Judas Priest and Sabaton Join Forces at Blue Arena

Metal shows aren’t usually known for quiet moments of reflection. But that’s exactly what made for one of the highlights of Judas Priest‘s show at Blue Arena in Loveland. Midway through their set, Vocalist Rob Halford took a seat on the stage and started reminiscing about the band’s extensive career. He named off a string of albums including British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance, Painkiller and their most recent release, Invincible Shield. He then shifted the focus to the fans: “We’ve been making heavy metal for over 50 years, but we’re nothing without all of you.”

Halford went on to talk about the community and inclusivity that has developed among Priest fans. In a recent interview he described it as “…what I love about our metal community, that regardless of the bands that you’re into, regardless of what you look like, who you love, how much money you’ve got, whatever. We look at each other and embrace each other because we love heavy metal.”

It’s not hard to see why the band has staying power. Especially when you add in the heavy riffs and screaming vocals that have been their trademark from the beginning. There was plenty of both Sunday evening as they played through a mix of old and new including “Breaking the Law,” “Crown of Horns,” “Turbo Lover” and “Living After Midnight.”

Sweden’s Sabaton opened the show. With a makeshift tank for a drum riser and helmet/rifle mic stands, the band rallied the crowd with a 10 song set of their their battle-themed anthems including “The Last Stand,” “Stormtroopers” and “To Hell and Back.” Check out our photos from the night: