Judas Priest Wraps Up First Leg of Invincible Shield US Tour in Syracuse 5/22/24

Photos and Review by Chris Besaw

Summer concert season is finally here! Metal titans, Judas Priest along with guests Sabaton made a stop at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on their Invincible Shield Tour 2024. I arrived at the venue slightly early because I was excited to head back to the Amphitheater to photograph the show. Despite the heat and humidity, Judas Priest devotees showed up dressed from head to toe in black, some with leather and spikes, excited for an evening of metal music.

Starting off the evening was the Swedish power metal band, Sabaton. Sabaton has been touring and recording since 1999. Although I have been to tons of metal shows, somehow, I had never had the opportunity to see them live. If you are not familiar with Sabaton, their songs are mostly based on historical events, particularly wars and well-known battles. They have earned the title of one of the “Big Four” power metal bands along with Helloween and DragonForce. Their stage set was unique. Van Dahl’s drum kit was set up on top of a tank. How much more metal can you get?

The dark stage and their intro “The March to War” set the tone for their set. Hannes Van Dahl emerges on top of the massive battle tank drum kit and starts pounding away as they started their performance with “Ghost Division.” Lead by Joakim Broden, Sabaton played an incredible opening set with a masterful mix of tracks spanning their impressive 25-year career! I was impressed with their live versions of “Swedish Pagans,” “Stormtroopers” and “To Hell and Back.” From watching the fans at the amphitheater, the band definitely won the crowd over. Joakim Broden even took a moment to chat with a young fan who had been dancing during their set and gifted her his sunglasses. After a blazing 12-song set, the band took their bows and exited the stage. I enjoyed their live performance and hope to catch them again sometime.

Now the moment that black leather and spiked clad fans have been waiting for, it was time for the mighty Judas Priest to take the stage! Rob Halford and Judas Priest have been making music and touring for over five decades with no indication of slowing down. They are currently on tour in support of their 19^th album Invincible Shield. Rob Halford got the evening started off with the heavy rocking track “Panic Attack.” Rob Halford’s dedication to putting on a top-notch show has kept me coming back to see the band since I first saw them in 1991. He is truly a master of his craft and always puts in 110%. Judas Priest performed an eclectic 15-song set with a setlist that would satisfy any fan. Unfortunately, their encore was cut short due to a thunderstorm. The fans at the amp cheered loudly during the encore song “Electric Eye” when a huge bolt of lightning shot across the sky and the thunder boomed. It was the perfect metal show moment.

Despite controversy, health scares and everything in between, Judas Priest has withstood the test of time. These metal music titans prove that you’re never too old to throw your horns in the air and bang your head to some killer music. Although Syracuse is the last stop on the first leg of their US tour, Rob Halford and company will be making their way overseas returning to the US for a few festival performances in California and Kentucky. So, make sure you get out there and see them, you won’t be disappointed.

Please enjoy my photo highlights from the show.

Setlist:

Panic Attack

You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’

Rapid Fire

Breaking the Law

Lightning Strike

Love Bites

Devil’s Child

Saints in Hell

Crown of Horns

Sinner