In a recent interview with Riff X’s *Metal XS*, JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill discussed the evolution of the band’s sound on their latest album, *Invincible Shield*, and compared it to their 2018 release, *Firepower*. Hill described *Invincible Shield* as having more intricate and complex songs than its predecessor.
“This one is a lot busier,” Hill said. “The songs are more complicated than they have been.” He explained that the band’s approach has always been to stay current and experiment with new techniques and gadgets. The extended time due to COVID allowed PRIEST to delve deeper into their music, making *Invincible Shield* a natural progression from *Firepower*. “We might’ve taken two steps on this one,” he noted, “because we had time to do it. But it keeps you current and it keeps you relevant.”
Hill also emphasized the importance of connecting with both older and younger audiences. Seeing young faces in the crowd motivates the band to remain modern and relevant. He advised aspiring musicians to be patient, as success rarely happens overnight. “You’ve gotta have patience. And [it doesn’t happen] overnight. Sometimes you’ll see a band that’ll just burst out of nowhere, but I guarantee that they’ve been there for a while working [on their craft],” he said. “So you need to have self-belief, of course, you have to have a bit of talent and you have to have patience and work whenever you can.”
On the topic of his age and connecting with younger fans, the 72-year-old Hill remarked that he and his bandmates don’t feel their age mentally. “None of us are acting our age, really. I mean, up here [in my head], I’m still 12 years old. So is Rob [Halford]. You never get old. It is something that keeps you young, mentally.”
Hill, the sole original member remaining, reflected on the band’s long history. PRIEST, formed in 1969, saw Halford join in 1973 and guitarist Glenn Tipton in 1974. Although Halford briefly left PRIEST in the early ’90s, he returned in 2003. Original guitarist K.K. Downing left the band in 2011, with Richie Faulkner taking his place.
*Invincible Shield* was released on March 8 via Sony Music.
