Judas Priest’s New Single “Crown of Horns” is the Ballad on Invincible Shield

When you look at the course of modern Judas Priest albums (think Angel of Retribution and after), there’s one thing that’s for certain — you’re guaranteed at least one ballad. It’s almost a law at this point. So naturally they’d have one on their upcoming album Invincible Shield, and the single they dropped overnight titled “Crown of Horns” is that song.

From the epic opening to the lyrics that only a man who’s already lived a long life can pen, this song’s got the feeling of “sit down and let me tell ya a thing or two. In classic Judas Priest fashion, the song pulses and chugs along behind Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner’s guitars, with bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis holding down the rhythm. And of course, you can’t ignore the delivery that the “Metal God” Rob Halford himself laid down on this track.

Is it the firecracker that “Panic Attack” and “Trial By Fire” have already proven to be? No, but that’s not the point. “Crown of Horns” is its own beast, entirely. You can listen to the track below and judge it yourself.

With 11 new tracks, including an additional three tracks on the deluxe edition of the album, Invincible Shield has a lot to live up to compared to its predecessor, 2018’s Firepower. So far, it seems like it’s going to at least follow in its footsteps, which is perfectly fine if you ask me.

Invincible Shield will be available on March 8, but you can pre-order your copy today.

In addition to their album release, the band also has plans for a small U.K. tour this March with Saxon and Uriah Heep in tow. So if you’ll be in the area and want to experience the epicness of “Crown of Horns” live, be sure to check out the dates below.

Judas Priest U.K. Tour with Saxon and Uriah Heep

March
11 Glasgow OVO Hydro
13 Leeds First Direct Arena
15 Dublin 2 Arena
17 Bournemouth International Arena
19 Birmingham Resorts World Arena
21 London OVO Arena Wembley