Ian Hill stated that the next Judas Priest album should follow a more traditional direction within classic heavy metal.
In an interview with Metal Journal, the bassist said that the band is working on the successor to the 2024 album Invincible Shield , and indicated that the material is reminiscent of the band's earlier phases
“We’ve already done most of the music, or at least all the backing tracks. We’ve already recorded them. There might be one more [song] left. But the vast majority of the backing tracks are already done. The guys have been in Phoenix working on the vocals with Rob Halford for the last few weeks, I think. So he’s recording the vocals,” said Hill [Transcription via Blabbermouth].
According to the musician, the new songs should have a more direct and traditional sound. “The style is a little different from the last one. A little more traditional, maybe a little peculiar in some details. As I said, I've only heard it in a very raw form — basically guitar, bass and drums. That's all I've heard so far. But, yes, it's shaping up to be a great classic Judas Priest album. It will be released sometime next year. Probably in March or April, something like that, I imagine. That depends on the record label.”
When commenting on the sound of the upcoming album, Ian Hill denied that the material entirely follows the classic style of albums like British Steel, Screaming For Vengeance , and Defenders Of The Faith. “No, not that traditional. It’s more along the lines of Invincible Shield, but much more direct, let’s say,” revealed the bassist.
Currently, Judas Priest continues promoting Invincible Shield with performances across North America and Europe, balancing the production of the new album with their touring schedule.
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