Judas Priest

05/19/24

MGM National Harbor - MD

A Night of Pure Metal Glory: Judas Priest and Sabaton Rock MGM National Harbor

On Sunday, May 19th, the legendary heavy metal band Judas Priest took the stage at MGM National Harbor in Maryland for a sold-out show that was nothing short of electrifying. The evening kicked off with an unforgettable performance by the Swedish band Sabaton. Known for their thematic albums focused on historical wars, Sabaton introduced themselves with a humorous quip about coming from IKEA, immediately endearing themselves to the crowd. Their stage setup featured a tank with the drummer perched where the turret would be, setting the tone for a high-energy set.

They opened with "Ghost Division," a song that instantly converted many first-time listeners into fans, myself included. The strong support for Sabaton in the audience was evident, with many fans donning Sabaton shirts.

When Judas Priest finally hit the stage, the atmosphere was electric. A large flag obscured the drum setup, creating a sense of anticipation. As the lights flashed on and the flag was pulled up, Judas Priest was revealed in all their glory, launching into "Panic Attack" from their latest album, "Invincible Shield." I had first heard this song while driving to the show, and it was thrilling to hear it live as the opening number. In a surprising move, the band quickly followed with "You've Got Another Thing Coming," a classic hit that had the audience roaring with approval.

The setlist was a perfect blend of new tracks and timeless hits, including "Turbo Lover," the title track "Invincible Shield," and fan-favorite "Breaking the Law." The night culminated in a powerful three-song encore featuring their iconic anthem "Living After Midnight."

Rob Halford, the legendary frontman, delivered a captivating performance, complete with multiple costume changes. In a show-stopping moment towards the end, Halford left the stage only to return riding a motorcycle, much to the delight of the fans. This dramatic entrance underscored the pure rock and roll spirit of the night.

Reading up on Judas Priest beforehand, I was reminded of their Grammy win for Best Metal Performance in 2010 and their well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Witnessing their live show, it was clear why they have earned such accolades.

The concert was a masterclass in heavy metal, combining powerful music with incredible showmanship. It was one of the best heavy metal concerts I have experienced in recent memory, leaving me with great music and amazing vibes that I will remember for a long time.

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