Judas Priest – Ian Hill

Ian Hill is someone who has seen and done much. Not only is he the bassist and one of the key founders of legendary British heavy metal band, Judas Priest, but he is also now the sole constant member of the band, and is generally a nice, welcoming fellow. It was my absolute pleasure and honour then to speak with Ian recently on behalf of Metal Obsession. We spoke about Judas Priest’s new album, what motivated the band to continue to go on playing, and whether we may see them return down under this year.

Marking their seventeenth studio album and their first with new guitarist Richie Faulkner, Redeemer of Souls sees a return to the classic Judas Priest sound we all know and recognise. As Ian mentioned early on, their last album Nostradamus was a concept album and thus marked a departure musically from the band’s typical material. It also meant by extension that Priest were more restricted in how their songs were both arranged and presented. “[Nostradamus] was only ever going to be a one-off,” Ian commented. “[Redeemer of Souls] is a continuation of where Angel of Retribution left off. There’s a little bit of flavour from all throughout the years.” Redeemer of Souls comes across musically as a celebration of Judas Priest and their extensive career. With tracks that recall the likes of British Steel, Sad Wings of Destiny, and Angel of Retribution, among others, there are even moments that give off hints towards Priest’s little-known debut album, Rocka Rolla.

With Rocka Rolla celebrating its fortieth anniversary this year, I found it interesting the moments on the new album that recalled Rocka Rolla’s more bluesy tone. Those early years for Judas Priest weren’t easy, however. Rocka Rolla upon its release in 1974 was a commercial flop, but Ian remembered those days differently. “When we were recording Rocka Rolla, we [slept] during the day in the van outside the studio. And we worked throughout the night because that’s when our studio time was. We’d come when everyone else was gone, have a good rock in the studio and work throughout the night.” Further adding, “We had a great time, we really did, and although Rocka Rolla was a flop, it was because it was poorly produced. It gave us an immense feeling of pride though when it first hit the shelf. You’d walk into the local record store and there it was with all the people who’d influenced you: Cream, Hendrix, Colosseum, the Stones.”

“I look back over my career,” Ian continued, “and realise how lucky I’ve been to do something I like and make a living out of it.”

Many had thought that with the previous Epitaph world tour the band conducted between 2011 and 2012, this marked the end of any further activity on the part of the band. “If you want to continue, and people want you to continue, then there’s no reason not to.” Ian said of this. “After a few sessions, we realised we had a lot to offer. And what we have to offer is very good. On top of that we enjoy it. So we realised we had to do it.”

“I don’t think any of us would contemplate stopping completely. I think it’s something that’d terrify us. Some bands find a formula and they stick to it and people love them for it. But I think we’d be bored to death if that’s what we had been doing. In taking that step forward, and trying to improve with each album and each tour, it keeps you fresh. And the enthusiasm is still there.”

It’s been six years since Judas Priest last graced Australian shores and when asked if a new tour down under was on the horizon, Ian’s response was enthusiastic. “It’s on the cards. We’re going to do our best. Of course, with Australia, it’s so bleeding far away! [laughs] We had such a great time the last two times we came to Oz, though. We’d really love to come back.” And I think I can speak for everyone here when I say, we’d love to have them back!

Closing the interview, Ian gave thanks. “We’re doing our best to come and see you guys next year!”

Grab your copy of ‘Redeemer of Souls’ from JB Hifi and iTunes.

Related Posts

• 

  HJELVIK – Welcome to Hel
• 

  AC/DC – Power Up
• 

  Scour – Black
• 

  Depravity – Grand Malevolence