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Second night of the North American tour for Invincible Shield sees the Priest in Newark, NJ As the intro music begins, the stage is vacant, part from a banner, emblazoned with song title/lyrics that reads like a positive affirmation/mantra. The guitar synths that herald "Panic Attack" kicks in, as pulsating white lights pierce the darkness. When the banner drops, there are the five Priests packed around Scott Travis' drum kit. The (younger) guitarists, Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap, stand on the riser, while Ian Hill (Bass) and vocalist Rob Halford (in shimmering waist coat) are on terra firma. The rest of the night, each will wander to all points of the stage (well, not Hill, who is content to forcefully sway his four string, back n’ forth, while perched stage left. The artists' right half is almost exclusively reserved for Faulkner, who looks like Styx main man Tommy Shaw's identical twin, from another mother.

Maybe it's my perception, but seems initially Rob is reserved (laying back, center stage, walking in circles), giving Sneap some photographic opportunities. Faulkner doesn't need any urging, he's a natural, cajoling the crowd, sticking his tongue out, or cupping a hand to his ear. In time to the music, flash of strobes accentuates each repeated chorus, "Panic attack, panic attack..." For "You've Got Another Thing Comin'", Rob dons a studded black denim jacket, with the band's tritone/cross logo  on the back. The singer moseys from one end of the stage to the other, pointing to the crowd to sing the titular chorus, to which they oblige, with or without coaxing. Behind the band, a montage of video screens shows old black and white newsreels, intercut with live band action. Pink/red lit "Rapid Fire" goes by, just as it says. "Breaking The Law" is the second old time favorite/sing-along out of the way early, punctuated by police siren and images of high-speed chases. 

Afterwards, Halford briefly leaves the stage, as the rest begin "Lightning Strike". When the singer returns, he's got a new topcoat. During the twin leads section, Faulkner raises his guitar and plays it vertically. The stage is black, aside from circulating orange beacon, to the pre-recorded intro for "Love Bites". Hill is particularly animated on this one, which gets a big ovation. Travis and the axemen offer backing vocals for a pedestrian "Devil's Child". No worries, vicious "Saints In Hell" follows. Copper/orange/red as Faulkner blazes away, as Rob (now in black motorcycle jacket) deals out high register acrobatics. A green metallian symbol rotates on screen, behind the splay legged Faulkner, as he introduces green/copper illuminated "Crown Of Horns". Second song in a row Sneap has switched guitars, first to a red, solid body and now an asymmetric white Jackson. Meanwhile, Richie seems content with Flying Vs, a blue trimmed one, another, black & white, with "Valhalla" emblazoned on the right side.

Whammy bar time, as Faulkner is alone, on a blue stage, his V lofted vertically, as white lights greet "Sinner". Sneap takes a more prominent role, at the front of the stage. All sorts of guitar histrionics from Richie, as Halford, often singing from a crouch, lobs vocal nitroglycerine on an already raging musical conflagration. Amazing how the once reviled "Turbo Lover" has taken on a new life as one of the better (ahem) loved entries in the Priest canon. A spot lighted Faulkner, ever the cheerleader, is out front, from the start, getting fans to clap along. Halford vogues along, in a shimmering gold lame coat. Practically everyone in the sold-out hockey arena sings the chorus! Faulkner drops to one knee, leg outstretched to play as Sneap makes a rare visit to the opposite side of the stage. 

For one of the few times tonight, Rob talks to the crowd, reminiscing and thanking fans for their dedication, before announcing "Invincible Shield", then prompting leaving the stage. When he returns, to yelp out the high-pitched title phrase, he's wearing yet another costume change: black coat with white designs on the lapels. During the song, the tritone/metallian symbol lighting truss, is lowered, tipped forward (almost vertical) and just inched from the top of the wedge monitors. As the song ends, Halford is sandwiched between the two guitar players, all three at the foot of the stage. 

Ending run is really a test of vocal prowess, from the highs in "Victim Of Changes" to over-the-top verbosity and intensity of set closing "Painkiller". In between, there's "The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)" Wow! Who said Halford has lost his range? Evidence to the contrary, here in Newark, tonight. The boys begin purple/blue lit "Victim" with the singer still behind the curtain. He walks on, just in time to hit that first vocal peak. When the song slows down, Halford's vocals are essentially laid bare. While Sneap takes a solo, Halford and Faulkner gaze up at the screen, to see a vintage image of Glen Tipton. It ends with Rob hunched over the wedges, delivering that trademark, protracted scream. 

A little nonsensical call & response between Halford and the crowd (coming close to Freddy Mercury's old schtick), gives the others a brief moment offstage, before introducing green hued "Manalishi". Hill's bass rings out prominently, on that one. Ending the proper set is the red/gold tinged "Painkiller". First Travis talks to the crowd, then he pounds out the opening barrage, as Rob appears in fringed and studded get-up. Richie works his magic fingers, as he sways to & fro, all the time mouthing the lyrics. The stage goes black, but not for long, as the pre-recorded music starts up, almost as soon as the curtain closes behind the exiting Halford. 

Returning for an encore, it's almost a foregone conclusion what's left. "The Hellion/Electric Eye" worked as a set opener, so utilizing it to get back onstage, makes sense too.  The singer now has a shiny, Jiffy-Pop jacket. It's pretty much audience participation, to the finish line, from this point on. The rev of Harley engine, then the singer appears atop the hog, leather cap and a riding crop. He sings the entire first verse while seated on the bike. He plays off Richie and entices the fans to add their voices (which they've been doing) and it segues directly into the "Living After Midnight" finale. Rob has a floor length blue jean house coat (almost looks like a dress), covered in band patches. Brief synchronized movements from the guitars, Halford behind them, like a tutoring headmaster. Before it ends, the band stops playing, apart from some timekeeping by Travis, as the crowd goes a cappella. Everyone closes it out together: band & fans, as it's always been, one big heavy metal family.

A Judas Priest show is always special.