10 Modern Classics By Old Bands

4. Firepower - Judas Priest

The 2010's were a year of great concern for Judas Priest. After an ill-conceived concept album surrounding Nostradamus, the band was dealt a heavy blow with the retirement of madman guitarist KK Downing. As the band plowed ahead with Redeemer of Souls, the Priest magic was there but felt a bit strained. Was the band losing their luster after half a century of metal?

In a fantastic bounceback, the band served up a helping of metal madness with their next record Firepower, whose title track kicks you right in the teeth. The drums by Scott Travis pound into your skull as the guitar army thunders across your brain. Guitarists Glenn Tipton and newcomer Richie Faulkner trade licks back and forth and deliver solos with the same fire as the glory days of British Steel. At the center, Rob Halford retains his pedigree as one of metal's best frontmen as he screams his way through the track with the same, well, fire he had in his prime.

With some rumors going around that the band will retire after this tour, Judas Priest may have gone out on their highest note possible with "Firepower."