[2008-06-17] Judas Priest "Nostradamus" 2-CD set with free concert ticket

Invisible Pedestrian · **Joined:** 24 Sep 2006 **Posts:** 26163

Here's a lengthy interview with Rob Halford about the mighty Priest's new album about Nostradamus due out next year...

JUDAS PRIEST frontman Rob Halford was the featured guest on Eddie Trunk's "Friday Night Rocks" radio show on New York's Q104.3 FM last night (Friday, October 27). Speaking on the phone from his San Diego, California home, Rob discussed PRIEST's upcoming concept album about the legendary 16th-century French prophet Nostradamus and his forthcoming flurry of HALFORD and FIGHT reissues that will hit Apple's iTunes Music Store at the end of November via Halford's new label, MGE (Metal God Entertainment). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

On the upcoming JUDAS PRIEST album:

"I'm taking kind of a little break away from the ongoing 'Nostradamus' sessions in England. Everybody is in the studio slaving away there. I think Glenn [Tipton] and K.K. [Downing] are probably not hard at work this time of night — they're probably partying somewhere. But, yeah, I'm back in San Diego. I'm here working on all of the monster lyrics for the 'Nostradamus' metal opera, which will be coming out sometime in 2007.

"All the songs are done — I would say 99.9 percent — but we've still got some ideas we're working on. The bulk of the opera is complete as far as the writing goes, and I can't begin to tell you how excited we are about this. It's gonna be an absolutely spectacular moment for PRIEST to follow up the incredible reunion record 'Angel of Retribution'. We're just really, really pumped about this new music that we're making. It's colossal PRIEST — some things that you've never heard before from this band are taking place. We've just got our nose to the grindstone and we're working as fast as we can to get this all completed and wrapped up and released and out in 2007 along with some special-event shows, which we'll talk about as we get closer to that. You know, we're gonna be playing the entire opera from beginning to end. That in itself will be a unique moment for PRIEST to show to our fans around the world, and a stage show that you will not believe. . . I'm gonna kind of take on that role of the character and we're basically gonna be telling the story of his life. He had an incredible life as a man besides making these prophecies that he did. It's a great life story about the things that he went through as an individual on a personal level, so we're obviously discussing that. But we're surrounding his life lyrically with some phenomenal PRIEST music — stuff that we're just so excited about, and as I said, music that will just blow everybody away. I can't begin to discuss it, because my mind is full of the music even as I'm talking about it. So get ready for it. The PRIEST is gonna follow up after 'Angel of Retribution' with something that's gonna be bigger and better and stronger and more metallized than you've ever heard from the band."

On what inspired him to write an entire album about Nostradamus:

"I just think this is a great opportunity for me as a lyricist, because I've talked about these characters — the Painkiller and the Sinner and the Sentinel — and I've been in that world as a lyricist, and now I'm having the opportunity as a lyricist to talk about this man, this real figure from the 16th century and the great things that he did — his prophecies. Some people are very skeptical about them, some people believe them emphatically. There are schools of Nostradamus where you can attend and learn about his teachings and so on and so forth. People say that some of his predictions actually came to be real occurrences from the past and as we look into the future. So I was just fascinated by this man. He went through a lot of grief. Without getting too heavy, he lost his wife and kids during the Black Plague — he was able to save a lot of other people, but he couldn't save his family. So he lost the loves of his life and he was put into… he was banished from the Roman Catholic church. He went through a lot of tough stuff, but he was a very strong, resilient man. Besides being a prophet, he was an advocate of certain kinds of medicine that revolutionized the world of medicine at the time, and many, many, many things. So yeah, it's been fascinating to really try and cover that man's life and put it into lyrics to the music of PRIEST."

On PRIEST's touring plans once the new abum is released:

"We're gonna do two things. We're gonna do specialized event shows in special venues for the 'Nostradamus' production. And then, of course, we'll be doing another set of touring dates throughout the world as covering all the PRIEST classics, so you'll be getting PRIEST in two dimensions next year — you'll be getting PRIEST playing the whole 'Nostradamus' piece, which I'm sure the fans will embrace and love and wanna see, and then of course, we'll come back around and do a PRIEST show with all the great things that you love — 'Painkiller', 'Living After Midnight', 'Breaking the Law', 'The Sentinel', [and] whatever else we decide to play. So you'll be getting PRIEST in every manner that you love to see the band. We made everybody aware when we did the press release sometime ago that that was out intent, so we're not gonna blindside the fans and let them think they're coming to the show to hear all the wonderful PRIEST classics. We're gonna let everybody know well in advance that it'll be a multi-dimensional experience — you'll get the 'Nostradamus' tour, and then you'll get the PRIEST tour — PRIEST classics and everything else."

This CD contains an insert with an exclusive code for 1 free general admission ticket to Judas Priest on the Metal Masters Tour this summer. Offer good while supplies last.

Disc: 1
1. Dawn Of Creation
2. Prophecy
3. Awakening
4. Revelations
5. The Four Horsemen
6. War
7. Sands Of Time
8. Pestilence and Plaque
9. Death
10. Peace
11. Conquest
12. Lost Love
13. Persecution

Disc: 2
1. Solitude
2. Exiled
3. Alone
4. Shadows In The Flame
5. Visions
6. Hope
7. New Beginnings
8. Calm Before The Storm
9. Nostradamus
10. Future of Mankind

Standard Edition:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018AK9RA/?tag=imwan-20

Deluxe Edition in 48-page hardbound book packaging:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018AK9RK/?tag=imwan-20

Jimbo · 19 Jul 2006

I've long been fascinated with Nostradamus and his predictions. I have Al Stewart to thank for that, after hearing his "Eyes of Nostradamus" as an impressional college sophomore.

"Man, man your time is sand
Your ways are leaves upon the sea
I am the eyes of Nostradamus
All your ways are known to me..."

Starz Rider · **Joined:** 03 Jun 2007 **Posts:** 372

JUDAS PRIEST's much-anticipated new album, "Nostradamus", will be released in Germany on June 13 via Sony/BMG (June 16 in the rest of Europe, and most likely June 17 in North America). It will be made available as a double CD in a jewel case, as a deluxe digibook and as a special box set containing the new album on three LPs, a 48-page book and a poster. :yay:

Starz Rider · **Joined:** 03 Jun 2007 **Posts:** 372

Judas Priest Finally Takes On 'Nostradamus'
Judas Priest

April 16, 2008, 10:40 AM ET

Greg Prato, N.Y.
Over two years in the making, Judas Priest will finally unveil its 16th studio album, "Nostradamus," June 17 via Epic in North America and a day earlier internationally.

A double-disc set that tells the story of the 16th century prophet, Michel de Nostredame (whose name is often 'Latinized' as Nostradamus), the release is Priest's first-ever concept album, and was recorded throughout 2006 and 2007 at Old Smithy Studio in the U.K.

"Making 'Nostradamus' was a new experience for us in Judas Priest, insomuch as this was going to be a conceptual writing and recording event," Priest singer Rob Halford tells Billboard.com. "His life is well-documented, so for us it was all about taking the significant episodes he went through, and then with the right emotion, create music and lyrics that would convey them."

On the album, Halford, guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis spread their stylistic wings, experimenting with symphonic orchestration and choirs.

Three configurations of "Nostradamus" will be issued. The most common will be a regular jewel-cased double CD, but there will also be a "CD deluxe hardbound version," which features a 48-page booklet, while a "super deluxe version" will include three vinyl records (in addition to the CD deluxe packaging, plus a poster).

While there have been some European dates announced in support of "Nostradamus" (the chief one being a performance as part of this year's Download Festival in England, which also features Kiss and Motorhead, among others), there will soon be an announcement about Priest's plans for a U.S. tour.

In the meantime, Halford dropped a hint as to what's in store for the group's later headline dates. "As we recorded and listened to the music, and much like a lot of Priest songs, you cannot help but see images in your mind. We constantly thought about special effects and visual elements that will connect musically that we want to use onstage when we will perform all of 'Nostradamus' live," he says. "Again, like every song we compose, the transition from studio to concert is one we think about and make sure we can deliver the goods."

Here is the track list for "Nostradamus":

Dawn of Creation
"PROPHECY"

Awakening
"REVELATIONS"

The Four Horsemen
"WAR"

Sands of Time
"PESTILENCE AND PLAGUE"

"DEATH"

Peace
"CONQUEST"

"LOST LOVE"

"PERSECUTION"

Solitude
"EXILED"

"ALONE"

Shadows In the Flame
"VISIONS"

Hope
"NEW BEGINNINGS"

Calm Before the Storm
"NOSTRADAMUS"

"FUTURE OF MANKIND"

Mark Kravitz · 20 Nov 2006

This looks to be a great release. 2 CD's...must be a lot of music coming our way. It's rare when a studio CD is a double release.

cryton · **Joined:** 06 Feb 2007 **Posts:** 5215

The first dates of the North American tour have been posted on Priest's website. Here's what's listed so far:

Tue Jul 22: WAMU Theatre/Seattle, WA, USA
Wed Jul 23: Save On Foods Memorial Centre/Victoria, BC, Canada
Thu Jul 24: General Motors Place/Vancouver, BC, Canada
Sat Jul 26: McMahon Stadium - 2008 Ozzfest/Calgary, AB, Canada
Sun Jul 27: Shaw Conference Centre/Edmonton, AB, Canada
Tue Jul 29: Credit Union Centre/Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Wed Jul 30: MTS Centre/Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Mark Kravitz · 20 Nov 2006

Has their main web address changed...I see nothing on the site I have.

Thanks,

Mark

cryton · **Joined:** 06 Feb 2007 **Posts:** 5215

Try this link.

http://www.judaspriest.com/home/default.asp

Click on the News button for the tour dates.

Mark Kravitz · 20 Nov 2006

Got it...thanks.

Invisible Pedestrian · **Joined:** 24 Sep 2006 **Posts:** 26163

There's already a post of some dates in the "General" thread. Priest rule!

Dr. Chris Evil · 26 Jul 2006

http://www.melodicrock.com/

JUDAS PRIEST ROAR BACK WITH AN INSTANT EPIC, 'NOSTRADAMUS' & A WORLD TOUR!:

Think 'Double vinyl, gatefold sleeve concept album,' and some of rock's all-time classic recordings come to mind. But in the realm of heavy metal, there has never been a double vinyl (now disc!) concept album that has managed to balance a thought-provoking storyline with metallic thunder. That was, until now. Metal legends Judas Priest will be releasing their sprawling double disc concept album, Nostradamus via Columbia Records on Monday, June 16th in the UK/Europe, and a day later in the US on Epic Records.
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.

Since 1974, Judas Priest has been one of heavy metal's most successful bands, issuing such all-time classic albums as 1980's 'British Steel,' 1982's 'Screaming for Vengeance,' and 1990's 'Painkiller,' and such arena-rocking anthems as “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” and “You've Got Another Thing Comin'.” However, Priest's influence goes far beyond their music - they were the first metal band to embrace the 'leather biker look,' a fashion that has since become synonymous with the musical genre. Additionally, Halford's powerful four-and-a-half octave vocal range and the twin guitar harmonies of Downing and Tipton have been 'studied' by countless metal bands in Priest's wake.

“The 'Nostradamus' album - above all others - is perhaps the one I'm most proud of,” says Tipton. “Whilst in essence and character still very much Judas Priest, it has afforded the opportunity to explore areas of classical and operatic dimensions that the band normally wouldn't. As a guitarist and writer it has inspired me to greater heights and opened new doors to intrigue and passion. From start to finish, it will take you through a magical experience filled with light, shade, drama, melody and emotion that reflects this unique man and his life.”

“For me, 'Nostradamus' has been a musical journey without comparison,” adds Downing. “The intrigue and mystery that surrounds this revered man has expanded my perception of heavy metal to the highest plateau and enabled me to reach the outer limits of my imagination and transport unique feelings and emotions to the instrument that allows me to express myself."

In addition to the regular jewel case double CD version of the album, collectors will undoubtedly be interested in hunting down a copy of a Deluxe Double CD housed in a 48 page hardbound book package. But that's not all - a Super Deluxe Box-set version will also be available with triple vinyl, the double CD, an expanded booklet & a poster.

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!”

To get a taste of what awaits for you within 'Nostradamus,' go to livenation.com/judaspriest on Monday, April 21st to download exclusive free mp3 of the album's title track, as well as view the world premiere of the album cover art.

'Nostradamus' Track Listing: Dawn Of Creation - "Prophecy", Awakening - "Revelations", The Four Horsemen - "War", Sands Of Time - "Pestilence And Plague", "Death", Peace - "Conquest", "Lost Love", "Persecution", Solitude - "Exiled", "Alone", Shadows In The Flame - "Visions", Hope - "New Beginnings", Calm Before The Storm - "Nostradamus", "Future Of Mankind".

For more information and tour dates please visit: http://www.judaspriest.com.

Jimbo · 19 Jul 2006

I mean, I'm gonna buy this, of course, but a concept album about Nostradamus has definite Spinal Tap potential.

P.S. Al Stewart beat them to the punch, even it was just one song, not a whole album. Later covered by Manfred Mann's Earth Band, too.

Invisible Pedestrian · **Joined:** 24 Sep 2006 **Posts:** 26163

Priest already did the Spinal Tap thing on the last album with the dreadful "Loch Ness", a 13 minute epic about the Nessie herself. Absolutely pitiful. They defend the track in Martin Popoff's excellent book that just came out "Heavy Metal Painkillers", but it is not a track to defend.
This album quite frankly, scares me, but I'll get it as I have everything Priest have ever done including trash like "Turbo" and "Ram It Down". I mean, this can't be as bad as those, and maybe we'll get some chuckles if it is? Regardless, I agree 100% about the Tap potential, but let's just hope for the best.

Jimbo · 19 Jul 2006

"Loch Ness" from the last album is exactly what I was thinking about. First time I heard it, I laughed out loud.

"Grey mist drifts upon the water
The mirrored surface moves
Awakened of this presence
Dispelling legends proof

A beastly head of onyx
With eyes set coals of fire
It's leathered hide glides glistening
Ascends the heathered briar

This legend lives through centuries
Evoking history's memories
Prevailing in eternities
On and on and on

Lochness confess
Your terror of the deep
Lochness distress
Malingers what you keep
Lochness protects monstrosity
Lochness confess to me

Somehow it heeds the piper
From battlements that call
From side to side it ponders
In passion in the skirl

This highland lair of mystery
Retains a lost world empathy
Resilient to discovery
On and on and on"

This legend lives through centuries
Evoking history's memories
Prevailing in eternity
Your secret lies safe with me

This creature's peril from decease
Implores to mankind for release
A legacy to rest in peace
on and on and on

DanO · 30 Jul 2006

Jimbo wrote:

"Loch Ness" from the last album is exactly what I was thinking about. First time I heard it, I laughed out loud.

"Grey mist drifts upon the water
The mirrored surface moves
Awakened of this presence
Dispelling legends proof

A beastly head of onyx
With eyes set coals of fire
It's leathered hide glides glistening
Ascends the heathered briar

This legend lives through centuries
Evoking history's memories
Prevailing in eternities
On and on and on

Lochness confess
Your terror of the deep
Lochness distress
Malingers what you keep
Lochness protects monstrosity
Lochness confess to me

Somehow it heeds the piper
From battlements that call
From side to side it ponders
In passion in the skirl

This highland lair of mystery
Retains a lost world empathy
Resilient to discovery
On and on and on"

This legend lives through centuries
Evoking history's memories
Prevailing in eternity
Your secret lies safe with me

This creature's peril from decease
Implores to mankind for release
A legacy to rest in peace
on and on and on

I'll go with "Synchronicity II". :wink:

Dr. Chris Evil · 26 Jul 2006

The true Judas Priest Spinal Tap/Jump The Shark moment was 1986's Turbo. Priest wasn't the same for the rest of the eighties.

Starz Rider · **Joined:** 03 Jun 2007 **Posts:** 372

Listen to the title track here:

http://www.bravewords.com/news/87875

Mark Kravitz · 20 Nov 2006

That sounds incredible...

rrbbkk · **Joined:** 26 Jul 2007 **Posts:** 367

Invisible Pedestrian wrote:

Priest already did the Spinal Tap thing on the last album with the dreadful "Loch Ness", a 13 minute epic about the Nessie herself. Absolutely pitiful. They defend the track in Martin Popoff's excellent book that just came out "Heavy Metal Painkillers", but it is not a track to defend.
This album quite frankly, scares me, but I'll get it as I have everything Priest have ever done including trash like "Turbo" and "Ram It Down". I mean, this can't be as bad as those, and maybe we'll get some chuckles if it is? Regardless, I agree 100% about the Tap potential, but let's just hope for the best.

I could not agree with you more. I HOWLED when I first heard it. However I must point out I have a twelve year old son who thinks Judas Priest's "Loch Ness" is the coolest thing since sliced bread. Much the same as I once did "In A Gadda Da Vida" I suppose.

cryton · **Joined:** 06 Feb 2007 **Posts:** 5215

From Blabbermouth.net:

While supplies last, when you purchase any configuration (regular CD edition, limited edition-deluxe hard-bound version and limited-edition deluxe box [3LPs, 2 CD, book and poster] available only at Best Buy) of the initial pressing of JUDAS PRIEST's double-disc concept album, "Nostradamus" (release date: June 17), specially marked CDs will contain an insert with a exclusive code inside the CD package for one free lawn ticket to see JUDAS PRIEST on select dates of the Metal Masters tour this summer, courtesy of Live Nation (see below for a complete list).

Visit http://www.judaspriest.com for details on this special offer.

This seemingly too-good-to-be-true offer will be good while supplies last. Also, this offer will not pertain to all the dates of the Metal Masters tour (see below for complete list of dates that the offer is good for).

The Metal Masters tour will undoubtedly be the top metal concert attraction of the summer. In addition to a headlining performance by JUDAS PRIEST, fans will also be treated to sets by HEAVEN AND HELL, MOTÖRHEAD and TESTAMENT.

"As ever, we look forward to screaming out loud with our METAL maniac fans when we hit the road," enthuses PRIEST singer Rob Halford. "The PRIEST is back!"

The tour, produced by Live Nation, will be PRIEST's first thorough sets of U.S. dates in nearly three years, and will be in support of the group's aforementioned "Nostradamus" release.

Offer good only for one of the following shows, while supplies last:

Aug. 06 - Camden, NJ
Aug. 07 - Bristow, VA
Aug. 09 - Holmdel, NJ
Aug. 16 - Pittsburgh, PA
Aug. 19 - Chicago, IL
Aug. 22 - Dallas, TX
Aug. 23 - Houston, TX
Aug. 24 - San Antonio, TX
Aug. 27 - Albuquerque, NM
Aug. 28 - Phoenix, AZ
Aug. 30 - San Bernardino, CA
Aug. 31 - Mountain View, CA

Starz Rider · **Joined:** 03 Jun 2007 **Posts:** 372

I read this earlier. I hope they stock the deluxe box with the lp's. $70--what the hell. I very very seldom by gas anyway 8-)

Starz Rider · **Joined:** 03 Jun 2007 **Posts:** 372

Hear Nostradamus in its entirety here:

http://www.mtv.com/music/the_leak/judas ... ostradamus

[2008-06-17] Judas Priest "Nostradamus" 2-CD set with free concert ticket

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