Lead single roar**: “Panic Attack,” released Oct 2023, has already racked up over 8 million Spotify streams and 2 million YouTube views ([reddit.com][1], [en.wikipedia.org][2]).
* *Louder* praised the album as “the most defiantly, unrelentingly triumphant record”—a blistering follow-up to *Firepower* ([loudersound.com][3]).
* *Overdrive* called it “their best album since ‘Painkiller’,” lauding its intensity from the very first riff ([overdrive.ie][4]).
* **Fan verdict**:
> “Maybe even better than *Firepower*… the finale, Panic Attack, is off the fookin chain!!” ([reddit.com][5])
> “It rips! …this is not what I expected for a band at this stage in life!” ([reddit.com][5])
Even Reddit skeptics are blown away:
> “Hard to believe… their latest release is among their best works. Absolute banger.” ([reddit.com][6], [reddit.com][7])
Collectively, *Firebrand* is being hailed as a triumphant return—not just a nostalgic nod but a bold, high-energy statement from a band still evolving.
—
## 🌍 World Tour – *Unleashing Metal Fury*
* **North America**: Co-headlining with Alice Cooper across 22 electrifying dates this fall, with special guests like Corrosion of Conformity ([reddit.com][8]).
* **Global explosion**: The “Unleashing Metal Fury” tour is bringing Priest’s colossal stage show—packed with pyrotechnics, leather-and-studs flair, and surprise new material—to arenas and festivals worldwide ([ajbnews.co.uk][9]).
* **Europe & Spain**: Returning to Spain for a special standalone show—Bilbao Arena on June 23, 2025—as part of their international run ([cadenaser.com][10]).
Fans are buzzing: expect an onslaught of classics like *Breaking the Law*, *Painkiller*, *Living After Midnight*, and adrenaline-charged new tracks from *Firebrand* ([ajbnews.co.uk][9]).
—
## 🔥 Fan-Fueled Frenzy
* Older fans and newcomers alike are blown away:
> “They sound pretty good for a heavy metal band that’s been around for over 50 years… Rob’s voice still sounds great.” ([reddit.com][5])
* A Redditor perfectly captured the sentiment:
> “Priest might be THE best metal band ever. To release something like this 50 years after their first album… it’s unbelievable.” ([reddit.com][11], [reddit.com][5])
This energy is translating to sold-out shows, viral clips—especially from tracks like *Panic Attack*—and excitement across social media platforms.
—
## 🔧 Why *Firebrand* works
1. **High-octane production**: Teaming with producer Andy Sneap ensures a polished yet aggressive sonic punch ([en.wikipedia.org][2]).
2. **Relentless energy**: *Louder* noted how the album opens with galloping intensity from the jump ([loudersound.com][3]).
3. **New riffs, old school soul**: Critics highlight standout tracks like “The Serpent and the King” and “As God is My Witness” for their vintage Priest power ([loudersound.com][3]).
4. **Halford’s prime-time vocals**: Even in his 70s, the “Metal God” still delivers soaring, commanding vocals ([reddit.com][11]).
—
## 💣 Final Verdict
*Firebrand* isn’t just another album—it’s an **explosive reaffirmation of Judas Priest’s relevance**, melding old-school fury with modern impact. The world tour extends that potent energy live—with pyrotechnics, classics, and beastly new material lighting up stages from Bilbao to North America.
If you’re craving heavy metal that burns with passion and power, this album-tour combo is an unmissable global event—one that confirms Judas Priest are still at the top of their game, fuelling hysteria and unrelenting fan devotion.
—
* [nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/04/16/ticket-sales/judas-priest-alice-cooper-tour-2025-where-to-buy-tickets/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [cadenaser.com](https://cadenaser.com/euskadi/2024/12/20/judas-priest-vuelve-a-bilbao-con-su-gira-the-shield-of-pain-tour-radio-bilbao/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[1]: https://www.reddit.com/r/MetalForTheMasses/comments/1hditns?utm_source=chatgpt.com “I can’t believe I slept on Judas Priest this long”
[2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_Attack_%28Judas_Priest_song%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Panic Attack (Judas Priest song)”
[3]: https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/judas-priest-invincible-shield-review?utm_source=chatgpt.com “\”Fifty years on from their tentative first steps, Priest have produced what may well be the most defiantly, unrelentingly triumphant record of their career.\” New Judas Priest album Invincible Shield is nothing short of magnificent | Louder”
[4]: https://www.overdrive.ie/album-review-judas-priest-invincible-shield-their-best-album-since-painkiller/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “ALBUM REVIEW – JUDAS PRIEST ‘INVINCIBLE SHIELD’. \”THEIR BEST ALBUM SINCE ‘PAINKILLER’!! – Overdrive”
[5]: https://www.reddit.com/r/fantanoforever/comments/1b9zbub?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Thoughts On Judas Priest’s New Album?”
[6]: https://www.reddit.com/r/judaspriest/comments/16s82uf?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Firepower vs Angel of Retribution”
[7]: https://www.reddit.com/r/MetalForTheMasses/comments/1de7a4r?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Hard to believe a group can have 50+ years of longevity, and their latest release is among their best works. Absolute banger. Latest tour is amazing as well. This group is the essence of metal. 🤘”
[8]: https://www.reddit.com/r/judaspriest/comments/1g1s5p9?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Why is the new Priest so Bad Ass?!”
[9]: https://ajbnews.co.uk/announcement-judas-priest-announces-2025-world-tour-the-metal-gods-return/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “ANNOUNCEMENT: Judas Priest Announces 2025 World Tour: The Metal Gods Return…”
[10]: https://cadenaser.com/euskadi/2024/12/20/judas-priest-vuelve-a-bilbao-con-su-gira-the-shield-of-pain-tour-radio-bilbao/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Judas Priest vuelve a Bilbao con su gira \”The Shield Of Pain Tour\””
[11]: https://www.reddit.com/r/MetalForTheMasses/comments/1b9kxw1?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Happy Judas Priest day to all who celebrate, how are you enjoying the new album?”