Judas Priest and Sabaton delivered an explosive night of metal mastery at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, electrifying fans during the second leg of their Invincible Shield Tour.
The crowd was buzzing with anticipation as “The March to War” played through the venue, heralding Sabaton to the stage. Their opening song, “Ghost Division,” immediately set the tone for the night: fast, furious, and filled with bombastic riffs. Lead vocalist Joakim Brodén commanded the stage with his gritty, powerful voice and larger-than-life personality. They wasted no time, blazing through “The Last Stand” and “Swedish Pagans”- which longtime fans will be happy to know that Brodén now plays without fuss. The band’s musicianship was impeccable, with blistering guitar solos from Thobbe Englund and Chris Rörland, complemented by the thundering rhythm section anchored by bassist Pär Sundström and drummer Hannes Van Dahl. Each song felt like a battle cry, from the anthemic “Primo Victoria” to the epic “Carolus Rex,” which was sung in the band’s native Swedish. Visually stunning, the concert was enhanced by a backdrop of historical footage and imagery, accompanied by an enormous tank rig that housed Van Dahl’s drum kit.
One of the best things about this band is their chemistry together. In stark contrast to the heavy tone of their music, their antics on stage are fun, even silly at times. From Brodén playing a Hello Kitty guitar for “Resist and Bite,” a tease of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” during “Soldier of Heaven,” to Brodén blowing smoke at his bandmates while donning a gas mask during “The Attack of the Dead Men.” This band knows how to blend campiness and heavy metal perfectly.
Before closing the night, Brodén interacted with a family who brought their 4-year-old son to his very first concert. Brodén remarked how metal truly is for everyone before gifting the kid his sunglasses.
Then came the finale with “To Hell and Back,” which had the crowd jumping and singing along with the absolute powerhouse of a band. As they took a final bow and threw souvenirs to the elated crowd, Sabaton proved once again why they are at the forefront of modern metal, leaving no doubt that their legacy on stage is as formidable as the legends they sing about.
As “War Pigs” and the “Invincible Shield Tour Anthem” echoed through the crowd, Judas Priest emerged from a descending curtain with adrenaline-pumping tracks “Panic Attack” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” Fans have been eagerly awaiting the band’s return to Detroit the second time around for the Invincible Shield Tour, and the heavy metal legends did not disappoint. Rob Halford, decked out in his trademark leather and studs, commanded the stage with his iconic vocal prowess. His high-pitched wails and soaring vocals on tracks like “Saints in Hell” and “Turbo Lover” sent chills down the spines of everyone in attendance, a testament to his enduring vocal power. Flanked by guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap, the dual guitar attack was razor-sharp, delivering crushing riffs and blistering solos with precision and flair. Songs like “Breaking the Law” and “Love Bites” had the entire venue singing along, with fists raised in homage to the band’s legacy. Ian Hill’s legendary bass and Scott Travis’ thunderous drumming provided a rock-solid foundation that kept the energy at a fever pitch throughout the night.The stage production was a visual spectacle, laser light shows, a giant Judas Priest-style cross looming over the band, and concept album artwork flashing across the giant screens. Halford’s signature motorcycle entrance and costume changes added a theatrical flair that kept the crowd riveted.
They ended their set with absolute hits; a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)” and “Painkiller,” which left the crowd screaming for more. Which of course, the heavy metal legends obliged. The encore began with “The Hellion” as they retook the stage, leading right into “Electric Eye.” The encore included “Hell Bent for Leather” and a booming finale of “Living After Midnight.” With flawless execution and a setlist packed with metal classics, Judas Priest reminded everyone why they remain one of the most influential and revered bands in heavy metal history.
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