By: jhs5150

Infusions, transfusions and mass confusions.

No, I’m not talking about the current Ebola scare that has had this nation frightened, confused and perplexed (and deservedly so.) I’m talking about the latest rock guitarist to come into an established band and take them to seemingly new heights ala’ Adrian Vandenberg (Whitesnake), John Sykes (Thin Lizzy) and Wolfgang Van Halen (Van Halen.) I’m talking about guitarist Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest.

I was lucky enough to catch this band doing an amazing show this past week, playing a large majority of their classic songs dating back to the seventies through their current release – “Redeemer of Souls.” Rob Halford, the band’s singer, was in top form — hitting all the notes doubters said that at his age he no longer could. Indeed, I found his vocals better than when I saw the band in 2011. He was much improved and while no mention of it was made at that time, I believe he had health and throat issues. Ian Hill the band’s bassist, was steady as always — laying the musical ground work, while being in constant motion, rocking up and down, doing those moves that heavy metal became known (and sometimes parodied) for. Guitarist Glen Tipton, who at age sixty-six, seems to defy his age in both the hair category and his playing, was his steady (if unspectacular) self, but the true star of the show was the man who came in and gave the band an infusion of energy, talent and vigor – Faulkner.

When it was announced that guitarist and founding member K.K. Downing would not be joining the band on their Epitaph World Tour in 2011 (rumored to be their last), the band found themselves scrambling to find a replacement. The band was hard-pressed to find someone in time for the tour to begin. The announced hiring of Faulkner didn’t generate a lot of anticipation. He was largely an unknown and it was thought that with this being the band’s final tour and looming retirement, that Faulkner was just a hired gun and that when the tour was over he would fade back into obscurity. Little did he, the band, or their fans know what would soon take place.

As the tour progressed, Faulkner gave the band such an infusion of energy and enthusiasm that the band suddenly found themselves reinvigorated; so much so that talk of Epitaph being the end of Judas Priest soon had the band eating their words. Suddenly, Halford (spokesman for the band) began saying that they would no longer do world tours but would play shows occasionally or when asked. Soon the band began to talk about recording a new album. This came to fruition and the band started working on the album almost as soon as the Epitaph tour ended. Faulkner, having been a fan of the band since the days of his youth, contributed ideas, riffs and was treated as a full partner in the collaboration. The result is “Redeemer of Souls” – a return to the roots of the band and the sound that the band is known for. Dark, heavy and yet melodic – it does away with orchestral arrangements and concept albums (Nostradamus) and gives the fans what they want – classic Priest. Classic always seems to work better, just ask the powers that be when they did away with the original Coke or introduced Crystal Pepsi.

Live, Faulkner proves to be the main source of enthusiasm as well. From the first notes of the opening song – “Dragonaut”, into “Metal Gods”, “Devil’s Child”, “Valhalla”and all the way though the end of the set list before ending with “Living After Midnight”, Faulkner spends the majority of his time at the front of the stage. He mouths the words to the lyrics, engages the audience – prodding them to sing along, clap or raise their fists. At times it almost looks like he is using sign language to talk to the crowd. But let’s not forget the main reason Faulkner joined this band. First and foremost, he is a guitarist and an immensely talented one at that. While he plays a Flying V as did Downing and has the long blonde hair as well, it is clear that he is a shredder in the same caliber as that of his contemporaries. When it comes time for his guitar solo during a stretched out version of “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” Faulkner releases a hail of notes, powerful in their complexity and leaving you wanting for more, all the while pumping his fist and wanting you to be as engaged in it as he is (see YouTube video below.) I couldn’t help but be impressed by this guy that for all intents and purposes was a hired gun three years ago but has since given the band and their fans a transfusion of his age-defying heavy metal antibodies.

I for one can’t wait to be re-infected.

The full set list can be found here:

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/judas-priest/2014/ppl-center-allentown-pa-bcc8126.html

Incidentally and in keeping with my last few reviews, the band paid homage to their influences by having Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” play prior to their coming on stage.

To see more videos from this and other shows, visit www.youtube.com/jhs5150