Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner has enthusiastically let slip that the heavy metal legends have already begun recording a brand-new album. In a recent interview with The Metal Voice, Faulkner revealed that the band spent a month in the studio during February laying the foundation for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in their storied career.
“We’ve started recording it. Yeah, we were in the studio for a month in February laying the foundation. I don’t know if I’m allowed to say that, but I’ve said it,” Faulkner shared, his excitement evident despite his playful acknowledgment of potentially breaking news embargo.
The guitarist emphasized the collaborative nature of Judas Priest’s creative process. He highlighted how the band’s longevity stems from their collective dedication. “I say all the time, I’m part of a team. They’ve been doing it for 50-odd years. I’m part of the team now, and it is the crew and the management and everyone that pitches together to make that machine roll. And I can see how they’ve been doing it for that long. I’ve said to you guys before — they love it. We’ll do a tour and then we’ll get excited and do an album. Then you get excited for the album and do another tour. So I can see how it happens. We’re doing another album, and we’ll probably tour that.”
This announcement marks an exciting development for the metal community. Judas Priest continues their relentless cycle of touring and recording that has defined their five-decade career.
The upcoming project will be Judas Priest’s 20th studio album, serving as the follow-up to their 2024 release Invincible Shield, according to Louder Sound. The February recording sessions represent the early stages of what will undoubtedly be a meticulously crafted release. The band is laying down foundational material that will shape the album’s direction. Metal Sucks confirmed that these sessions mark significant progress on the band’s next major studio effort, continuing their tradition of delivering powerful metal anthems to their devoted fanbase.
Beyond the new album recording, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Judas Priest. The band is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their classic debut album Sad Wings of Destiny, originally released in March 1976, as reported by Blabbermouth. The anniversary reissue features newly remixed and remastered editions sourced from the original multitrack tapes. This offers fans an opportunity to experience this foundational work in pristine audio quality. Goldmine Magazine reported that the reissue will include audiophile pressings produced in collaboration with the band themselves. This ensures that the sonic integrity of this classic release is preserved and enhanced for modern listeners.
