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Judas Priest Announces Final Album as a Farewell Tribute to Their Legendary Heavy Metal Legacy: “One Last Groove”
Release Date Revealed as Fans Prepare for an Emotional Goodbye

In a monumental announcement that marks the end of an era, Judas Priest has officially confirmed the release of their final studio album, titled “One Last Groove.” Serving as both a farewell and a powerful tribute to their nearly five-decade reign over the heavy metal world, the album is set to be released on October 10, 2025—a date now circled on the calendars of millions of metalheads around the world.

This emotionally charged revelation was made during a live-streamed press conference held at the legendary Hammersmith Apollo in London. Frontman Rob Halford, clad in his signature leather and studs, stood alongside guitarist Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis as they addressed fans and media with heartfelt emotion and thunderous pride.

“A Love Letter to the Fans”

“We wanted to give our fans a final gift—a love letter written in riffs, screams, and soul,” Halford stated. “One Last Groove isn’t just an album. It’s the summation of our legacy, the full-circle moment. It’s our goodbye, but it’s also a celebration of everything Judas Priest has stood for since day one.”

The album reportedly features 12 brand-new tracks, each one echoing the power, fury, and elegance that have become Judas Priest’s trademarks. According to Halford, the band has drawn on its deepest roots—channeling the darkness of Sad Wings of Destiny, the intensity of Painkiller, and the epic scale of Firepower—while also exploring fresh lyrical territory.

“Lyrically, we reflect on our journey. There are songs that roar, and there are moments that make you tear up,” said Faulkner, who contributed to the writing and production. “But don’t worry—this isn’t a soft goodbye. This record rips.”

Full Tracklist Teased

While not all titles have been disclosed, insiders confirm that the album will include songs such as:

  • One Last Groove (title track)
  • Riders of the Stormforge
  • Screaming Through Time
  • Metalheart Legacy
  • Ashes of the Priest
  • Hellfire Redemption
  • Fade into Thunder

The band has promised that longtime fans will hear callbacks to classic riffs and iconic themes, with nods to “Breaking the Law,” “Electric Eye,” and “The Sentinel.”

Guest Collaborations and Epic Production

As a final bow, Judas Priest is pulling out all the stops. The album features guest appearances by several heavy metal giants and longtime friends of the band. Among the rumored contributors are:

  • Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) – on a doomy guest solo for “Ashes of the Priest”
  • Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society) – with a blistering harmony duel on “Hellfire Redemption”
  • Alice Cooper – lending vocals to a theatrical duet with Halford on “Metalheart Legacy”

Produced by Andy Sneap—who has toured as the band’s second guitarist—the record blends analog warmth with modern clarity, delivering a sound Halford described as “cathedral-sized metal for the end of days.”

A Global Goodbye Tour

In addition to the album, Judas Priest also announced a global farewell tour to accompany One Last Groove. The tour will begin in Birmingham, England—the band’s hometown—on November 1, 2025, and is expected to span across five continents through 2026.

The tour will feature a rotating lineup of opening acts from the new wave of heavy metal artists, as well as surprise appearances by legendary bands. Fans can expect to hear the new album in its entirety, alongside a career-spanning setlist that includes Priest’s greatest anthems.

“We’ll give you everything we’ve got, one last time,” Halford promised, eyes shimmering.

Fans React Worldwide

The announcement has sent shockwaves across the metal community. Hashtags like OneLastGroove and FarewellPriest exploded across social media within hours. Fellow musicians, including Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, James Hetfield of Metallica, and Ozzy Osbourne, posted tributes thanking Judas Priest for their unparalleled influence on the genre.

Ozzy wrote: “Judas Priest carried the flame when no one else would. One last groove? Make it the loudest one yet. Love ya, Halford.”

Longtime fanclubs have already launched tribute campaigns, with many fans planning international trips to witness their final concerts. Ticket demand has soared to record levels.

A Legacy Written in Steel

Since their formation in 1969, Judas Priest has become one of the most influential and enduring bands in heavy metal history. With over 50 million albums sold worldwide, countless arena tours, and a 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, their legacy is undeniable.

From the twin-guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing to Halford’s operatic screams and leather-clad stage dominance, Priest shaped the aesthetics, sound, and spirit of heavy metal.

Though One Last Groove marks the official end of their studio journey, the band hinted at potential archival releases, unreleased demos, and deluxe editions to come. But as far as new music goes, this is the final chapter.

As Halford declared with a mix of finality and reverence:“The Priest is immortal in your speakers, your headphones, your memories. But now, it’s time to ride into the metal sunset… one last time.”

Album DetailsTitle:One Last GrooveRelease Date: October 10, 2025Label: Columbia/Sony MusicFormats: CD, Vinyl, Digital, Deluxe Box Set (with signed artwork, behind-the-scenes DVD, and exclusive patches)Tour Starts: November 1, 2025, Birmingham Arena

Raise your horns. The Metal Gods are making their final stand—and it will be glorious.