10 Delayed Hard Rock Albums That Weren't Worth The Wait

The idea of Judas Priest going in a more conceptual direction sounds like it should be the easiest lay up in the world. Since they have already crafted their legacy on some of the most epic songs in metal history, the idea of them making a double album experience all centered around the idea of Nostradamus is the foray into power metal that fans were waiting for. So why is Nostradamus so flabby at the end of the day?

Don't get me wrong. You can still tell that those extended hours in the studio went to good use, with different symphonic elements brought into the mix and sweeping orchestral arrangements across a few tracks. When you break down some of the songs though, there's not nearly as much to hook onto when put against stuff off of Screaming for Vengeance back in the day.

There are a few bright spots to be sure like on Pestilence and Plague, but the title track tends to feel a lot more sludgy than the Priest were intending. By the time you actually finish the record, Priest don't really sound like masters of the universe...they just sound tired. We get that making an album like this can be a rough ride, but if you're sounding tired by the end, just imagine how the audience must be feeling.