Judas Priest: Battle Cry

Judas Priest: Battle Cry is a riveting concert film that puts the viewer front and center at one of the most spellbinding performances from the iconic British heavy metal band - Judas Priest. Dated to 2016, Battle Cry showcases all the grandeur, intensity, and powerful riffs that have proudly positioned Judas Priest at the pinnacle of the heavy metal genre for nearly half a century. This epic show was captured live at the world-renowned Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany, the largest heavy metal festival in the world with an attendance of nearly 75,000 fervent metal-heads.

In total command at the center of the stage stands legendary frontman Rob Halford. With a voice that has not lost even an ounce of its visceral power and charisma, he carries the banner of Judas Priest with commanding authority, screaming out classic anthems with all the metal soaring majesty fans have come to expect from him. His performance is a musically powerful artistry in motion, an indispensable cornerstone of Battle Cry.

Guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner exhibit a thrilling duel of guitar supremacy in this live performance. Faulkner, who stepped into the shoes of long-time member K.K. Downing, proves he is the worthy heir to the band's screaming twin-guitar tradition. Their intricate harmonies and adrenaline-fueled solos remain an essential piece of the Judas Priest's epic sound.

Bassist Ian Hill, another original member alongside Halford and Tipton, provides the unshakable foundation upon which the band’s sonic castles are built. The film particularly highlights his substantial contributions to the band's legendary sound and stage presence.

Every single moment of Battle Cry exudes raw energy, a testament to a band that, despite the passage of time, still delivers a sublime live performance one could only expect from genuine heavy metal royalty. From old-school classics like "Breaking the Law" and "Painkiller" to newer contributions like "Halls of Valhalla," the band’s musical range and creative span are vividly demonstrated.

Battle Cry not only captures the unfiltered power of operational music played at maximum volume but also highlights the profound interaction between the band and their passionate fans. There are moments in the concert where the spotlight is stolen by the emotionally charged audience, and their adoration for Judas Priest is palpable in every shot. Their connection is raw, tangible, and deeply moving - clearly, the band’s emblematic status in the metal world is well-earned.

The stage dimension adds an epic grandeur to the concert performance. Director Thomas Muster smartly drafts every element of Judas Priest's enormous stage setup from monstrous walls of Marshall amplifiers, towering stage props to magnificent pyrotechnic displays. The breathtaking fan response, combined with visual and aural onslaught, truly magnifies the colossal atmosphere of the Wacken Open Air Festival.

Battle Cry represents the enduring quality of Judas Priest, a band that has stood the test of time. In the turbulent and constantly evolving world of rock music, they have remained consistent, relevant, and devoted to their fanbase. The film proves that the soul of Judas Priest and their brand of heavy metal is by no means a relic of the genre's golden years - but a living, breathing juggernaut.

Judas Priest: Battle Cry is more than just a concert film. It is both a tribute to the band's enduring legacy and a gift to their devoted fans. It is a testament to the power and longevity of heavy metal and a reaffirmation of Judas Priest’s status as one of its most influential torchbearers. The movie is a must-watch for any Judas Priest or heavy metal fan - an opportunity to witness an iconic band still in their prime, delivering a performance bursting with energy, passion, and metal magnificence.