Judas Priest Raises an 'Invincible Shield' at Fallsview Casino

photo by Dan Savoie

Judas Priest, the legendary pioneers of heavy metal, brought their ‘Invincible Shield’ tour to the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino and Resort in Niagara Falls, proving that after five decades, they remain an unstoppable force. With special guests Sabaton warming up the crowd, the night was a celebration of metal’s past, present, and future, as the bands delivered a high-octane performance that left the audience breathless and yearning for more.

At the heart of Judas Priest’s enduring legacy is the incomparable Rob Halford, whose powerful vocals and commanding stage presence have earned him the title of “Metal God.” Throughout the night, Halford’s voice soared above the thunderous instrumentation, hitting the high notes with ease and sending shivers down the spines of the assembled metalheads. Clad in his signature leather and studs, Halford prowled the stage like a metal messiah, engaging the crowd and leading them through a journey of the band’s greatest hits.

Judas Priest’s setlist was a testament to their incredible catalog, spanning five decades of genre-defining music. The band kicked off the night with “Panic Attack,” a track from their latest album, ‘Invincible Shield,’ before launching into classic hits like “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” “Rapid Fire,” and “Breaking the Law”. The crowd sang along with every word, their voices rising in unison to match Halford’s powerful vocals. The band also treated fans to deep cuts and fan favorites, including “Love Bites,” “Devil’s Child,” and “Saints in Hell”.

One of Judas Priest’s defining characteristics is their dual guitar attack, and the Niagara Falls show was no exception. Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap’s interplay was a sight to behold, their guitars weaving intricate melodies and harmonies that elevated each song to new heights. The spotlight shone on their impressive skills during “Victim of Changes,” as the duo traded solos with a level of precision and passion that left the audience in awe.

Near the end of the set, Rob Halford took a moment to address the crowd, reflecting on Judas Priest’s 50-year career and expressing gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support. He spoke of the power of metal to unite people from all walks of life, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the diverse audience. This heartfelt moment set the stage for “Invincible Shield,” a new song that encapsulates the band’s enduring spirit and the strength of the metal community.

After a brief respite, Judas Priest returned to the stage for an electrifying encore. “The Hellion” and “Electric Eye” set the tone, with the band firing on all cylinders and the crowd hanging on every note. However, it was “Hell Bent for Leather” that truly stole the show. As Halford rode onto the stage on a roaring Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the audience went wild. The band tore through the classic track with a level of intensity and showmanship that proved why they are still the undisputed kings of heavy metal.

As the final notes of “Hell Bent for Leather” faded away, Judas Priest launched into one last song: the anthemic “Living After Midnight.” The crowd sang along with every word, their voices rising in unison to create a moment of pure metal magic. Halford’s vocals soared above the band’s tight instrumentation, bringing the show to a triumphant close. As the metal gods took their final bows, it was clear that Judas Priest had once again proven their enduring legacy and unparalleled ability to captivate and inspire audiences.

Before Judas Priest took the stage, Swedish power metal sensation Sabaton treated the audience to a blistering set of their own. Known for their historically-themed songs and energetic performances, Sabaton wasted no time in whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Opening with the fan-favorite “Ghost Division,” the band’s infectious energy and tight musicianship were on full display. Frontman Joakim Brodén’s powerful vocals and engaging stage presence kept the audience enthralled throughout their set, which included hits like “The Last Stand,” “Swedish Pagans,” and “Primo Victoria”.

The ‘Invincible Shield’ tour served as a reminder of Judas Priest’s enduring legacy and their ability to captivate audiences with their timeless music and electrifying performances, including support from an iconic power metal band, who could headline theatres in their own right.

Horns up!

Judas Priest setlist: