Judas Priest / Sabaton

Judas Priest Ends the 1st leg of Invincible Shield tour with a Thunderclap

***Judas Priest – Empower Federal Credit Amphitheater***, **Syracuse, NY**

Judas Priest ended the first leg of their Invincible Shield tour ended in Syracuse, NY and we were there. With the area experiencing severe thunderstorms throughout the day and evening, even the gods seem to have taken a break to enjoy the Metal Gods performance. The storms broke just long enough for those that gathered to watch openers Sabaton and most of Judas Priest’s set before starting back up.

The show started off with Panic Attack and from there, they just steamrolled through songs. The setlist included classics as well as brand new material from their critically acclaimed new release, Invincible Shield. Rob Halford’s vocal abilities, at 72 years old, are still in red-hot form. Halford belted out songs such as Painkiller, Love Bites, and of course Breakin’ the Law, all the while sporting his trademark black leather studded wardrobe.

Unfortunately, the encore was cut down from three songs to only one, Electric Eye. Actually quite fitting, as the sky had become illuminated by contunious lighting strikes from the incoming storm. Missing from the set were Hell Bent for Leather and Living After Midnight, due to the forced early ending. Fans were still extremely grateful to have been able to witness the majority of Judas Priest this evening, rather than having the show completely cancelled.

Panic Attack
You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
Rapid Fire
Breakin’ the Law
Lighting Strikes
Love Bites
Devil’s Child
Saints in Hell
Crown of Throns
Sinner
Turbo Lover
Invincible Shield
Victim of Changes
The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown) {{Fleetwood Mac}}
Painkiller
Electric Eye

Swedish power metal band, Sabaton, are no strangers to touring with Judas Priest. They joined the metal royalty in 2021 on the 1st leg of the 50 Heavy Metal Years tour. This time around they seem to have garnered more fans in the crowd, and deservedly so.

***Sabaton –*** ***Empower Federal Credit Amphitheater, Syracuse, NY***

Sabaton writes songs based on history, primarily wars..and do it well. The band – currently made up of Joakim Broden {vocals & Hello Kitty guitar}, Par Sundstrom {bass}, Chris Rorland {guitar}, Hannes Van Dahl {drums} and newly rejoined,Thobbe Englund {guitar} – just celebrated it’s 25th anniversary.

Despite the band’s serious toned songs, military themed stage and matching wardrobe, they all have a comedic stage presence; most evident in Joakim’s pink Hello Kitty guitar.