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Firepower
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Firepower Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 70 Ratings

  • Summary: The 18th full-length studio release for the British heavy metal band led by Rob Halford was produced by Tom Allom and Andy Sneap.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Record Collector
    Mar 6, 2018
    80
    The level of consistency remains high throughout a 14-track running order encompassing the belligerence of Evil Never Dies, and the title track, mid-tempo maulers (Lone Wolf) and epic closer Sea Of Red.
  2. Clash Music
    Apr 9, 2018
    80
    Though it is far too early to start talking about this as one of their finest records, I have no doubt that 'Firepower' could slip through a wormhole in time to stand in the mighty presence of 'British Steel' and 'Screaming For Vengeance' and feel no shame.
  3. Mojo
    Mar 6, 2018
    80
    This 18th LP is their finest since '90's Painkiller. [Apr 2018, p.96]
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  4. The Guardian
    Mar 9, 2018
    80
    Firepower’s success depends on the songwriting, though, and that’s pretty strong.
  5. Kerrang!
    Mar 14, 2018
    80
    It's as sharp as can be, as powerful as an atom bomb, and exactly the sort of thrilling metal adventure you want from them. [17 Mar 2018, p.53]
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  6. PopMatters
    Mar 12, 2018
    70
    It's not the nuclear assault of Painkiller, a touchstone for many Priest fans, or the late-day resurrection of Redeemer of Souls, but Firepower proves Judas Priest still pack some heavy artillery and can still hit the target even if not every shot is a bullseye.
  7. Exclaim
    Mar 6, 2018
    50
    Firepower is exactly what you would expect of Priest almost 50 years into their career. It's well-produced, expertly executed and understandably quotidian.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Endron
    Mar 9, 2018
    10
    Great record. The production has been stellar and it souds miles better than Redeemer of Souls. Every song feels unique, there are some greatGreat record. The production has been stellar and it souds miles better than Redeemer of Souls. Every song feels unique, there are some great riffs that encapsulate theme of the particular song. Epic solos, spot on drums, bass and of course vocals from Rob Halford (who mostly stays in his middle, natural range for this album).

    Don't expect explosivness of the Painkiller or high pitched and artistic feel of Sad Wings of Destiny, this album as a whole sounds completely different than anything before and yet is the essence of Judas Priest, which is not a bad thing and I love it!

    Ten out of ten from a long time fan. m/    … Collapse
  2. lparaujo2003
    Mar 11, 2018
    10
    FIrepower is fantastic album. Great chorus, guitars, drums and Rob Halford MAKES ME crying. The Metal God is a great vocal. Vida eterna aFIrepower is fantastic album. Great chorus, guitars, drums and Rob Halford MAKES ME crying. The Metal God is a great vocal. Vida eterna a Judas Priest.… Expand
  4. CommonS3ns3
    Mar 11, 2018
    10
    One of the best albums they have produced, Rob is pushing 67 and can still hit it. But you gotta remember these guys are 70 years old and canOne of the best albums they have produced, Rob is pushing 67 and can still hit it. But you gotta remember these guys are 70 years old and can still produce great music. That is something that is not even seen these days. If you like Judas Priest you will enjoy the album. I think its quite good.… Expand
  5. XSiMoLuKeX
    Mar 1, 2020
    9
    I think this album is a masterpiece. Well executed, well written, great productions and amazing mix. A great reborn from Judas Priest. TheyI think this album is a masterpiece. Well executed, well written, great productions and amazing mix. A great reborn from Judas Priest. They choose the right producer, instead of what Ozzy done with his new and horrible album. Very emotional and cool tracks, amazing vocals, touchful. Just a little bit repetitiveness on the attitude in the entire album, but every song is so amazing.… Expand
  6. Gabriel_Gannon
    May 3, 2018
    9
    While it may not be the most original metal album ever made, it is still an amazing album that has me listening to it over and over after overWhile it may not be the most original metal album ever made, it is still an amazing album that has me listening to it over and over after over a month and i still smile at some of the great guitar work in this masterfully produced album by Priest.… Expand
  7. Kenmei
    Mar 23, 2018
    9
    A very good return to form for Priest. After the lackluster last couple of albums, they went back to their roots with this album. This soundsA very good return to form for Priest. After the lackluster last couple of albums, they went back to their roots with this album. This sounds much closer to something like Sin After Sin than anything more recent they have done. Painkiller or Ram It Down this is not, which is funny since this is their first album with producer Tom Allom since Ram It Down. Halford shows he's still go that amazing range, even at his older age. While there are very few of the guttural screams he's been known for in the past, his voice still has that amazing quality it has had in all his other albums. All in all, I'm very impressed with how this album turned out. I was kinda worried about how it would turn out after the past decade but this has been a great return to form for Priest. I'm very impressed with how it turned out and can't wait to see what they do going forward.… Expand
  8. chezequerz
    May 4, 2018
    5
    Basically fine, some good songs on it but it offers nothing new and as long as you have Screaming for Vengeance you're not really missing out.

See all 15 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Most Discussed Album of 2018

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