Judas Priest Begins Recording New Album and Premieres Documentary

Judas Priest, the iconic heavy metal band from Birmingham, has commenced recording their next studio album, which will be the follow-up to their 2024 release, *Invincible Shield*. Guitarist Richie Faulkner revealed in an interview with *The Metal Voice* that the band spent a month in the studio in February 2026, laying the groundwork for their 20th album. Faulkner expressed excitement about the project, stating, “I don’t know if I’m allowed to say that, but I’ve said it.”

Judas Priest have started recording their next album: “I don't know if I’m allowed to say that, but I’ve said it”

In addition to their new music, Judas Priest is promoting their documentary, *The Ballad Of Judas Priest*, co-directed by Sam Dunn and Tom Morello. The film premiered at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2026 and is set for its North American premiere at the Hot Docs documentary festival in Toronto from April 23 to May 3. Faulkner described the documentary as a well-structured narrative that chronicles the band's journey, highlighting their influence on the heavy metal genre and featuring interviews with various artists discussing Priest's impact.

Judas Priest have started recording their next album: “I don't know if I’m allowed to say that, but I’ve said it”RICHIE FAULKNER Says JUDAS PRIEST Has Started Recording Follow-Up To 'Invincible Shield' Album: 'We Were In The Studio For A Month In February'

Formed in 1969, Judas Priest is recognized as a cornerstone of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, with landmark albums such as *Stained Class*, *British Steel*, and *Screaming For Vengeance*. The band has experienced a resurgence since the return of lead vocalist Rob Halford in 2003, with *Invincible Shield* achieving significant commercial success, including reaching number two on the UK charts and topping charts in Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Judas Priest have started recording their next album: “I don't know if I’m allowed to say that, but I’ve said it”

Judas Priest's current lineup includes Rob Halford, Ian Hill, Richie Faulkner, Andy Sneap, and Scott Travis. The band will embark on a European tour from June to September 2026, following a series of festival appearances. This tour will mark another chapter in their extensive career, which has spanned over five decades.

Judas Priest have started recording their next album: “I don't know if I’m allowed to say that, but I’ve said it”

While the band enjoys a loyal fanbase, some critics argue that the heavy metal genre has become less innovative over the years, with established bands like Judas Priest relying on nostalgia rather than pushing musical boundaries. However, the band maintains that their commitment to creating new music and sharing their story through the documentary showcases their ongoing relevance in the music industry.

RICHIE FAULKNER Says JUDAS PRIEST Has Started Recording Follow-Up To 'Invincible Shield' Album: 'We Were In The Studio For A Month In February'

Faulkner emphasized the collaborative nature of the band, stating, “I’m part of a team... they love it. And we’ll do a tour and then we’ll get excited and do an album.” He also noted the importance of the documentary in capturing the essence of Judas Priest's legacy, asserting, “It’s about them, really; it’s not about me.”

RICHIE FAULKNER Says JUDAS PRIEST Has Started Recording Follow-Up To 'Invincible Shield' Album: 'We Were In The Studio For A Month In February'

• “Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors The band say: “We have lived and breathed metal for over five decades, and finally in this documentary we are summoning our congregation to officially witness our lives uncensored, in a never-before-seen way…” — Judas Priest

Judas Priest have started recording their next album: “I don't know if I’m allowed to say that, but I’ve said it”

• “Well, it's really well put together, and it goes through the story, obviously, of where they started and what they went through and everything like that and talks to different people about PRIEST's influence on them. And there's a great bit in it where they go back to, I think it's a working man's club in Aston [United Kingdom] or somewhere like that, where they played their first show, and Ian's [Hill, PRIEST bassist] in there and he's sitting down, and it's still there. And he's in the club, and you can see the stage where they performed and everything. It's still there, man. And it's great, as a fan, to see that stuff. I haven't seen that stuff before. So it's really good. When it comes out, you should definitely check it out.” — Richie Faulkner

RICHIE FAULKNER Says JUDAS PRIEST Has Started Recording Follow-Up To 'Invincible Shield' Album: 'We Were In The Studio For A Month In February'

• “I'm just happy to be there for my 15 seconds of fame at the end of it.” — Richie Faulkner

RICHIE FAULKNER Says JUDAS PRIEST Has Started Recording Follow-Up To 'Invincible Shield' Album: 'We Were In The Studio For A Month In February'

Judas Priest continues to solidify their legacy as pioneers of heavy metal, with new music and a documentary that celebrates their journey and influence on the genre.

RICHIE FAULKNER Says JUDAS PRIEST Has Started Recording Follow-Up To 'Invincible Shield' Album: 'We Were In The Studio For A Month In February'