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. HalordV.
    Jul 5, 2008
    10
    Masterpiece!
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. BrentN
    Jul 23, 2008
    10
    An epic masterpiece!
  5. MusicLover
    Jul 6, 2008
    10
    A masterpiece!!!
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. AndrewA.
    Jul 3, 2008
    10
    It's a masterpiece.
  11. EduardoL.
    Aug 29, 2008
    10
    From Halford's powerful vocals, Tipton's and Downing's mesmerizing dual guitar riffs and solos, to the thunderous rythym section, this CD kicks ass. It does take a couple of listens, but it is definitely a great concept album.
  12. AndyD.
    Sep 19, 2008
    10
    Pushes the boundaries of Metal (in a resoundingly positive way). Manowar's "Gods of War" did the same, by extensive use of (REAL) Symphonic and Operatic elements. Without albums like "Nostradamus" and "Gods of War", Metal would be COMPLETELY dead-slash-written out withing 10 years. Whereas calculator-loving bands like Dragonforce and Lost Horizon have no emotional impact, their Pushes the boundaries of Metal (in a resoundingly positive way). Manowar's "Gods of War" did the same, by extensive use of (REAL) Symphonic and Operatic elements. Without albums like "Nostradamus" and "Gods of War", Metal would be COMPLETELY dead-slash-written out withing 10 years. Whereas calculator-loving bands like Dragonforce and Lost Horizon have no emotional impact, their vision is completely incarnated via the bands they all looked up to the most. Manowar and Judas Priest have grown up, and now Metal starts looking toward Wagner-ian futures.… Expand
  13. RodrigoG
    Mar 16, 2009
    10
    Great album, great story, great music. Full power, the best Metal album of the year.
  14. MarkoP
    Dec 16, 2008
    10
    This album is best album that is ever done!
  15. AndrewH.
    Jun 21, 2008
    10
    Excellent metal concept charting the life of Nostradamus ranging from some hard hitting metal to mellow ballads with symphonic feel. As with most great metal albums it gets better every listen!
  16. TerrL.
    Jun 22, 2008
    10
    In a time when most classic bands repackage the same old hits in different forms,its great to see a band put some effort in creating something different and new! Just sit back and let The Priest carry you away! All the harsh criticisms are not needed! It's only rock and roll not brain surgery.Crank it up and enjoy!
  17. ThomBaker
    Jul 15, 2008
    10
    Awesome. Almost sounds operatic at times, but, hey, it's Halford at the reigns and it sounds beautiful. It still tastes like Priest, the guitars are great, just like Glen and KK. I feel that this project will grow in appreciation with time, and even cross over to people with other music tastes. I can't wait for their next project, or the CONCERT in August (in Phoenix)
  18. Atoradio
    Jul 16, 2008
    10
    Great concept album!! As other metal bands are today swimming in circles (Iron Maiden, Saxon, etc.) Judas Priest continues to evolve and adapt to new tendencies taking us to new listening productions.
  19. HenrikS.
    Sep 11, 2008
    10
    Best Priest album ever, very epic. A great story, told with awesome lyrics mixed with some amasing instrumental performances.
  20. McDannyRo
    Jul 12, 2014
    10
    Wow .. an epic album from Metal Gods !! This album is great!! 23 wonderful songs make this album a masterpiece...All songs are dramatic..Only Judas are able to make that album
  21. CliveN.
    Aug 4, 2008
    9
    Totally different, but awseome. Gets better the more it is played.
  22. 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
  23. 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!
  24. 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
  25. [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!
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. HalordV.
    Jul 18, 2008
    9
    Masterpiece!
  29. Kreed
    Jul 28, 2008
    9
    In knowing all the JP music from their start and seeing several of their concerts. I really do like the Nostradamus theme and music. I am however extremly dissapointed in the concert for the album. As much as I like the past concerts I was under the belief that this concert was to be a concept theatrical rock like opera stage show with only the music from the album to be played. Then at a In knowing all the JP music from their start and seeing several of their concerts. I really do like the Nostradamus theme and music. I am however extremly dissapointed in the concert for the album. As much as I like the past concerts I was under the belief that this concert was to be a concept theatrical rock like opera stage show with only the music from the album to be played. Then at a later date for them to retour and play their old music. Instead they played 2-3 songs from the album and the rest from the past… Expand
  30. GarryB.
    Aug 19, 2008
    9
    If you listen to just 1 song listen to death (the entire song). If then you are not mesmerized into listening to the entire cd you should rethink your appreciation for what is true metal art.
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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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