Judas Priest and Sabaton Bring Metal to the Heartland
This show has been a long time in the making. The double bill of JUDAS PRIEST and SABATON was originally planned for the Cable Dahmer arena in 2020, but we all know what happened. Much has changed for both bands; SABATON released a new album in 2022, “The War to End all Wars”, and JUDAS PRIEST released “Invincible Shield”. This year also marked the departure of guitarist Tommy Johansson, and return of original member Thobbe Englund. The number of Sabaton shirts worn by people waiting to get inside showed that just as many people were there to see the Swedish musicians as were there for the British Metal Gods.
Sitting at the back of the stage was something I’ve been waiting to see for years: the tank drum riser. Prior to the show, a number of people were lining up in front of the barricade to get their picture taken in front of it. Who can blame them?
As the lights dimmed and the crowd’s roar filled the arena. An electric anticipation filled the air. Suddenly, a massive explosion rocked the venue, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Sabaton had arrived, and they were ready to conquer. The Swedish power metal titans burst onto the stage with their signature opener, “Ghost Division,” setting the tone for an unforgettable night of metal mastery.
From the moment they appeared, SABATON’S stage presence was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The band’s setup was a sight to behold; the aforementioned tank serving as the drum riser, perfectly embodying their war-themed esthetic. Helmet and rifle mic stands added to the military ambiance, creating an immersive experience that transported us to the battlefields of history. Vocalist Joakim Brodén would later don a gas mask, and flame thrower billowing smoke for “Attack of the Dead Men”. Truly a sight to behold.
The energy radiating from the stage was palpable. Lead vocalist Joakim Brodén commanded attention with his powerful voice and charismatic performance. The rest of the band matched his intensity, moving around the stage with purpose and engaging with the elaborate props surrounding them. Their synchronized headbanging and high-energy movements kept our eyes glued to the spectacle unfolding before us.
Sabaton’s ability to connect with their audience was truly remarkable. Joakim, noticing a Swedish flag being waved in the crowd, asked for it to be passed up. He promptly tied it around his neck, like a cape, proclaiming himself “Swedish Man, with the power of pack flat furniture!” a call back to him introducing the band as coming from the land of ABBA, and IKEA (really, what else do you need?)
While every song in Sabaton’s set was a powerhouse, a few stood out as true crowd-pleasers. “The Last Stand” had everyone singing along at the top of their lungs, while “Bismarck” showcased the band’s storytelling prowess. The Swedish version of “Carolus Rex” was a particular highlight, with Joakim’s voice filled with pride as he sang in his native tongue.
I had hoped that they might play “Lifetime of War”, my favorite song from the Carolus Rex album. Though I was able to hear a muffled version through the walls of the box office while they did their soundcheck. I’ll take it as a small victory.
As their set neared its end, Sabaton launched into “To Hell and Back,” leaving us breathless and craving more. The explosive performance had set the bar incredibly high for the rest of the night, leaving us wondering how Judas Priest could possibly follow such an electrifying opening act. The energy from the crowd was not lost on Joakim, who expressed surprise about it being that high on a Tuesday night, and proclaiming that they need to come back. Yes; yes they do.
As the anticipation reached its peak, the legendary Judas Priest took the stage, ready to showcase why they’re hailed as metal gods. The crowd’s roar was deafening as we prepared for a journey through metal history.
It was time for the legends themselves; nearly 55 years in the industry, Judas Priest. A banner, proclaiming themselves to be the defenders of metal, hung center stage. With a crack, it dropped, revealing all members of the band, standing atop the drum riser, launching into “Panic Attack” from their latest album, “Invincible Shield”.
There seemed to be some issues with the audio mix. From center stage, Rob was completely inaudible, but his rasp was as strong as ever when standing further to either of the sides. I only hope the issue was resolved later in the show, otherwise those who paid a premium to be that close will have suffered from the experience.
Hits like “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” and “Breaking the Law” had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. The energy in the arena was electric as Judas Priest took us on a journey through their extensive catalog. Each song was a testament to their mastery of the craft, with guitar work that left us in awe.
At 72 years old, Rob Halford’s vocal abilities continue to astound. His operatic range soared above the thunderous instrumentals, captivating the audience with every note. During “Painkiller,” Halford unleashed a scream that seemed to defy human capabilities, leaving us all in disbelief.
His ability to switch between gravelly menace and banshee-like wails showcased the full spectrum of his four-octave range. Halford’s performance was a reminder of why he’s considered one of the most influential vocalists in metal history.
As Judas Priest continued their set, it was clear that this night of metal mastery was living up to its promise. The band’s energy, combined with their timeless sound, created an unforgettable experience that left us craving more.
As the night progressed, we found ourselves on an incredible journey through metal history. Judas Priest’s performance was a testament to their enduring influence and mastery of the genre.
The band didn’t disappoint when it came to delivering their classic hits. “Breaking the Law” had the entire arena singing along, our voices joining Rob Halford’s powerful vocals. “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” brought back waves of nostalgia, reminding us why Judas Priest has been at the forefront of metal for over five decades.
The inclusion of “Victim of Changes” was a highlight, showcasing the band’s musical prowess. This epic track allowed each member to shine, from blistering guitar solos to Halford’s incredible vocal range. It was a masterclass in metal performance, proving that Judas Priest hasn’t lost their touch.
While the classics were a treat, Judas Priest also gave us a taste of their latest album, “Invincible Shield.” The new tracks, including “Panic Attack” and “Invincible Shield,” fit seamlessly into the set. These songs demonstrated that the band is still capable of creating powerful, relevant metal music.
The crowd’s reaction to the new material was just as enthusiastic as it was for the classics. It was clear that Judas Priest isn’t content to rest on their laurels; they’re still pushing the boundaries of metal and keeping their sound fresh and exciting.
As the set neared its end, the energy in the arena reached a fever pitch. The final songs, including “Living After Midnight,” were a celebration of metal and the band’s incredible legacy. The crowd’s response was electric, a fitting tribute to a band that has given so much to the genre.
The night of metal mastery featuring Judas Priest and Sabaton left an indelible mark on all who attended. From Sabaton’s explosive opening set to Judas Priest’s commanding performance, the concert showcased the evolution and enduring power of heavy metal. The bands’ ability to engage the crowd and deliver unforgettable performances highlighted their status as titans of the genre.
As the final notes faded away, we were left with a sense of awe and appreciation for the musical journey we had experienced. The concert not only celebrated the legacy of metal but also proved its continuing relevance and vitality. For fans old and new, this night served as a testament to the unbreakable bond between metal bands and their devoted audience, leaving us eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the ongoing saga of heavy metal.
Photos by Josh Chaikin
Words by Josh Chaikin and Sonny C. Wright
