Is Battle Cry a good place to start with Judas Priest?

Yes, Battle Cry is recommended as a starting point for new Judas Priest listeners. A thunderous rallying cry blending classic heavy metal anthems with a renewed vigor that showcases the band’s enduring legacy. Released on March 25, 2016, 'Battle Cry' is a live album capturing Judas Priest during their 'Redeemer of Souls' tour. This came after the band's long-standing career, which included a hiatus in the early 1990s and a resurgence in the 2000s, solidifying their status as heavy metal icons.

Who is Battle Cry for?

Battle Cry works well if you're into dynamic journey with climaxes, thunderous celebration of energy and wave-like pacing with intensity.

How many songs are on Battle Cry?

Battle Cry has 15 tracks, running approximately 75 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Battle Cry

Judas Priest · 2016

75 min · 15 tracks · heavy metal

A thunderous rallying cry blending classic heavy metal anthems with a renewed vigor that showcases the band’s enduring legacy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dragonaut Start here — This track opens with a driving rhythm and powerful vocals, setting the tone for the high-energy performance that characterizes the album.
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Halls of Valhalla — Featuring epic guitar solos and soaring melodies, this song exemplifies Judas Priest's ability to blend storytelling with heavy instrumentation.
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Beyond the Realms of Death — A staple of their live shows, this track showcases emotional depth and technical prowess, illustrating why it remains a fan favorite.
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Breaking the Law — As one of their most recognizable hits, its inclusion here serves as a reminder of the band's lasting impact on rock music.
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Painkiller — 'Painkiller' stands as a climactic highlight of the setlist, featuring blistering guitar work and showcasing Rob Halford's iconic vocal range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

A solid live album that captures the energy of Judas Priest but lacks some cohesion due to its extensive tracklist.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief intro before launching into high-energy tracks that maintain a consistent tempo throughout.
The setlist includes several classic hits, creating a nostalgic atmosphere for long-time fans while also incorporating newer material.
Crowd interactions and cheers are woven into the performance, enhancing the live experience.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with climaxes
thunderous celebration of energy
wave-like pacing with intensity
for anthemic sing-alongs
great for late-night drives

Maybe skip if you

prefer quiet, mellow experiences
want immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Captures live performances of beloved tracks, resonating with dedicated fans.
Themes: heavy metal legacy· live concert energy
Career context: Released on March 25, 2016, 'Battle Cry' is a live album capturing Judas Priest during their 'Redeemer of Souls' tour. This came after the band's long-standing career, which included a hiatus in the early 1990s and a resurgence in the 2000s, solidifying their status as heavy metal icons.
Stylistic neighbors: Iron Maiden· Black Sabbath· Accept