Under the dazzling lights of the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA, heavy metal legends Judas Priest and Swedish powerhouse Sabaton delivered a relentless barrage of metal mastery that left the near-capacity amphitheater begging for more on Tuesday night. The double-bill was a celebration of pure, unadulterated rock, filling the venue with an energy that was pegging a “10” from the moment the first chord was struck. It was a night where leather, studs, and the universal language of headbanging united fans throughout southern California and beyond!
Sabaton kicked off the evening with their signature blend of power metal and historical storytelling as only they can do. Opening with the explosive “Ghost Division,” the band immediately set the tone for what would be a one killer performance. Frontman Joakim Brodén owned the stage with a presence that was both commanding and engaging, his voice soaring over the crowd with a clarity that was as impressive as it was powerful. The band’s set was a carefully curated journey through their discography, with standout tracks like “The Last Stand,” “Carolus Rex (Swedish Version),” and “Primo Victoria.”
Throughout Sabaton’s 12-song set, there was complete engagement from the crowd as they were dazzled with tracks that spanned their 25-year journey across the sonicsphere. Guitarists Chris Rörland and Thobbe Englund delivered blistering solos that showcased their technical prowess, while the rhythm section kept the audience’s pulse racing with the thundering bass of Pär Sundström and the insane drumming of legend Hannes Van Dahl. The show ended with one of my favorite Sabaton tracks, “To Hell and Back,” which was simply awesome—and a great way to end their set as they took one final curtain call for the evening.
As the stage was reset for Judas Priest, the anticipation in the air was almost tangible. When the lights dimmed and the killer riffs of “Panic Attack” echoed through the theater, the crowd erupted in a roar that could only rival a 747 at nearby LAX. Rob Halford, the Metal God himself, emerged in a blaze of glory, his operatic voice as fierce and formidable as ever. Halford’s vocal acrobatics were nothing short of awe-inspiring, effortlessly hitting notes that seemed to defy the limits of human potential (which he’s done so effortlessly for well over 50 years).
Guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap were a dynamic duo, their fretwork intertwining seamlessly to create the monstrous sound that has become synonymous with Judas Priest. Faulkner, in particular, delivered a solo during “Painkiller” that was jaw-droppingly virtuosic, earning him a well-deserved ovation from the crowd. He’s been one of my favorite guitarists for years and this performance highlighted why that is still the case.
The band’s setlist was a dream for any metalhead, featuring timeless classics like “Breaking the Law,” “Victim of Changes,” and one of my childhood favorites, “Turbo Lover.” Throughout the 18-song history lesson, each song was performed with the raw power and precision that has kept Judas Priest at the forefront of the genre for literally five decades. Their performance seemed effortless, and yet each and every member of Priest was dripping with sweat as a result of what I consider to be an incredible stage presence and engagement with their fans.
The crowd, a sea of denim and leather, was in a perpetual state of “Priest-like” euphoria, singing along to every chorus and throwing horns in the air to show their unyielding appreciation. It was once again incredible to see Ian Hill (a true Judas Priest original since 1969) crushing his bass, while Scott Travis did what he did best from behind his massive drum kit. It was evident throughout Tuesday’s performance that all five members of Priest love playing with each other, as they were ear-to-ear smiles throughout their incredible set.
The show wrapped with a three-song encore, including “Electric Eye,” “Hell Bent for Leather,” and, of course, my favorite, “Living After Midnight.” At the start of “Hell Bent for Leather,” Halford once again fired up his customized JP Harley-Davidson and drove it out to centerstage. His all too familiar entrance whipped the capacity crowd into a frenzy that put smiles on everyone’s faces and lasted until their encore wrapped and the last bow was ultimately made. What a perfect way to end a night of metal madness in The City of Angels, and one I will surely never forget.
SABATON
