Judas Priest's latest effort to be released June 17

The buzz is undeniably growing louder as the world is now only mere days away from the highly anticipated arrival of Judas Priest’s double disc concept album, ‘Nostradamus.’ And for fans that cannot wait until it’s official release next Tuesday, June 17th, the good folks at Headbanger’s Blog on MTV.com have provided some much-needed relief, in the form of ‘the Leak’ - by launching streams of all 23 tracks of the album.

Additionally, the eye-popping video for the album’s leadoff single, “War,” will be premiered on Headbangers Blog, and will premiere on television on MTV 2’s Headbanger’s Ball.

And if that’s not enough for ya, there will be interview clips with the band launching today on Headbanger’s Blog (and will reappear on Headbanger’s Ball on Saturday, which starts at 11pm), while there is a Rob Halford podcast now available on Headbanger’s Blog, as well.

Long in the works, ‘Nostradamus’ was recorded in the UK, and takes epic storytelling to a whole new level, as it recounts the life of this mysterious, world-known 16th century French prophet.
Some of the events that Nostradamus experts have interpreted as some of his predictions include the great fire of London in 1666, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and most recently, 9-11, among countless other renowned events.

“The 'Nostradamus' album - above all others - is perhaps the one I'm most proud of,” says Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton. “Whilst in essence and character still very much Judas Priest, it has afforded the opportunity to explore areas of classical and operatic dimensions that the band normally wouldn't. As a guitarist and writer it has inspired me to greater heights and opened new doors to intrigue and passion. From start to finish, it will take you through a magical experience filled with light, shade, drama, melody and emotion that reflects this unique man and his life. Why did we choose Nostradamus? We didn't - he chose us. We feel it was meant to be!”

“For me, ‘Nostradamus’ has been a musical journey without comparison,” adds guitarist KK Downing. “The intrigue and mystery that surrounds this revered man has expanded my perception of heavy metal to the highest plateau and enabled me to reach the outer limits of my imagination and transport unique feelings and emotions to the instrument that allows me to express myself.”

The album will be supported with dates throughout August as part of ‘The Metal Masters Tour,’ which will see Priest headline an unforgettable evening of headbanging metal.

“As ever, we look forward to screaming out loud with our metal maniac fans when we hit the road,” enthuses Priest singer Rob Halford. “Thank you once again for your devotion and support. The Priest is back!”

While supplies last, when you purchase any configuration of ‘Nostradamus,’ specially marked CD’s will contain an insert with a code inside the CD package for one free ticket to see Judas Priest on selected dates of the Metal Masters tour this summer. This seemingly too-good-to-be-true offer will be good while supplies last. Also, this offer will not pertain to all the dates of the Metal Masters tour – only select dates.

For more information, visit:
www.judaspriest.com

To access ‘the Leak’ of the tracks on ‘Nostradamus’ via Headbanger’s Blog, go to:
http://headbangersblog.mtv.com/2008/06/10/hbb-ball-exclusive-the-leak-of-judas-priests-nostradamus/

To access the Rob Halford podcast via Headbangers Blog, go to:
http://headbangersblog.mtv.com/2008/04/23/judas-priest-frontman-rob-halford-discusses-genesis-of-nostradamus-life-of-prophet-challenges-of-concept-albums/