Judas Priest Tease Their Return with Twin Turbos—A Bold Revisit to Their ‘Turbo Era’ Roots……
Heavy metal veterans Judas Priest are firing up the forge once again: the British legends have confirmed that later this year they’ll release a brand‑new studio album titled Twin Turbos. For die‑hard fans and casual listeners alike, the news is both nostalgic and exciting—if the concept is as ambitious as its name suggests, we’re in for something truly special.
A Delayed Dream Becoming Reality 🏁
The name Twin Turbos isn’t just a flashy title—it’s a direct callback to the band’s mid‑1980s creative vision. After the success of Defenders of the Faith, Judas Priest initially planned a double album called Twin Turbos, designed to split into two contrasting halves: one side radio‑friendly and synth‑charged, the other raw, aggressive metal. The record label intervened, and the idea was shelved. Instead, the more commercial material became Turbo (released April 7, 1986), while the heavier tracks were ultimately released two years later on Ram It Down (1988) .
Now, nearly four decades later, the band appears to be dusting off the original concept—Twin Turbos as a fully realized, unified project. This could mark one of the most daring moves in the latter half of their storied career.
Why Now? A Band Reinvigorated
Judas Priest’s creative spark hasn’t dimmed. Their latest album, Invincible Shield (March 6, 2024), received strong critical and commercial response—debuts at #2 on the UK Albums Chart and #18 on the US Billboard 200 . That success seems to have emboldened the band—guitarist Richie Faulkner and drummer Scott Travis reportedly began talking about Twin Turbos during the Invincible Shield sessions. In fact, Faulkner mentioned in a March 2025 interview that writing sessions for a follow‑up were already underway, possibly beginning in 2026 .
Now, with a working title and release timeframe confirmed for later this year, fans are looking forward to a record that revisits and remixes one of the most fascinating aborted projects in Priest’s vault.
What to Expect from Twin Turbos
If Judas Priest’s vision holds true to the original concept:
Two‑sided musical journey: one half riff‑driven, no‑frills metal in classic Priest style; the other infused with synthesizers, polished production, and possibly anthemic melodies recalling the Turbo era.
Modern production edge: With Andy Sneap helming Invincible Shield, and previous work with long‑time producer Tom Allom (who split Twin Turbos into two albums), listeners can expect a crisp, powerful, and cohesive sound that bridges vintage polish with contemporary clarity .
Unreleased gems: Tracks like “Ram It Down,” “Hard as Iron,” and “Love You to Death” were originally part of the Twin Turbos sessions, later appearing on Ram It Down . Will these songs be revisited or reshaped? And what other archival gems might finally surface on this project?
What This Means for Fans and the Metal World
For metal purists, the potential release of more synthesizer‑tinged tracks may raise eyebrows—and echoes of the original backlash to Turbo persist. Back in 1986, Turbo divided listeners: some appreciated its adventurous scope, others decried the “poppy” direction . The Twin Turbos concept might reignite that conversation, but within a vastly different musical climate—metal, synth rock, and genre experimentation now intermingle freely in 2025.
Moreover, the release could become a lightning rod for both longtime fans and a new generation curious about Priest’s lesser–explored side. It might even spark crossover appeal: imagine tracks from Twin Turbos hitting streaming playlists alongside today’s rock and metal acts.
Looking Ahead: Tour, Singles, and Fan Engagement
Expect a full promotional push:
Tour support: Currently, Priest are booked on a North American co‑headlining tour this fall with Alice Cooper—ideal timing to road‑test Twin Turbos material live .
Singles rollout: If history is any guide, the band will likely tease the album with a lead single/video that encapsulates the duality of the project—perhaps even in two versions.
Fan previews: Pre‑order packages could feature exclusive tracks, remastered versions of ‘86/’88 era demos, or even a mini‑documentary about finally realizing the original vision.
Final Thoughts
Judging by their recent statements and activities, Judas Priest seems primed to push creative boundaries yet again—this time reaching into their own past for inspiration without being bound by nostalgia. Twin Turbos could be a bold, unapologetic statement, bridging their legendary 1980s aesthetic with the ambitions of a band that still wants more to offer.
Metal fans should prepare for one of the most daring album rollouts of the year. If Twin Turbos hits later in 2025 as promised, it won’t just be another entry—it could redefine how we understand Judas Priest’s legacy and their unquenchable appetite for innovation. Stay tuned for more updates as official singles, artwork, and tour support are revealer.