Redeemer of Souls

Released in 2014, Redeemer of Souls marks a pivotal transition for Judas Priest as their first studio outing without founding guitarist K.K. Downing. The introduction of Richie Faulkner proved to be a catalyst for a 'back-to-basics' approach following the polarizing double-disc concept album Nostradamus. Sonically, the album serves as a compendium of the band's career styles, touching on the speed of Painkiller, the anthemic nature of British Steel, and the darker moods of Angel of Retribution. Critics, including AllMusic, generally praised the album for its revitalized energy and Faulkner's seamless integration, though some noted the digital-heavy production and long runtime as minor drawbacks. It debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200, the band's highest US chart position at the time, cementing their continued relevance in the 21st-century metal landscape.