Released: 2008

Genres: Heavy Metal, Symphonic Metal, Power Metal

The Musiquarium’s Nostradamus Review Score: 3/5

On Judas Priest’s second album since reuniting with Rob Halford, the band goes for a symphonic metal sound on this nearly two hour-long double concept album about the famous astrologer, Nostradamus.

While it’s easy to slam this album as being too ambitious for its own good and coming off more like a Spinal Tap-style heavy metal opera parody, it’s surprisingly cohesive and has the band trying something new 30+ years into their career. The band may sometimes sound like they are cosplaying as fellow metal legends Iron Maiden and the synthesizers may seem out of place (and even a little dated), but Judas Priest was known for adopting synthesizers in the eighties, so it should come as no surprise to see them popping up here.

At over 100 minutes, Nostradamus demands a lot of attention and endurance from the listener — it’s not one of the band’s best albums, nor does it house any powerhouse singles, but it’s easily one of the band’s most unique, progressive and experimental albums, even though it’s not particularly enjoyable.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view Judas Priest on Discogs.

Back to the 2008 Album Guide or the Judas Priest Reviews page

Written by Brett Nippard