Judas is an album that came literally from nowhere and gained a totally fair and worthy place in my CD player. It's one of these albums that you have no idea what to expect from, but they prove to be a very pleasant surprise and make you feel very lucky to be owning them.
Things are really simple over here, as we don't have to do with something perplexed and overwhelmingly progressive and technical. Pure Heavy/Power Metal, mainly based on the heritage of the 80's, but in any case not retro.
Classic sound supported by a modern, clear production, a very gifted voice and an amazing guitar player. The selling point could be the presence of Hellhammer behind the drum kit, but in my opinion he just complements the set. Just listen to Michael Eriksen's enchanting and powerful voice, the delicate sound of Tore Moren's guitar and surprise yourself by putting in the fridge a legend like HH.
The band sounds similar to Jacob's Dream, Dream Evil, Hammerfall and other traditional Metal bands (as far the sound is concerned) and they will be for sure appreciated by those hailing all the legends of the past like Judas Priest, Dio, etc.
Personally, I consider the artwork to be rather nonmatching with the release's aesthetic, but that's only a detail and a matter of taste too 'cause music is made by instruments and vocals, and not by covers. Inside Judas lurks a treasure of art, a very good album that offers moments of joy and satisfaction.
It's not the album that will change the standards of music, not even a classic one. But, it's a top class and most important is the fact that these guys seem able to progress up to a tremendous point and stun us all. An impressive beginning and all our hopes go to a better sequel.
P.S. Ronni Le Tekroe (TNT) and Nils K.Rue (Pagan's Mind) take part in the album, not bad uh?