Review & Photography by Nathan Vestal for MPM
Metalheads gathered at Milwaukee’s Miller High Life Theatre on September 19th, 2024, for a night of pure, unfiltered heavy metal mayhem.
The legendary Judas Priest was set to deliver their iconic brand of British steel, but before they took the stage, Swedish power metal titans Sabaton were tasked with stoking the flames.
Sabaton:
Sabaton, Sweden’s premier power metal juggernaut, took the stage first, and they wasted no time in making their presence felt. Known for their epic, history and war themed songs, Sabaton’s high-energy set felt like a battlefield exploding with riffs and soaring vocals.
Sabaton hit the stage with fiery energy, immediately captivating the audience. Opening with “Ghost Division,” the band’s tight musicianship and thunderous rhythm section set the pace for what would be a dynamic performance.
Joakim Brodén, the band’s charismatic frontman, kept the audience engaged between songs, joking with the crowd by describing themselves as the “Village People wearing camouflage pants” and explaining the historical themes behind tracks like “Bismarck” and “The Last Stand”.
Sabaton’s stage presence was commanding, with their trademark military imagery enhanced by the drum riser being a full-size replica tank.
Sabaton closed their set with the ever-popular “To Hell and Back,” leaving the audience hyped and primed for the main event. It was clear that Sabaton had made new fans that night, proving themselves more than worthy of opening for metal legends.
What makes Sabaton such a great live band is their ability to create an atmosphere—one that feels like a rallying cry, where each song becomes an anthem of victory and resistance. Their set was visually and sonically powerful, with stunning backdrops of tanks and battlefield imagery, perfectly in sync with their lyrics. For a band that often delves into historical and military themes, their energy felt anything but stuck in the past.
Judas Priest: Heavy Metal Thunder
Judas Priest is, simply put, heavy metal royalty. As the lights dimmed and the intro to “War Pigs” played through the speakers, the crowd erupted singing the lyrics, knowing the masters were about to arrive. The curtain dropped, revealing a towering stage setup, and Rob Halford—the Metal God himself with a voice that defied his 73 years —emerged in a gleaming leather jacket, launching into “Panic Attack” the first track off the latest album “Invincible Shield”.
From the first chord, it was clear that Judas Priest had lost none of their bite. The band tore through a setlist packed with classics such as “You Got Another Thing Comin’” and “Breaking the Law”. Blending their signature 70s and 80s material with more recent offerings.
Halford’s vocal performance was nothing short of stunning, hitting those trademark piercing highs and commanding every note with authority. Ending each song to interact with fans by fist bumping and jumping into selfies, then running behind the curtain to change into another signature jacket. Guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap were relentless, trading razor-sharp solos and riffs with surgical precision. Faulkner had infectious energy—he moved across the stage like a man possessed, keeping the crowd hyped throughout.
But the night’s true highlight came during “Painkiller.” Halford’s soaring scream in the final moments sent chills down spines, and drummer Scott Travis pounded out the rapid-fire double bass with machine-like accuracy. It was a moment that reminded everyone why Judas Priest has endured for over five decades—they are the living embodiment of heavy metal.
One of the night’s highlights came during “Hell Bent for Leather,” when Halford made his dramatic entrance on a Harley Davidson. This signature moment never fails to send chills down the spine of any true Judas Priest fan, but it had extra impact being in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin where Harleys originated. The encore, featuring “Living After Midnight,” capped off an unforgettable night to the deafening cheers of the crowd.
The Miller High Life Theatre was the perfect venue for the evening’s spectacle. Its intimate size allowed for a more personal experience, while the state-of-the-art lighting and sound enhanced the already epic performance. The crowd was electric from start to finish—this was a night for true metal devotees, and the energy was contagious.
Milwaukee metalheads, known for their dedication to the genre, did not disappoint. Fans of all ages—old-school metal veterans and younger enthusiasts alike—threw up their horns and headbanged in unison. There was a strong camaraderie in the air, as Judas Priest and Sabaton delivered an unforgettable night that solidified their place in metal’s pantheon.
Judas Priest continues to prove why they are one of the most legendary acts in heavy metal history. Their performance at the Miller High Life Theatre was a masterclass in metal showmanship, and Sabaton was the perfect complement to their power and prestige. The show was a reminder that heavy metal isn’t just music—it’s a way of life, and the faithful in Milwaukee left the venue with their metal hearts full and their ears ringing.
This was a gig for the ages, and both Judas Priest and Sabaton left their indelible mark on the city of Milwaukee.
