“Redeemer of Souls”: Judas Priest Release First-Ever Song Without K.K. Downing

Apparently taking their cue from Slayer, Judas Priest have now released their first-ever song without a key component of their songwriting mechanism (that would be retired guitarist K.K. Downing, who has been replaced by Richie Faulkner). And, as was the case for the Slayer, it turns out that trying to soldier on without that component was a major mistake: like the thrash quartet’s “Implode,” Judas Priest’s “Redeemer of Souls” is a forgettable low point for this legendary band. They should have called it “Mehdeemer of Souls.”

“Redeemer of Souls” will appear on Judas Priest’s new album of the same name, which comes out July 15 on Epic/Columbia. That’s the album art up top, in case that wasn’t clear.

[via Metal Undergeround]