*Written by Jessica Karlsson
October 23rd, 2025 – Isleta Amphitheater
A cool autumn breeze swept through the Isleta Amphitheater as two metal titans prepared to ignite the night. Judas Priest and Alice Cooper brought their powerhouse Co-Headlining show to Albuquerque, New Mexico, promising a spectacle and delivering in full—roaring guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and a crowd that remained loud and engaged from start to finish.
Corrosion of Conformity kicked off the evening with a short but powerful set that embodied the grit of Southern Metal. “King of Rotten” and “Seven Days” set the tone early, letting the crowd know they were in for a loud and heavy evening, while “Albatross” and “Clean My Wounds” drew the biggest cheers from the excited audience. It was a rugged and confident set that had every single person in the audience locked in. By the end of their set, they had fully warmed up the audience for what was ahead while proving that C.O.C. still hit just as hard today as they did in their prime.
Judas Priest took the stage next, wasting no time proving why they remain one of the most important, enduring, and respected bands in heavy metal. The stage went dark and a familiar sound began to echo—Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” As the classic track blasted over the speakers, thousands of voices rose to meet it. It’s a tradition at every Judas Priest show, a communal moment that bridges generations of metal fans. Moments later, the band then launched straight into “All Guns Blazing,” immediately setting a blistering pace. Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner, Ian Hill, Scott Travis, and Andy Sneap emerged in full leather, and the crowd went wild.
The first half of the set was relentless; a display of energy, precision, and firepower. “Hell Patrol” and “Freewheel Burning” showcased the band’s speed and ferocity, while classics like “Breaking the Law” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” had the crowd screaming every lyric. Halford prowled the stage with the same charisma he’s carried for decades; his performance was nothing short of fierce and effortless. Richie Faulkner deserves a special mention. Despite his health hardships in recent years, he remains one of the most powerful and precise guitar players in the world. Faulkner played with remarkable energy, delivering fiery solos and an energy that was unmatched. He clearly hasn’t lost a beat, and his resilience always adds another layer of excitement and inspiration to every Judas Priest show to date. It is clear why many consider him a modern-day metal god in his own right. His passion, skill, and charisma make him one of the standout reasons to see this band perform live. He’s made of metal and his circuits gleam, after all.
During “Giants In The Sky”, the massive screens behind the band began to display portraits of metal legends who have passed. When Ozzy Osbourne’s image appeared, the crowd fell silent for a beat before erupting into overwhelming cheers and applause. It was a moment of reverence for the man who helped shape heavy metal into what it is now. A bittersweet moment, but the crowd was pleased. This beautiful tribute transitioned the audience seamlessly right back into action, up next came “Painkiller”, “Hell Bent For Leather”, and “Living After Midnight” to end Judas Priest’s portion of the evening on a high note and turning the entire amphitheater into a celebration of metal. Halford’s motorcycle roared across the stage, fans sang, cheered, and fist pumped along to every song. A triumphant conclusion to an hour and 15 minute show that felt way shorter than that. Judas Priest took their bows and thanked the crowd as the fans yelled for more; a fitting conclusion to a night of high energy, emotion, and power with the Metal Gods themselves.
Alice Cooper closed the night with his signature mix of dark theatrics and hard-hitting rock. Even before the music began, the excitement was palpable. Fans of all ages were decked out in classic Alice Cooper makeup and leather, and one young fan in particular, dressed head-to-toe as Alice himself. The energy in the amphitheater surged as fans eagerly anticipated the legendary frontman’s arrival. Backed by a tight and high energy band, the music was every bit as precise as it was dramatic and attention grabbing. From the moment he appeared on the stage, it was clear the crowd was in for an unforgettable finale.
Cooper’s show was packed with his trademark theatrical moments including props and dramatic visual effects, but the music remained the centerpiece. Crowd favorites like “I’m Eighteen” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy” had the audience singing along loudly, while “Poison” and “Feed My Frankenstein” showcased the band’s energy. Even slower, moodier moments like “Only Women Bleed” added a touch of emotion before plunging the audience back into full-on rock chaos. By the time “School’s Out” closed the night, the amphitheater was fully alive. Fans cheered, clapped, and sang along. Cooper and his band took their bows, leaving the crowd buzzing and fully satisfied after a night of legendary music and theatrical spectacle. The Albuquerque show was a night to remember, with Corrosion of Conformity laying the groundwork, Judas Priest delivering the goods, and Alice Cooper closing with theatrical flair. The crowd left buzzing, cheering, and fully aware of the fact that these rock and metal legends are still at the top of their game.
