Judas Priest have certainly reignited that creative spark in recent years after giving strong consideration to ending their career around the time of KK Downing's exit. 2014's Redeemer of Souls was viewed as a triumph by many Priest fans and the band has been spending a lot of time recently trying to complete the follow-up. Speaking with Eddie Trunk on Trunk Nation, singer Rob Halford revealed (as transcribed by Blabbermouth), "We're almost done. We're in that final hurdle before we get to the finish line."

Speaking about the still-untitled set, the Metal God added, "It is sounding monumental. It's gonna blow your socks off. We're thrilled. We've got this big metal monster looming in the background, about to drop early next year, with a world tour to coincide."

In a separate interview, producer Andy Sneap stated that he felt that Halford was singing as well now as he was in the band's Screaming for Vengeance heyday. You’re looking at something that was recorded in, what, 1982, when Screaming was done? So 35 years ago. And for a guy 35 years on in his career… I mean, they’re playing in E flat now, so they are semitone down, but most bands are [these days]. He’s nailing it,” said Sneap.

2018 is shaping up quite nice for Priest, as Halford stated that the band is on track for a new album and major tour. But there's also the possibility that the band could strike a victory for metal as a whole if they are indeed inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The group was recently nominated as one of the finalists to be part of the 2018 induction class. The potential induction would just be the cherry on top of what looks like an incredible 2018 for the band.

And 2017 is also looking pretty solid for Halford in particular, as he's set to receive the Lifetime Achievement award known as the Lemmy at the 2017 Loudwire Music Awards on Oct. 24. The Metal God himself will be on hand not only to receive the honor, but he's also part of the night's performance lineup. Halford will also be taking part in a special live taping of Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction? prior to the Loudwire Music Awards in Los Angeles being held at the Grammy Museum as part of Hard Rock + Heavy Metal Summit. Tickets for the Oct. 24 Loudwire Music Awards at the Novo in downtown L.A. are available here, while additional info on the summit panels can be found here.

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