It wasn't that long ago that Judas Priest were contemplating the end or at least a significant reduction in touring. But what a difference a few years makes. Coming off the well-received 'Redeemer of Souls' album, the band seems as vital as ever and frontman Rob Halford says that energy has him looking forward to the band's future.

Halford tells Billboard that he's "ready to jump into the next Judas Priest record," adding that the hunger is still there. "There's a sense that there's another great metal song to write, another great metal album to put together, another great tour to go out on," he says.

He adds, "It's the hunger. If you've still got that, that serves a series of purposes and reasons why you still do it. Maybe we're chasing the elusive finale, but right now I feel like it's amazing to think what might come next from Priest."

The group suffered a loss when guitarist K.K. Downing stepped away from the band, but they've repeatedly talked about how Downing's replacement, Richie Faulkner, has re-energized the band's passion for their music.

Before a new album hits the schedule, the band has plenty of touring to do in support of 'Redeemer of Souls.' The group kicks off a tour of the U.S. on Oct. 1. Dates can be found here.

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