General Announcements

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Iron Maiden and Judas Priest both have special announcements on Thursday 15th July

https://planetradio.co.uk/planet-rock/news/rock-news/judas-priest-announcement/?fbclid=IwAR1V9CDAauyYUl9QLnirz-VtDfeP59s1XaZQ6pWpHGmu_pcwJS8fV6nw9Hs


Not to be outdone by Iron Maiden’s mysterious Belshazzar’s Feast announcement tomorrow night (15th July), Judas Priest have now started teasing a big reveal on the very same day.

Shortly before midday today (14th July), Judas Priest posted a 15-second clip to social media featuring the music from their short instrumental track ‘The Hellion’, which opens their seminal 1982 album ‘Screaming for Vengeance.’

The video teases an announcement on Thursday 15th July, and comes complete with the caption: “15.07.21 👀👀👀 Sign up to the official Judas Priest newsletter to be the first to see what's coming...”

Naturally, fans are now speculating why two of Britain’s biggest heavy metal bands are teasing an announcement on the same day. Is it an uncanny coincidence or are they announcing something together?!

A coincidence seems the most likely scenario as on Judas Priest’s newsletter sign-up page there’s a countdown to 2pm on Thursday 15th July – four hours before Iron Maiden’s video reveal.

Judas Priest’s newsletter sign-up page adds: “Something amazing is coming...be the first to find out.”

Shortly before the pandemic in February 2020, guitarist Richie Faulkner shared a photo of himself in the recording studio with Rob Halford and Glenn Tipton and confirmed Judas Priest had started work on their new studio album.

In March of this year, Rob Halford said that Judas Priest’s 19th studio album is sounding really “strong” and he’s “proud” of what the band have recorded so far.

Enthusing about the follow-up to 2018’s ‘Firepower’, Rob Halford said: "These (new Judas Priest) songs that I've got with me, they're so good. I'm so happy and so proud of what we've got so far, and there's so much more to come."

Rob also revealed that Tom Allom and Andy Sneap are producing the album alongside engineer Mike Exeter – the same team behind ‘Firepower.’

Judas Priest headline Bloodstock Festival on Sunday 15th August 2021. Tickets are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets now.

[Charger]

Both are announcing new albums.

Iron Maiden's new album is going to be called Writing On The Wall if I've gathered correctly.

[Jack the Stripper]

Speculation is that Maiden is gonna announce a new album and the word on the street is that will be dropping Sep 3. Anything less that that might be a bit of a letdown with all the build up. Hopefully it’s not a final album and tour announcement.

As for Priest, kinda strange they’d suddenly announce whatever they’re announcing on the same day as Maiden’s. There hasn’t been a build up to the announcement like Maiden have done.

They’re rumoured to have an album in the can as well. But given they’re using “The Hellion” in the teaser I wonder if it’s got something to do with Screaming for Vengeance’s 40th Anniversary in 2022. Like a tour to play the album in full or something?

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

I was aware about the "Writing on the Wall" tease, but also the "Belshazzar's Feast", so I'm not sure what the latter pertains to if the WotW is the new album title... perhaps it's a song from it!

I'm presuming a new album fro Priest as well, but yes, it could be some sort of anniversary release/tour

[Zzzptm]

Belshazzar was the Babylonian king who saw the writing on the wall, and it was interpreted that he was weighed in the balance and found wanting. Shortly thereafter, Babylon fell to conquering Persians and Medes.

[Charger]

Yeah that's a direct reference to Belshazzar....that's where the whole Writing On The Wall thing came...biblical story I believe...might even have some factual basis on it.

[Zzzptm]

Wondering if there will be some kind of split release in the works if the two bands are announcing something on the same day...?

[Vyn]

Pretty cool anyway you look at it!

[Zzzptm]

The Maiden announcement is up in 2 hours - I'll be in meetings at that time.

[Jack the Stripper]

So it seems that this was the announcement from Priest.
https://blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-to-release-massive-42-cd-box-set-in-october/

Cool boxset but super expensive. Also includes the Ripper era albums which haven’t been available for a number of years.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

£345!!! Someone pass me a paper bag!!!

[Zzzptm]

£345!!! Someone pass me a paper bag!!!

[Tyr66]

Belshazzar was the Babylonian king who saw the writing on the wall, and it was interpreted that he was weighed in the balance and found wanting. Shortly thereafter, Babylon fell to conquering Persians and Medes.

Love the song (Dickinson/Smith)  , love the animation too.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

^^^
It's certainly has promise, might take a few more listens to be sure. It is a good video.

[Zzzptm]

It's got a rather Countrified sound to it all, kind of like Black Country Communion. Interesting.