Out Friday, March 8th, is “Invincible Shield,” the 19th studio album by Judas Priest. The 11-songs set was produced by Andy Sneap, the band’s touring guitarist who fills in for Glenn Tipton, who’s been sidelined by Parkinson’s disease back in the U.K. Tipton played on the album and co-wrote songs, however, with frontman Rob Halford and guitarist Richie Faulkner. “Invincible Shield” is also coming out 50 years after Judas Priest’s very first album, “Rocka Rolla,” in 1974. 

Bassist Ian Hill, the only constant member of Judas Priest throughout its 55 years — tells us that the band had hoped to have “Invincible Shield” out earlier but was slowed down by the pandemic. 

“Yeah, the pandemic closed everything down, put everything back two years, didn’t it? I think the album’s probably better because of that, because Richie Faulkner’s on board and putting extra time into every song, so it’s a very busy album, probably musically the best thing we’ve ever done. Yeah, it was great.” OUTCUE :31

“Invincible Shield” is the follow-up to 2018’s “Firepower.” 

It also follows Judas Priest’s 2022 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

The album has been preceded by the singles “Panic Attack,” “Trial By Fire,” “Crown of Horns,” and “The Serpent and the King.”
Judas Priest will hold listening parties for “Invincible Shield” at an assortment of bars around the world on Thursday, March 7th. Locations and times can be found at judaspriest.com. 

Judas Priest recently kicks off a European tour to support the album on March 11th in Glasgow, Scotland, with dates through April 7th. The North American leg begins April 18th in Wallingford, Conn.