Nostradamus
by Judas Priest
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Jun 17, 2008
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 86 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 86
  3. Negative: 2 out of 86

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  1. Lordeldar
    Nov 28, 2011
    5
    The Album kicks off with "Dawn of Creation". Which wasn't anything special. Before the Album actually got going with "Prophecy". And then a filler, "Awakening". Before, "Revelations" continues to make the album a Masterpiece. After that, it begins to go downhill for a little bit. Until "Persecution" shows a little hope for the rest of the Album. The first half, is just full of 1 minuteThe Album kicks off with "Dawn of Creation". Which wasn't anything special. Before the Album actually got going with "Prophecy". And then a filler, "Awakening". Before, "Revelations" continues to make the album a Masterpiece. After that, it begins to go downhill for a little bit. Until "Persecution" shows a little hope for the rest of the Album. The first half, is just full of 1 minute long fillers that just aren't interesting. And the 2nd half? Nostradamus was the only song there that was actually worth listening to. The rest of it was just orchestra and stuff like that. Other then the over-lengthy "Future Of Mankind." Overall, Nostradamus began mixed. But eventually became boring. Hopefully Priest will come up with something much more worth listening to then this next time… Expand
  2. HalordV.
    Jul 5, 2008
    10
    Masterpiece!
  3. EricE.
    Jun 26, 2008
    10
    Great stuff from one of metal music legends! Ambitious and bold statement from musicians who are not afraid to do things their way. Lot´s of to appreciate for old fans of Priest but much fresh and surprising stuff too. Highly recommended!
  4. MarceloA
    Jul 9, 2008
    10
    Made me enjoy the difference of a band that is always the same. This album did not change its metal trend, it has enriched it.
  5. CliveN.
    Aug 4, 2008
    9
    Totally different, but awseome. Gets better the more it is played.
  6. FrankH.
    Sep 6, 2008
    9
    This album is ultimately listen-able. It delivers on every single level. Yes, it's a double disc concept album about Nostradamus. Yes, there are lesser tracks on the album, but none of them are bad. They simply act to elevate the best songs of the album to a level beyond expectation. Don't be too quick to judge. The album gets better with each and every listen. After seeing the This album is ultimately listen-able. It delivers on every single level. Yes, it's a double disc concept album about Nostradamus. Yes, there are lesser tracks on the album, but none of them are bad. They simply act to elevate the best songs of the album to a level beyond expectation. Don't be too quick to judge. The album gets better with each and every listen. After seeing the Metal Masters tour I was shocked to see they only played one song from the new album. Well worth the time. Rock on. And on. And on.… Expand
  7. DanielR.
    Jul 20, 2009
    7
    Judas Priest took a risk with there latest studio album, some of the song were a bit too much of a departure, but the album still rocks.
  8. Sandeep
    Dec 6, 2008
    9
    I didn't like the album when i first heard it but now i love it. Tracks like prophecy, nostradamus, pestilence and plague, revelations and many more are simply superb. Rob's voice is outstanding and all those solos are simply great and those keyboards do add melody. It's a great album. Priest! Priest! Priest!
  9. JimP.
    Jun 22, 2008
    7
    being a priest fan for nearly 25 years I had more anticipation for this album than any other, that being said, I was a little disappointed in the vocal arrangements throughout the album except for nostradomus and future of mankind when rob halford returns to form its to bad we have to wait until the end of the story to hear it. then again no two priest albums are alike, props for changing being a priest fan for nearly 25 years I had more anticipation for this album than any other, that being said, I was a little disappointed in the vocal arrangements throughout the album except for nostradomus and future of mankind when rob halford returns to form its to bad we have to wait until the end of the story to hear it. then again no two priest albums are alike, props for changing up and doing what they want thats why I love em.… Expand
  10. BlakeT.
    Jun 26, 2008
    9
    OK, so its not Painkiller. don't rate the album by comparing it to old Priest classics or you will be disappointed. if you rate it as a seperate entitiy, you find a very well done epic concept album with very cool atmospheric and acoustic parts. it may not sit well with many old Priest fans, but its still an amazing piece of music, regardless of the sound change. nad Hlaford still OK, so its not Painkiller. don't rate the album by comparing it to old Priest classics or you will be disappointed. if you rate it as a seperate entitiy, you find a very well done epic concept album with very cool atmospheric and acoustic parts. it may not sit well with many old Priest fans, but its still an amazing piece of music, regardless of the sound change. nad Hlaford still sounds as amazing as ever. try it out.… Expand
  11. BrentN
    Jul 23, 2008
    10
    An epic masterpiece!
  12. MusicLover
    Jul 6, 2008
    10
    A masterpiece!!!
  13. MissiT.
    Jul 9, 2008
    10
    Okay I think that this album is wonderful. For Priest fans that think it isn't hard enough go back and listen to Rocka Rolla or Sad Wings of Destiny (and I don't mean the victim of changes or the Ripper I mean the WHOLE album) I think that it is a new sound for them, but a good one. They tell the story well and the emotions that they convey through the music is just mind Okay I think that this album is wonderful. For Priest fans that think it isn't hard enough go back and listen to Rocka Rolla or Sad Wings of Destiny (and I don't mean the victim of changes or the Ripper I mean the WHOLE album) I think that it is a new sound for them, but a good one. They tell the story well and the emotions that they convey through the music is just mind blowing. Rob's vocals are a bit lower (give him a break the man is nearly 60) but still amazing. He sings wonderfully in Italian in pestalence and plague. I think that the harmonies are great between KK and Glenn, and most of thier solos deffinately have the priest sound to them. I know some people may not get it but it is worth a few listens even to people that are the hardest of headbangers who may not like it at first.… Expand
  14. JakeH.
    Aug 27, 2008
    6
    It wasn't my favorite album.
  15. GeorgeD.
    Aug 6, 2008
    10
    I've always felt that Judas Priest were a heavy metal band combining elements of hard rock, classical music and opera. This album confirms my belief. It is an absolute masterpiece. The vocals are hauntingly brilliant, the drumming (which I have never really noticed before) is superb, and the guitars are their best work to date. Their best album by a long shot.
  16. m3tal
    Sep 12, 2008
    8
    Well, Im a big Maiden, Megadeth and Helloween fan. The only song I really listen to by Priest was Breaking the Law. Well I walked into a CD store, lookin for some new CD's. Then I came a cross this one, then BAM! Like, the prophecy, alone, death. future of mankind, nostradamus..just really amazed me. I guess you can add priest to my list of favorites now lol.
  17. smackynopants
    May 9, 2009
    8
    Great album, not the best but worth your money! I loved Nostradamus, Prophecy, Exiled and the song Death the most. It's heavy but slow so if that's not your thing then you probally won't like this album. Painkiller, angel of retribution and this one are now my top 3 priest albums!
  18. DaneZ
    Dec 2, 2008
    10
    Great album, its something new and different. Its a lot like Gods of War, it takes 2 or 3 listenings to really get into it.
  19. MichaelL.
    Jun 20, 2008
    4
    In a word: boring. After three great albums, this stinker should go down as their attempt at trying something different that didn't quite work. Ignore it, pretend it didn't happen and write something that deserves the moniker "Judas Priest"
  20. RobertB.
    Jun 22, 2008
    8
    This is not by any means business as usual, and maybe that is why i like it so much, but, visions in the night, war, pestilence and plague, and persecution are still straight forwarded hard pounding rockers. i love most the notes, it is dark, deadly, and given time likely to be called their best studio effort so far. some are calling it sad wings 2 , and i think that is quite apt. but This is not by any means business as usual, and maybe that is why i like it so much, but, visions in the night, war, pestilence and plague, and persecution are still straight forwarded hard pounding rockers. i love most the notes, it is dark, deadly, and given time likely to be called their best studio effort so far. some are calling it sad wings 2 , and i think that is quite apt. but maybe, just maybe it surpasses it. it is a maturing of priest, that is not only welcome but shows that they are not simply old metal bandits, but talented and versatile musicians. way to go go.… Expand
  21. [Anonymous]
    Jun 26, 2008
    9
    Love the album. At first it was different but after a few listens I love it! Can't get the songs out of my head!
  22. GlennC.
    Jun 26, 2008
    9
    Unique ,original Concept album. The more you listen the more you like and understand what was to be acheived. Would love to see it live. I am going july 30 and hope to hear alot of new stuff.
  23. MikeO
    Jun 30, 2008
    8
    Better than most critics will admit, this CD does take some time to get used to. But keep listening! After several listening though, its really growing on me. "Persecution" is an absolute classic. A worthy CD from a great band.
  24. RogerW.
    Jul 10, 2008
    8
    A concept album like this is often all about the story and the lyrics, so what´s the idea I thought. Who have ever bought a Priest album for the lyrics..? At first listening my recction was - crap! When putting on a new Priest CD, I want to be thrown out the window by the power. This was someting else, but now it starts to get to me. I just can´t get some songs out of my head. A concept album like this is often all about the story and the lyrics, so what´s the idea I thought. Who have ever bought a Priest album for the lyrics..? At first listening my recction was - crap! When putting on a new Priest CD, I want to be thrown out the window by the power. This was someting else, but now it starts to get to me. I just can´t get some songs out of my head. It´s good, very good... And at least there is a real Judas thrasher in the song "Nostradamus" anyway. The Halford-scream in the beginning is a sure goosebumper!… Expand
  25. ChukT
    Jul 11, 2008
    8
    If you liked Sad Wings of Destiny then this album is for you. There are no top 20 hits here but Priest has never really tried to please everyone. Instead they go for a mood and theme and they connect on both attempts. I have been a fan since the late 70's and I am still a fan. I like the album and was glad they tried to do something new and at the same time touch on some old sounds. If you liked Sad Wings of Destiny then this album is for you. There are no top 20 hits here but Priest has never really tried to please everyone. Instead they go for a mood and theme and they connect on both attempts. I have been a fan since the late 70's and I am still a fan. I like the album and was glad they tried to do something new and at the same time touch on some old sounds. Give it a try and then give it a second listen. You will be glad you did.… Expand
  26. JimM.
    Jul 11, 2008
    9
    This is a great album. Some listeners will expect raging guitar and thundering drums but Priest changes it up on this one. Yes there is still a bit of that but there is so much more to this diverse band. It is melodic and moody which reminds me of "Sad Wings of Destiny." Great stuff.
  27. HalordV.
    Jul 18, 2008
    9
    Masterpiece!
  28. e-jitAnderson
    Jul 18, 2008
    7
    At the grand old age of 44, I've been the worlds biggest Priest fan for over 30 years. Nostradamus is a varied mixture of Priest at their best and at their worst. However as a continous piece of music it should be judged as such. People like Mozarts 5th symphony but don't breakdown the individual components. Overall Nostradamus is a good piece of music that takes a few listens At the grand old age of 44, I've been the worlds biggest Priest fan for over 30 years. Nostradamus is a varied mixture of Priest at their best and at their worst. However as a continous piece of music it should be judged as such. People like Mozarts 5th symphony but don't breakdown the individual components. Overall Nostradamus is a good piece of music that takes a few listens to fully appreciate. Embrace the 'cheese' and you'll enjoy it. Otherwise avoid. Not for the faint hearted.… Expand
  29. JoelS
    Jul 2, 2008
    4
    I am a huge Priest fan, but find this album to be shockingly bad. Such high expectations dashed on the rocks of sub-medicore concept schlock! Where are the tunes? This is boring, mid-tempo, synth-drenched filler. At times embarrassingly Spinal Tap-like. The sameness of the tracks, the lack of contrast, melody and tonal variation make this a turgid mess. Only a few songs transcend the I am a huge Priest fan, but find this album to be shockingly bad. Such high expectations dashed on the rocks of sub-medicore concept schlock! Where are the tunes? This is boring, mid-tempo, synth-drenched filler. At times embarrassingly Spinal Tap-like. The sameness of the tracks, the lack of contrast, melody and tonal variation make this a turgid mess. Only a few songs transcend the level of dross to be remotely competent tracks. The Priest are way better than this. Let's hope this doesn't kill their career once and for all.… Expand
  30. NathanH
    Jul 28, 2008
    10
    I am a massive Priest fan and have been now for many years now and I do not see how anyone can slander this album. A lot of people are saying it isn't in keeping with the "Priest sound", but I don't quite see how people can say thney have a sound when they have changed and evolved so much over the years. They have always tried simething different with each album and this is I am a massive Priest fan and have been now for many years now and I do not see how anyone can slander this album. A lot of people are saying it isn't in keeping with the "Priest sound", but I don't quite see how people can say thney have a sound when they have changed and evolved so much over the years. They have always tried simething different with each album and this is another one of those albums. This is another completely different experience and even if you dont think its like Priest you should still be able to appreciate as a piece of music for what it is. There are some fantastic tracks on here, highlishts being Prophecy, Revelations, Death, Pestilence and Plague, Visions, Nostradamus...well pretty much all of the album is a highlight. The shorter tracks between main songs link them together perfectly and keep the narrative going. The orchestral elements add extra epic qualities to KK and Glenn's riffs and the keyboards give it a mystical, magical feeling which is very fitting with the content. I personally love this album and think it is one of the best Priest has ever done. It is way up there with albums like Sad Wings and Painkiller. A must buy for any Priest fan. Just sit down, stick it on (loud) and have an open mind!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Most Discussed Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. AllMusic
    50
    The songs themselves are hit or miss, with the emphasis falling on the latter, due mostly to an over-reliance on three-chord, midtempo filler, but as is the case with nearly every Priest offering, when they're on they're dead on.
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  2. Billboard
    50
    Nostradamus isn't likely to surprise you--this is softcore for the hardcore.
    Read full review
  3. Boston Globe
    50
    Some of the music is brilliant, some is numbingly indulgent.
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