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Judas Priest in Montreal
Judas Priest and Sabaton returned to Montreal on Friday night to kick off the North American leg of their Invincible Shield tour. Montreal has always held a special place for Judas Priest, thanks to the city’s vibrant and passionate metal scene. Week after week, the city offers an array of heavy music, from punk to atmospheric black metal, making it a haven for metalheads.
Sabaton
As the night began, the stage was transformed into a battlefield, complete with an army tank and WWII-style military helmets. From the smoke and lights emerged the Swedish metal titans, Sabaton. Jokingly referring to themselves as hailing from the land of “Abba and Ikea,” the band was clearly thrilled to be back in Montreal. They delivered a powerful set filled with their signature hits, interspersed with lively banter and even a few playful riffs from ABBA songs. Sabaton once again left a strong impression on the enthusiastic Quebecois crowd, proving why they are fan favorites.
Judas Priest
Judas Priest, with a career spanning 50 years, is a band steeped in heavy metal history. Frontman Rob Halford, often hailed as one of the founders of the genre, continues to reign as a metal legend well into his 70s, with his iconic voice showing no signs of wear. The band opened their 18-song set behind a massive flag that was swiftly whisked away to reveal the members standing on elevated steps leading to the drums. Halford’s voice tore through the Bell Centre, igniting the crowd and demonstrating the raw power of heavy metal as the venue erupted in excitement. Classics like “Breaking the Law” and tracks from their latest album, Invincible Shield, kept the energy high throughout the night.
The entire Bell Centre felt like a time machine, transporting fans back to the early 1980s when Judas Priest first rocked The City of Saints. One of the highlights of the night was the appearance of the “Devil’s Pitchfork” — a stage prop that descended over the crowd during epic guitar solos, enhancing the already mesmerizing light show. At one point, Rob Halford took a moment to step out alone and express his heartfelt gratitude to the city of Montreal. He spoke about how much the city’s warm reception has meant to the band over the years, and why they keep coming back to the beautiful city.
Closing
Overall, it was a surreal night of heavy metal, filled with nostalgia and raw energy. Witnessing such an iconic band and being part of a performance that feels like a fading chapter of music history made the night feel all the more special. I felt privileged to experience such a monumental show — one that will live on in the memories of metal fans for years to come.
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