STILL BREAKING THE LAW
JUDAS PRIEST HITS US with SABATON
September 14, 2021 by Rachael Contreras
We just got our fill of Hella Mega at Dodger Stadium. Hella Mega comes to life again in the form of two Hella Badass bands, Judas Priest and Sabaton!
Judas Priest has been “Breaking the Law” (of rock and roll) since ’69, but only wrote about it in their 1980 mega-hit, “Breaking the Law.” Formed in Birmingham and selling over 50 million copies of their albums worldwide, they brought the hair and leather on stage before glam bands were a glimmer in their mother’s eye. Now, over 50 years later, they may not have all that same hair but they definitely have all the same talent and more!
Judas Priest is now on tour with supporting band Sabaton, with a show they call, 50 Heavy Metal Years. Lead guitarist Glenn Tipton has said, “Time to don the leather and studs and roll out the Priest Machine…” If you’ve seen any of their images from any point in time, he isn’t kidding. They have probably single-handedly brought back the popularity of the leather fringe jacket and we aren’t mad at it.
The band is also releasing a monster-sized limited edition box set titled “50 Heavy Metal Years of Music.” Due out October 15th, the 42 CD set – yes, 42 CDs! – includes “every official live and studio album to date plus 13 unreleased discs.” Front-man Rob Halford says, “Judas Priest’s curated box set representing 50 heavy metal years is the ultimate treasure trove defining the bands unwavering commitment to keeping and defending the heavy metal faith.”
Joining Judas Priest will be Swedish sensations Sabaton. This heavy metal band has to be seen to be believed. If you haven’t heard this band before, hold on tight because they bring an electrifying live show.
Do yourself a favor by checking them out. They are a number one band in Sweden and Germany that are always at the top of the charts. Americans – start waving that blue and gold flag and get ready to have your face ripped off by some of the most unique and amazing Swedish heavy metal you will ever hear. The face ripping part only works if you have the speakers at 11 and you have the scowl of a Viking with drink yelling, “SKOL!”
PHOTO by Daniel Eriksson
Sabaton’s top Spotify hit, “To Hell and Back,” has 92.5 million hits at this moment. With a hero theme and sounding like the soundtrack to an action video game (with matching music video), their latest “Steel Commander” is just as spectacular. Based on the numbers, looks like this one is on the same rocket-like trajectory!
The tour started on September 8th and runs through November 5th with a stop here in SoCal at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Since 50 Heavy Metal Years had to be rescheduled due to COVID, it’s likely that tickets are slim, so don’t wait – go and grab your tickets now. If these guys are as entertaining on stage as their music is, it will be worth every single penny!
TO PREORDER THE CD SET
TO FOLLOW JUDAS PRIEST
TO FOLLOW SABATON
SID 210911 | TRACI TURNER, EDITOR
