Judas Priest commence work on 19th studio album

Guitarist Richie Faulkner, who replaced original axeman K. K. Downing in 2011, broke the good news on Twitter shortly before 11pm last night (3rd February).

Sharing a photo of himself sitting next to Rob Halford and Glenn Tipton in the studio, Richie wrote: “Giving birth to new metal babies. #judaspriest writing sessions 2020 with grand master Tipton and the Mg RHRF DOTF #forgingthesteel”

The trio co-wrote songs together on Judas Priest’s last two studio albums - 2014’s ‘Redeemer of Souls’ and 2018’s ‘Firepower’.

Singer Rob Halford first confirmed a new Judas Priest album is “definitely” on the way last March.

Speaking to Australia's May The Rock Be With You, Rob said they wanted to keep up the ante following the rapturously received ‘Firepower’.

“All this incredible acclaim, critical acclaim and from our fans, it's a boost more than anything else,” Rob said. “It gives us the inspiration, the motivation, to keep going into the 'metal future' as we call it. We're very grateful."

Looking to the band’s future, Rob said: “The fact is, (Judas) Priest is on a roll and we're on fire with this music and the reaction, the support from our fans and everybody is what gives you that thought of, 'What would happen if we wrote another song? Then another song? Then an album? We might as well go out and tour again.'

“It's a lot of things combined that really still keep us active and keep us to what's next to be done.”

He continued: “We're always looking for a different kind of tilt to what we're about as a band in the next project of songs we're going to release.

“We're already thinking about that now. We had a meeting in the U.K. just before we came to Australia about planning the foreseeable future and I would say there's definitely a new Priest album on the way."

Glenn Tipton retired from touring due to Parkinson’s disease in February 2018, however he has made numerous guest appearances on the Firepower Tour and he’s still an active band member in the recording studio.

Judas Priest will play a 50 Heavy Metal Years anniversary show when they headline Bloodstock Open Air in Catton Park, Derbyshire on Sunday 9th August 2020.

They appear on a weekend Bloodstock bill that boasts Devin Townsend (Friday headliner), Behemoth (Saturday headliner), Saxon, Skindred, Diamond Head and many more. Head to Planet Rock Tickets to get your Bloodstock tickets.

Following this, they’re scheduled to perform as special guests to Ozzy Osbourne on his No More Tours 2 UK arena tour.