Judas Priest fans just got more good news that will help 2026 be great

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Even though heavy metal’s popularity dipped somewhat in the 1980s with the emergence of hair metal, Judas Priest remained a strong force. While some established rock legends were overshadowed by newer, less talented bands, Priest continued to consistently deliver high-quality metal.

It looks like this trend will continue. Guitarist Richie Faulkner recently told The Metal Voice that the band spent about a month in the studio working on the initial stages of a new album.

It feels like a while to not have new music almost ready to go. Some bands work quickly, releasing albums in just a few weeks, but Priest is known for its commitment to high-quality sound. A month might be enough time to record the songs themselves, but completing a full album, with all the necessary polish, could easily take several months.

2026 will be a very good year to be a Judas Priest fan

Faulkner jokingly admitted he might have let something slip, adding, “I don’t know if I’m allowed to say that, but I’ve said it.” Fans likely won’t mind, as he may have hinted at something the band wasn’t quite ready to announce.

There’s more good news for Judas Priest fans beyond a possible new album! They’re performing at several European festivals this summer, and a full headlining tour is planned for September. If you’re traveling, check their tour dates and maybe catch a show!

Judas Priest’s 50-year career is celebrated in a new documentary, The Ballad of Judas Priest. It’s currently being shown at the Hot Docs festival in Toronto, running from April 23rd to May 3rd, after premiering in Berlin in February. Fans can likely expect to see it widely released around 2026.

Several other metal bands are also planning concert films this year. For example, Iron Maiden’s Burning Ambition will be shown in theaters starting May 7th.

And there’s even more surprising news! Rob Halford, the singer from Judas Priest, is joining forces with William Shatner – you read that right! – on Shatner’s upcoming heavy metal album. They’ll be covering Judas Priest’s classic song, “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” The album also features contributions from Henry Rollins, Zakk Wylde, and the late Wayne Kramer of MC5. It promises to be a really unique project.

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2026-03-27 18:30