Judas Priest Redeemer of Souls Tour Concert Review
with Mastodon
Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, Illinois

The longevity of Judas Priest has weathered lineup changes and their career has seen superstar status in the 1980s with their album British Steel of which tracks, “Breaking The Law” and “Living After Midnight” are classic songs that receive radio play. A hundred artists have covered “Breaking The Law” and it has been featured in television shows and movies. The band released an album Redeemer of Souls July 8, 2014. Judas Priest has been on tour for support of the album for over a year now and traveled through North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and South America.

Peoria, Illinois was lucky enough to have Judas Priest grace them with their presence. Everyone knows that Judas Priest could play larger venues and not even bother with playing smaller venues. They do so for the fans. The fans will travel far and wide to get so close to these metal legends. While the fans consisted mainly of older gentlemen, there were fans of all ages. Fans who were metalheads, musicians, and their companions all were blown away by the power in Rob Halford’s vocals.

Metal award winning band Mastodon opened the show. Their stage was set with a large backdrop designed by the artist known as Skinner. Skinner’s work is immediately recognizable. He also designed the album cover for Mastodon Once More ‘Round The Sun.

Mastodon took the stage with Brent Hinds and Troy Sanders looking like Wildlings with long hair and beards. Members of Mastodon did star as Wildlings in the HBO original series Game of Thrones.  They also have a song “White Walkers” on Game of Thrones Mixtape II .

Mastodon in Game of Thrones

Mastodon’s setlist this evening contained “Tread Lightly”, “Once More ‘Round The Sun”, “Aqua Dementia” and “Black Tongue”. Their set was more energetic than I’ve seen them in the past perhaps because they had more stage to move around. Everyone tries to describe Mastodon by placing them into a sub-genre of rock like progressive rock or groove metal. They are rockers whose musicianship will impress you because they are just that magnificient.

Click to view Mastodon Photo Gallery

Judas Priest built the anticipation to their set by having a large curtain cover the stage with their name in large letters and their signature pitchfork. The curtain dropped and they started with “Dragonaut”. Rob Halford came out with a cane that was for style and not necessity. Their stage set included an led screen the entire backdrop and two smaller screens in front of either side of the elevated drum kit. Two lighted pitchforks hung from the air on either side of the backdrop screen. The screens featured album covers, lyrics for some songs, and cameras from the stage of the band and the crowd. Their tracks included several songs to show that Rob Halford’s vocals are still outstanding and Glenn Tipton’s wailing guitar, thumping bass of Ian Hill and the hard-hitting drums of Scott Travis. Not to leave out the youngster, Richie Faulkner on guitar who also brings a lot of energy and skill to the show. They performed “Desert Plains”, “Screaming For Vengeance”, and “The Rage” and their hits as well. Watching the set made me tired. I do not know how the older gentleman in the band continue their touring schedule. Drummer, Scott Travis seemed to have an endless supply of energy.

Rob Halford’s costume changes occurred during every song. His wardrobe consisted of leather, whips, handcuffs, and vests and jackets adorned with gems or studs. Rob also rides out on a motorcycle to the expectation of the fans. He took a moment during the show to thank all the metalheads who came out to support them. I know a lot of fans wanted to make sure they saw the legends in person.

Click to view entire Judas Priest Photo Gallery

You can still see Judas Priest with Mastodon.

See all the tour dates on their website: Judas Priest Tour Dates

You’ve got another thing comin’