Information
THIS IS A PRE-ORDER! We expect this in stock November 2026.
You must place a separate order for all pre-orders if you do not want your in-stock items held up. All items ordered together will ship together when the last item arrives.
Atkins May Project – original Judas Priest vocalist Al Atkins and guitar virtuoso Paul May. Although this British duo have worked together for decades, this incarnation was formed in 2010 and has released 4 albums, with “The Final Cut” being the most recent.
The Atkins May Project delivers traditional heavy metal, very melodic and with solid groove and topped off by scorching guitar work. May is without doubt an accomplished metal guitarist, with his thundering big riffs and explosive solos, yet he also displays an abundance of imagination and feel in his compositions. They hit hard but carry dynamics and variety to keep you engaged. And Atkins’ unique, commanding vocals – aggressive and leathery – are their own rumbling instrument. His voice meshes with May’s guitar work so well that it almost seems like the songs were written to compliment his vocals. The lyrics, penned by May and reflecting his Christian faith, talk of life’s struggles with a message of hope.
It is no wonder that two such accomplished veterans can pull off the classic British metal sound with such authority. May shreds like the guitar masters of yesteryear and Atkins’ vocals are as gutsy as ever. From the relentless opener “The Final Cut” onward, this duo captures the raw energy that you would expect from such metal pedigree. And the production is perfect for this release, with its modernised old-school vibe.
Originally released in 2020, Soundmass is pleased to re-issue “The Final Cut” in 2026, along with its predecessor “Empire Of Destruction”. It features the incredible cover artwork of world-renowned fantasy illustrator Rodney Matthews, as well as a previously unreleased (hidden) bonus track titled “Out Of Control” from the same recording session.
Recommended for fans of Judas Priest, Saint, Saxon, Thin Lizzy, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, etc. – full-blooded, traditional heavy metal!
TRACK LISTING:
The Final Cut
When The Bell Tolls
The War In-Between
Treading Water
Buried Alive
Fighting Man
Dead Mens Bones
Stranger In A Strange Land
The Cold Wind Blows
Masquerade
The Final Cut (Full Version)
Bonus Track
Out Of Control
Comments