For My Sunday Song #293, we are going to discuss the title track, “Nostradamus”, from the Judas Priest 2008 concept album ‘Nostradamus’. The album focuses on the life and times of the great 16th Century writer and prophecy maker which I think is brilliant. The album went to #11 on the Billboard Charts but I think fell flat after that as people just didn’t get it. They were wrong in my book. The title track did get nominated for a Grammy for Best Metal Performance but lost.
The song is an homage to the man himself. It celebrates everything about the man, the myth, the legend. It vindicates the man that was persecuted for his beliefs. He lived in the 16th Century so I am sure they thought he was a witch or evil with all his visions.
“Nostradamus” has some brilliance to it. Rob is full on operatic in his vocals and he really hits some great notes at the beginning and then the band comes in and slams it home with a massive Halford scream. It does actually have a little of the speed metal and has some classic Priest sounds and that Halford SCREAM!!!! What more could you want. I really love the epic, grandness feel to the song. It takes you on a journey and one you will want to travel again and again. The band went for it on this song and album I personally love it.
Give the song a listen and let me know what you think. Is it too much or just right. If you haven’t heard this album, you have to give it a chance. It gets better with each listen. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a wonderful and Happy Sunday!!
“Nostradamus”
They never broke my will
Cause my heart was strong
They won’t justify
Condemnation, my vindication
But I will survive
Stood my ground ’till the end
Engaged the enemy protect my friends
Nostradamus [x2]
Tamed the beast
They sent to kill
The congregation never broke my will
Nostradamus [x2]
He has overcome
He can take the throne
Nostradamus; vindication
Nostradamus; is avenged
Nostradamus; our salvation
Nostradamus; he’s avenged
I walked through fire to justify
Their inquisitions all condemned to die
Nostradamus [x2]
Adversity on which I thrived
Destroys the altar now I’m vilified
Nostradamus [x2]
He has seized the day
He is here to stay
Nostradamus; vindication
Nostradamus; is avenged
Nostradamus; our salvation
Nostradamus; he’s avenged
Vindication,
He has been avenged
They never broke my will
Because my heart was strong
They can’t justify
I will survive
He has overpowered
It’s his finest hour
Nostradamus; vindication
Nostradamus; is avenged
Nostradamus; our salvation
Nostradamus; he’s avenged
Nostradamus [x4]
Written by K.K. Downing, Glenn Tipton and Rob Halford
2 Loud 2 Old Music 
A wicked song from a great album, that keyboard solo at about the halfway mark is scintillating, and definitely one of my favourite moments on the disc
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I knew you’d be here first.
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Good thing you posted this as I have not heard it in a long time. This is a good track but for me it’s 80s Priest that when I need the fix that I go back too.
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Underrated album!!
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Very good tune. This was the first one I heard before the album came out. Nice pick.
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Thanks. I still dig that album.
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Interesting to read it made it to #11 on the charts – I just looked up the spreadsheet from the LeBrain Train episode, it also made it to #11 on your list (#7 on Harrison’s, looks like it had to settle for ‘honorable mention’ on Mike’s)!
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I’d forgotten that. I do like it but they have a lot that are better.
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It’s a really good song and yeah, a bit overlooked in the overall catalog.
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Not bad, to be honest!
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Yeah I agree with most of the comments. This track won’t get the same love as their 80s output but it’s as good as that output. The drumming is relentless.
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I like the whole album. It is one I spin more than I thought I would.
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