Angel of Retribution

Angel of Retribution is a restart that powerfully sounds thick guitar riffs, sharp twin leads and Rob Halford’s taut voice head-on. The return of Halford, the longtime flagship vocalist, delighted fans worldwide. Keeping the strength of heavy metal of old, the songs have a mature weight with sure rings of age. From the dramatic revival declaration of the opener “Judas Rising” and the catchy drive of “Revolution” to the aggression of “Deal with the Devil” and the beautiful ballad “Angel,” the songs show wide-ranging faces, while a dashing song like “Hellrider” powerfully shows the band’s vigor. A construction where the aggression of the fast songs and the drama of the epics stand side by side feels good. Its great significance lies in how, through Halford’s return, the core of classic Judas Priest fully revived in a dignified present tense. Powerful, unified playing that shows no gap at all fills the whole. Reuniting the golden-era members and loftily announcing a new chapter, it is a moving, fulfilling comeback record.