2018 saw the return of the mighty, legendary Judas Priest.\u00a0 With their new album Firepower, we see and hear the band returning to a more classic form which does really good for them.\u00a0 The album sounds fantastic (review coming soon) and the band has hit the road.\u00a0 After the devistating news about long time guitarist and founding member Glen Tipton’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, it was announced that he had hand picked renowned producer and Hell guitarist Andy Sneap.\u00a0 Sneap is more known behind the scenes as a producer for such legendary acts as Exodus, Accept, and even produced the newest Masterpriest (see what I did there), Firepower.<\/p>\n
As a long time Priest fan, I still find myself with mixed emotions about this.\u00a0 At this point, the guitar team of Judas Priest contains NO original founding fathers.\u00a0 I’ll be honest, when KK Downing bowed out I had my doubts but Richie Faulker brought in this spark that ignited a fire under Priest’s ass.\u00a0 The band down-tuned and all of the sudden the once struggling Rob Halford was once again a powerful juggernaut of a voice in a whole new way.\u00a0 Even live, Faulkner breathed some energy into the band that was (and still is) absolutely electrifying.\u00a0 As for Andy Sneap… I’m not so sure.<\/p>\n
It’s been said that Sneap was handpicked by Tipton to be his replacement but seeing him on stage, he looks like the kid that got picked last for dodgeball.\u00a0 He looks absolutely terrified on stage; a deer in the headlights.\u00a0 I mean, even as much as I usually don’t care about image, he barely even looks the part.\u00a0 I mean, at least Faulkner got all metaled up in his clothes but Sneap?\u00a0 A button up black shirt?\u00a0 Dude, you are in Judas Priest, the metal gods!\u00a0 You could put in just a little more effort to look more like a band member and less like their accountant.<\/p>\n
The footage I have seen from this tour so far has been absolutely outstanding.\u00a0 You better believe that I will be there rooting them on.\u00a0 The band has been pulling out some real deep gems on this run which has been so cool to see but again, Sneap, why you look so scared bruh?\u00a0 Loosen up.\u00a0 Smoke a J, take a Xanax, watch some old Tipton videos, do something to make yourself look solidified as a part of one of the greatest metal bands in the world.\u00a0 Have fun on stage and maybe even take a few tips from Faulkner.\u00a0 Maybe he could even take you clothes shopping or something.<\/p>\n
Regardless, good luck Andy.\u00a0 I hope you find your comfort zone in Priest.\u00a0 You sound amazing!\u00a0 Just get comfortable and be a part of the machine.<\/p>\n