It’s not often you get the privilege of seeing a band play two nights after being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so the energy was buzzing as the packed Toyota Arena crowd waited for Judas Priest to hit the stage.

The crowd shouted “Priest, Priest.” The devotees, which seemed to be everyone, became even more fanatical as the giant Priest Cross was lifted onto the stage. I could tell I was in for the epic metal show of my life.

As the intro song “Hellion” played, the Cross was being lifted high above the stage, lit up fire red with spotlights shining out into the audience as the band played “Electric Eye.” It was a mesmerizing and powerful start to the show and all you could see was an ocean of metal horns raised throughout the arena.

Judas Priest has stood the test of time and their 50-year anniversary tour has the band rocking harder than ever. Rob Halford is a metal force with his hard-hitting vocals along with the screaming guitars of Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap, booming bass of Ian Hill and the thundering drumming of Scott Travis. Playing for almost 2 hours (no breaks) with songs “Heading out to the Highway,” “Jawbreaker,” “Judas Rising.” “Firepower” and “Screaming for Vengeance,” Priest showed why they are an iconic band and are a source of inspiration for so many musicians.

During the concert Halford brought out their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame award and thanked the fans saying the band wouldn’t be here without their support.

“Judas Rising” was one of my favorites of the night. You can feel the power of Halford’s rousing vocals and it rattles you throughout your entire body. “Hell Bent for Leather” was another epic part of the night with Halford driving a motorcycle on stage as the back screen shows footage of motorcycles speeding down mountain roads. “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight” end the night as a massive Bull appears on stage, which is an homage to the band’s hometown of Birmingham, England.

Watching a Judas Priest concert is a hypnotic experience with the roar of the crowd, the lights of the Judas Priest cross, and the ferocious power and musicianship of the band. Even after 2 hours, the crowd was not ready for the night to end. “Priest, Priest,” screamed the crowd as the band came out to say goodnight and thank the fans. As everyone reluctantly started to walk out of the  venue, I overhead a woman say that she couldn’t hear anything cause the show was so loud, but then she said I guess that’s the sign of a good concert. Loud and in your face, the power of the mighty Judas Priest.

Review: I’m Music Magazine Write Meesha Walden

Photos:  © Kevin Estrada / @KevinEstradaPhotography