I absolutely love JUDICATOR.
So, this may come straight from a fan’s heart—trying to keep a critical eye open!
While the band’s epic, historically themed albums are incredible, my personal favorites remain “At the Expense of Humanity” and “The Majesty of Decay”. With “Concord”, I made the conscious decision to wait for the physical format before diving in—giving it time, space, and multiple listens. And I’m truly glad I did, because while some tracks struck me immediately with their brilliance, the album as a whole won me over gradually and profoundly. Each listen has unearthed more layers, more emotion, more power.
On this seventh studio record, a concept album narrating old Wild West stories following the bold stylistic shift of “The Majesty of Decay”, JUDICATOR have reached the apex of their creative self-expression. They now possess a fully formed identity, fusing the grandiosity of power metal with the nuance and unpredictability of prog in a way that feels entirely their own. They sound confident, fully realized, and wholly committed to their craft. “Concord” is one of their most complete, sophisticated, and emotionally affecting work to date.
Yes, I truly believe this is one of their best albums so far. It didn’t win me over instantly—and that’s precisely what makes it so special. “Concord” is a grower and a keeper. It’s sure to land high on my album-of-the-year list.
Let’s go now on a track-by-track tour.
“Call Us Out of Slumber” makes for an impressive beginning, with a sweet, soft introduction that soon unfolds into a powerful song containing all the elements of JUDICATOR’s style—pluralism but also straightforwardness, pounding yet lyrical. A rousing opener that begins with rich choral harmonies, this is a song that sets the tone for the album’s vigor. Musically dense, it features impressive guitar work from Chad Anderson and Dayton Andersen, while Carlos Alvarez’s guest solo adds extra flavor.
Then we dive headfirst into “Sawtooth”—aggressive, and one of the most direct songs on the album. A masterclass in power metal riffing, underpinned by the tight rhythm section—John Dolan on bass and Mike Lofgreen on drums—driving the tempo with machine-like precision. What makes “Sawtooth” stand out is its control. It balances energy and complexity in equal measure.
Next comes “Johannah’s Song”, a gentle, optimistic, yet almost melancholic piece. It’s intimate—fragile, even—but, personally, I find it the album’s weakest track. Something didn’t quite click for me, and although I am fond of AOR material, this didn’t work for me.
But then it’s time for “A Miracle of Life”, a rich and relentless power metal track, and the surprise here is the tenor saxophone courtesy of Candido Abeyta. Instead of feeling out of place, it lends an intense color that makes the song truly vivid. Unquestionably the album’s most adventurous and unexpected turn! The song dips into jazz-laced textures, creating a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
“Weeping Willow” follows—one of my favorite tracks on the album. A mournful, slow-burning piece, beautifully arranged. Francisco Perez’s orchestration shines here, while John Yelland’s vocals are laid bare—achingly expressive. A great job, indeed!
Next up is “Imperial”—and here comes the prog assault! We’re back into full-blown aggression with a technical showcase for the entire band. Complex rhythmic interplay, dynamic tempo changes, and progressive riff architecture make this track a whirlwind. Austin Bentley joins in with additional vocals, and the band’s chemistry is palpable. There’s even a touch of chaos in the arrangement that perfectly fits the theme—yet it’s all tightly controlled. A triumph of a song. I simply LOVED it!
A beautifully delicate piece, “Hold Your Smile” straddles the line between folk and chamber music before acquiring a steady, rhythmic tone. Simple but excellent guitar display, really nice vocal lines, and introspective lyrics make this one of the album’s softest yet most poignant moments. Melodically infectious, it’s among the most accessible tracks on the record.
And then we arrive at the title track and emotional centerpiece of the album. This is JUDICATOR in full flight—narrative depth, vocal power, progressive twists, and a sense of emotional climax. Clocking in at over nine minutes, “Concord” is a majestic journey—blending symphonic grandeur, mid-tempo groove, soaring choruses, and a powerful guest vocal from Niki Rowe. This is the song that brings everything together: emotional intensity, structural ambition, and melodic brilliance. There’s a hymn-like quality to parts of it, as if the band is reaching for something transcendent. By the time the song closes, it feels like we’ve gone through a personal and spiritual trial. The band seems completely at ease in their skin here. And yes, THIS might be the best song they’ve ever written.
Closing the album on a darker, more enigmatic note, “Blood Meridian” is a sprawling, cinematic piece full of unsettling and compelling textures. There’s banjo from Chad Anderson, ambient sounds, and a sense of psychological unease. Nola Martin’s fiddle adds a haunting quality that lingers long after the final notes fade. You don’t leave this track unscathed—it doesn’t wrap things up so much as dissolve them into mystery.
With “Concord”, JUDICATOR once again demonstrate what modern power metal can be. It’s no longer just about galloping rhythms or anthemic choruses—though they still deliver those brilliantly. Instead, they’ve crafted an album that feels personal, theatrical, cinematic, and emotionally complex.
The new lineup seems to have injected fresh chemistry and confidence into the band, while their tireless mastermind John Yelland remains a compelling frontman—here, more introspective, expressive, and emotionally raw than ever before.
In the end, “Concord” feels like the culmination of everything JUDICATOR have been building toward—not just musically, but emotionally. It’s brave, layered, and uncompromising. A perfect blend of the cerebral and the heartfelt—an album that rewards patience, and one that I will be revisiting for years to come.
“Concord” was released independently on March 28th on CD.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can order the CD here.
