Corporate line:
Long in the works, “Nostradamus” takes epic storytelling to a whole new level, as it recounts the life of this mysterious, world-known 16th Century French prophet. Some of the events that Nostradamus experts have interpreted as his predictions include the great fire of London in 1666, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and most recently, 9-11, among countless other renowned events.
“As in any concept piece, the lifeline needs to be of a solid source, taking the music over many levels of interest and perception,” points out singer Rob Halford. “Nostradamus’ contains new frontiers explored and defined. The sense of adventure and the journey we undertook bringing the man’s life alive with metal was a real labour of love.”
As with all new Priest releases, the group – singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis – will embark on a mammoth worldwide tour in support of “Nostradamus.” Priest will be performing at the 2008 Download Festival – on a bill also featuring Kiss – which will serve as a ‘homecoming’ of sorts for the group, as they performed at the first-ever ‘Monsters of Rock Festival’ at Donington Park in 1980.
Most bands of this high stature would be happy to play it safe. But not Judas Priest, who continue to take chances and break new ground. No other rock band could have pulled off such a grand statement, and Judas Priest have raised the bar once more with “Nostradamus.”
As to why they chose to make a concept album about Nostradamus, Tipton explains: “We didn’t – he chose us. We feel it was meant to be!”
The hits:
Nothing. Zip.
The rest:
“Nostradamus” – There are a few interesting moments during the verses but then the chorus comes in straight out of Spinal Tap.
“Prophecy” – “I am Nostradamus/ and I conceive.” Good grief. The lyrics are piss poor.
“Awakening” – The verses are mind-numbing. This can’t be serious, right?
“The Four Horsemen” – Judas Priest brings in an orchestra to help prop up disaster and that doesn’t work no matter who or what is playing when the verses and chorus are shit.
Frankly:
Is the world ready for a metal comeback? Lets just say Judas Priest won’t be the ones who inspire it. “Nostradamus” is a mess. Judas Priest wanted a concept album instead they got an album fit for Spinal Tap. Judas Priest taking on a concept album sounds like a first grader trying to take on calculus. The only good thing you can say is that it sounds like Rob Halford can still sing and the band can still play, but they aren’t writing great songs.
Interview with Rob Halford:
