total disaster! JP is “Painkiller” and “Screaming for vengeance”. Rob Halford sounds like an old fart on this album. This is even a bigger mistake than “Turbo Lover”, let’s hope they break up again. Rob’s music is better when he is alone. Judas Priest please rest in peace. What’s next? A concept album by Slayer, then surely I would kill myself.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
I think you have to look at this album as a musical piece and not as a Judas Priest album (which could be hard). As a JP album, I think you’re right, it’ not that great.
However, If you look at this thing as a musical piece, it’s quite good actually.
June 19th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
I love this album! I haven’t been a fan of JP as long as some of you guys as they started playing well before I was born but I fell in love with them when I saw them live on the Angel of Retribution tour. There is so much on this album, but with 102 minutes there is room for it all. There are some faster heavy songs that reminded me of older JP songs and some completely new tracks. This is an epic album and will be a favorite of mine for a long time.
June 19th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I agree with Brian.
This album is very hard to judge since it’s their first concept and their first epic album. Albums like these (for any band) will always be subjective. After writing the review, I am still taking in some of the stuff and I just cannot stop playing damn thing “Alone”.
June 19th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Obviously some of you are reviewing in biased ways towards the success of an album being a chest of hit singles…. WRONG!
I like the album because it is a far cry from the crappy single cookie cutter type metal crap that’s been pumped out for years…
I admire the courage in producing something they want to make. I can hear many musical styles hinted at in this album….. Metal, Neo Classical, folk, ballad, Speed metal, Sound Scape / Movie Sound Track, Shall I continue…. Symphonic in nature… I masterpiece if you appreciate MUSIC in general….
GET IT …. Put it in and sit back for a ride….. don’t flip from track to track trying to find the HOOK!…. The whole thing is the ride….
June 19th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
I love the new album, but I must admit when I reach the song Alone, I find myself hitting the repeat button more than a few times. Its my fav.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Fuck you haters. This is a great fucking metal album from the masters. What bands approaching 60 have put out a good album? THERE IS NONE! How can you expect them them to bash out the shit they were doing 20, 30 years ago?! Idiots. And if they put this out 20 years ago, it would be stellar the too. Tell me, are there much better shit to come out in the last 10 years? What do we have from the ‘masters’? Load and St. Shit? And you’re complaining about this masterpiece? Fuck You!
June 20th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Furthermore, Ozzy and Dio and them together with Sabbath, can’t come up with enough good material to make an album. They don’t care about their fans. Priest does. Even the songs that the afore-mentioned couldn’t make any decent songs together. I think I listened to thier songs once and will never listen again. Priest? You bet your fucking ass I’ll listen again and again and again. The rest of you fucks can go listen to your Korn-wannabe-sabbath shit.
June 20th, 2008 at 6:40 am
I just want to say, that i have been a priest fan for over 30 years. I have been to every single concert, and obviously have all of their albums, (which I bought from vinal,tape, and now cd) I just want to say that this new album is excellent, yes, different in many ways, but the style and the musical workmanship that went into this album,is in my opinion uncomparable! I loved it, not just because i am a priest fan but a metal fan in general….everyone has their own opinions and this is just mine; I think priest has put together a true masterpiece that will be remember for years to come.
June 20th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
This is great. I love reading the mixed reviews on this album. Personally, I was expecting everything that this album delivered.
I knew that it was going to have an epic, drawn-out, ballad filled feel to it.
I also knew that I would be less than impressed with the album the first time I listened to it. Don’t get me wrong…I’m not being negative here. Just being realistic. I would’ve loved to have played the album and had it kick me in the balls song after song like Painkiller…but this was going to be something different. This was a vision. This was a story. This was going to be a musical “experience”.
I bought this album and didn’t open it until I was in my boat with a couple of fellow Priest fans and we listened to it in the middle of a lake while we were fishing. It was a perfect day.
And like I expected…I enjoyed it but it didn’t blow me away. I found that there was a lot of “down-time”. There wasn’t enough mind blowing Metal.
Then I took it home and put my headphones on and started ACTUALLY listening to it.
This album is unreal. The musical knowhow and talent that went into this is unbelievable.
The beginning scores huge points in the “Goosebump” factor. When Dawn of Creation kicks into Prophecy I almost lost my mind the first time I listened to it with the headphones.
The song “Alone” builds from a slow paced acoustic ballad into a powerful anthem that features strong metal chords and classic “Halford Screams”. Then the tempo and feel of the song drops back down with an acoustic bridge and then Kicks back into a Metal Chest pounder. So fucking well written. In the spirit of “Realms”.
We’ve all had a few extra weeks of listening to the Title track and it has grown on me to the point of becoming one of my favourite Priest tunes ever. Driving double base, squealing “Painkiller-esque” background guitar filler that only Rob, Glen and KK would even think to add to already smokin’ tune. I’m not even going to address the insaneness of the solo in this song.
The recurrent themes that appear as either a main riff or a background symphonic melody throughout the album remind me of a well written opera.
A “Metal Opera” is what we have here. This was a totally original idea and Priest pulled it off with flying and mind blowing colours.
I can’t even imagine how the live production is going to be. I am assuming it will almost be like an act of God. I have seen Priest 3 times and each concert was better than the last.
I feel that the live “Theatrical Production” of this album will bring everything together and turn this album into an experience that will haunt your memory for the rest of your life.
I am unable to get to this concert (because I SUCK!!!) but I will be picking up the DVD when it comes out and I expect it to be amazing.
This album can’t be judged lightly or easily. If you are looking for a simple “This album Sucks” or “This is Priest’s best album” rating…You are in need of a set of headphones and a few hours to sit and make your own decision.
Will this album upset many fans…unfortunately….Yes.
The true Priest fan will be able to accept and embrace the idea that the members of Judas Priest have always been and always will be Pioneers in the world of metal. This is simply another chapter in the book of Priest.
This album will not leave my stereo for a long time.
Congratulations to The Metal Gods and Thank you for this album.
June 20th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Very well said Lenwoodbluz.
I cannot wait to see this thing performed live.
BTW: some kick ass photos you have on your site.
June 20th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Thank you. I would give both my testicles to Photograph a Priest concert.
June 20th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I have been a Priest fan since day one – and finally they have brought out an album to beat the magnificent ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’.
Nostradamus isn’t just a Metal album – it’s a wonderful, almost operatic musical work.
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:52 am
Check out the Judas Priest Nostradamus review:
http://music.ign.com/articles/883/883071p1.html
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:17 am
Total disappointment. I don’t know why they return in 1984. It’s 21 century now…
June 24th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I am not sure why people are not accepting this masterpiece. It’s really the best effort they ever made. It is a whole and should be taken as such, not ripped apart like other albums. I think that is probably the most clever thing I have heard in a long time. If it does not go platinum I will understand who are real Judas Priest heads and fakers. You can not just be screaming lyrics all the time. And most people do not remember that Halford and all the band for that matter, like muscials and soundtracks. I would never, ever diss a band for trying to expand their musical scope. No one made fun of Phil Collins or Elton John for selling out to Disney. Why can a metal band not create one the prettiest, most violent rock operas I have ever heard. People set up standards and say this is not how it is supposed to be. These are the people who stand nothing about music and its purpose or intention. My favorite track and everyone can laugh is “Lost Love” followed by “Visions” and then probably “Nostradamus”, but I love it all really. Way to go Priest!!!!!
June 25th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Awesome album. bit of the 70’s sound to some original to a mix of it all. Future of mankind is pretty catchy ending to a great double disc. can’t wait to see them in july….It would be nice to see the entire album in it’s entire live….
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:58 am
You’ve come a long way from the Ripper, tyrant, and my fave, ’stained class’. We’ll take it.
July 12th, 2008 at 12:29 am
I really thought the album was extremely innovative and gutsy. I love it. Also I think the title track is way under rated. I thought it really demonstrated halford’s awesome 4 1/2 octive voice, but was still a hard rocking metal song over all. Also, am I the only one that liked “lost love”? Knowing the story of how nostradamus lost his wife and kids during the plague, it really touched me.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
In knowing all the JP music from their start and seeing several of their concerts. I really do like the Nostradamus theme and music.
I am however extremly dissapointed in the concert for the album. As much as I like the past concerts I was under the belief that this concert was to be a concept theatrical rock like opera stage show with only the music from the album to be played. Then at a later date for them to retour and play their old music.
Instead they played 2-3 songs from the album and the rest from the past…Not even an encore at the end..
August 16th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I think that this is Priest’s best album since Stained Class, & possibly their best album ever. Anyone who knows Priest primarily from their era of commercial obsession (namely, Hellbent through (at least) Painkiller) doen’t appreciate how innovative, creative & progressive they were in the first phase of their career & probably doesn’t care for anything that sets foot outside of the box of metal cliches that dominated their commercial phase. Congratulations to Priest for having the courage to disappoint that subset of their fans by doing something truly unique, & congratulations on a beautiful work of metal-opera art!
I hope that, as Priest has hinted, their next tour will be a full-on theatrical presentation of this entire album. I also hope that this album marks the beginning of a new era of Judas Priest innovation!
September 6th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Amazing stuff – I wasn’t a Priest fan before, but the sheer bredth of this opus has me hooked.