Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner recently provided an update on the band’s progress recording their follow-up to the ‘Invincible Shield’ album. He shared details about the recording sessions in an interview with Talkin’ Rock with Meltdown.
Faulkner discussed how the band approached the recording process for their upcoming album. He explained the differences from their previous work.
“We got together in February, just outside Nashville, and did the same thing [as we did] with [2018’s] ‘Firepower’… We got together and we did the drum tracks together,” Faulkner said.
He contrasted this approach with their previous album’s recording process due to pandemic restrictions.
“We didn’t do it on ‘Invincible Shield’ because of the restrictions around — [they had] just lifted the COVID restrictions, and we were on tour, so we had to fit the recordings around that. And so that was a bit different,” he continued.
Faulkner then outlined the current status of the recording sessions.
“But we got together, recorded the groundings for the record outside of Nashville. So we’ve got the drums done, we’ve got the bass done, we’ve got the guitars done. I did solo guitars in my studio at home. So it’s moving on. We’ve got the base for it. And, yeah, it’s sounding really cool,” he said.
The update indicates significant progress on Judas Priest’s next studio album following their March 2024 release ‘Invincible Shield’.
Faulkner’s commitment to these intensive recording sessions is particularly noteworthy given his ongoing health management following a life-threatening medical emergency in 2021.
Blabbermouth reported that Faulkner continues to maintain a rigorous recovery regimen while touring. He requires daily physical therapy and dietary management following his 2021 aortic aneurysm and dissection. This health scare occurred during a live performance, making his return to full recording and touring duties all the more remarkable.
The momentum for this new album project stems partly from the strong reception of ‘Invincible Shield’. Recent reports indicated that the 2024 album led to many concerts for the band. This demonstrated strong commercial and fan reception that has energized the group for their next creative endeavor.
The band has already mapped out their future plans beyond this current recording project. Industry sources revealed that Judas Priest is planning to return to the studio in 2026 for another album. Touring dates are already scheduled through August 2026. This timeline confirms that the February recording sessions Faulkner mentioned are part of a broader strategic plan for the band’s continued output.
The Nashville recording approach represents a return to the collaborative method that served the band well on ‘Firepower’, their critically acclaimed 2018 release. By gathering all members in one location for the foundational tracks, Judas Priest aims to capture the energy and chemistry that has defined their decades-long career. They are adapting to modern recording techniques and post-pandemic realities.
