Judas Priest is a British heavy metal band that formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969. The band is known for their powerful and influential contributions to the heavy metal genre. Judas Priest is often cited as one of the pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement.
Judas Priest gained popularity in the 1970s with albums like “Sad Wings of Destiny” (1976) and “Sin After Sin” (1977), but they achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with iconic albums like “British Steel” (1980), “Screaming for Vengeance” (1982), and “Defenders of the Faith” (1984).
Some of their most well-known songs include “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” and “Painkiller.” Judas Priest is recognized for their powerful and distinctive sound, featuring the twin guitar attack of Downing and Tipton, Halford’s operatic vocals, and a catalog of memorable heavy metal anthems.
The band has gone through various lineup changes over the years, with Rob Halford leaving in the early 1990s but returning later. Despite changes, Judas Priest has remained a significant force in the metal genre, continuing to release new music and tour. Their influence on the development of heavy metal music is widely acknowledged.
1. Painkiller
“Painkiller” is the twelfth studio album by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest. The album was released in 1990 and is considered one of Judas Priest’s most iconic and heaviest works.
The album is known for its aggressive and intense musical style, marked by powerful guitar riffs, dual guitar harmonies, and Rob Halford’s soaring vocals. “Painkiller” is often cited as a return to a heavier sound for Judas Priest after a period of experimentation with a more radio-friendly sound in the late 1980s.
The title track, “Painkiller,” is one of the standout songs from the album. It opens with a double-bass drum pattern played by Scott Travis, setting the tone for the high-energy, fast-paced song. The album also features other notable tracks like “Hell Patrol,” “All Guns Blazing,” and “A Touch of Evil.”
“Painkiller” received critical acclaim for its powerful and aggressive sound and is considered a classic in the heavy metal genre. The album helped solidify Judas Priest’s status as one of the pioneering bands in heavy metal, and it remains a fan favorite.
2. Breaking the Law
“Breaking the Law” is one of the most well-known songs by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was released as a single from their album “British Steel,” which came out in 1980.
The song is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, memorable lyrics, and Rob Halford’s distinctive vocal delivery. “Breaking the Law” became a significant hit for Judas Priest and is considered one of their signature tracks. The lyrics describe a person who, due to desperation and difficult circumstances, resorts to breaking the law.
The chorus, featuring the repeated line “Breaking the law, breaking the law,” has become iconic in the realm of heavy metal. The song’s rebellious and anthemic nature has made it a favorite among fans, and it has been featured in various films, television shows, and video games.
“Breaking the Law” is not only a standout track on the “British Steel” album but also a timeless classic that has contributed to Judas Priest’s enduring influence on the heavy metal genre.
3. Hell Bent for Leather
“Hell Bent for Leather” is a phrase that has been used in various contexts, including as a title for a song and album by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest. The album was released in 1978, and the title track is known for its energetic and driving rhythm.
The phrase “Hell Bent for Leather” itself conveys a sense of determination, readiness for action, or a reckless pursuit of a goal. The use of “bent” in this context means determined or fixed on a particular course of action, and “leather” suggests toughness or a rugged attitude.
It’s worth noting that the phrase has been used in various ways in literature, music, and popular culture, and its meaning can depend on the context in which it’s used. In the case of Judas Priest’s song, it’s often associated with the rebellious and defiant spirit of heavy metal music.
4. Electric Eye
“Electric Eye” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, featured on their 1982 album “Screaming for Vengeance.” Known for its powerful riffs and iconic lyrics, the song has become one of Judas Priest’s most recognized and celebrated tracks.
The lyrics of “Electric Eye” touch on themes of surveillance, technology, and the invasion of privacy. The “Electric Eye” itself is depicted as an all-seeing, all-knowing entity, reflecting concerns about the increasing prevalence of surveillance and the potential abuse of power.
The song opens with a distinctive guitar riff played by Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, setting the tone for the energetic and intense atmosphere that follows. Rob Halford’s powerful vocals contribute to the song’s anthemic quality, making it a fan favorite and a staple in Judas Priest’s live performances.
“Electric Eye” has been praised for its impactful and memorable instrumentation, as well as its relevant and thought-provoking lyrics. It showcases Judas Priest’s ability to combine heavy metal intensity with social commentary, making it a standout track in their extensive discography.
5. Living After Midnight
“Living After Midnight” is another popular song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was released as a single from their album “British Steel,” which came out in 1980. The song is characterized by its catchy melody, energetic tempo, and Rob Halford’s powerful vocals.
“Living After Midnight” is often celebrated for its anthemic chorus and straightforward rock feel. The lyrics celebrate the excitement and energy of staying up and enjoying the nightlife into the early morning hours. The chorus features the memorable line “Living after midnight, rockin’ to the dawn.”
The song became one of Judas Priest’s most successful and enduring tracks, reaching a wide audience and contributing to the band’s commercial success. “Living After Midnight” is frequently played on classic rock and heavy metal radio stations, and it remains a fan favorite, showcasing the band’s ability to create memorable and accessible heavy metal anthems.
6. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” is a classic heavy metal song by the British band Judas Priest. It was released in 1982 as a single and is part of their eighth studio album, “Screaming for Vengeance.”
The song is characterized by its powerful and driving guitar riffs, courtesy of guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, and the soaring vocals of lead singer Rob Halford. The lyrics convey a message of confidence and defiance, with themes of self-empowerment and resilience. The iconic chorus, featuring the line “You’ve got another thing comin’,” has become a rallying cry for fans of the band.
“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” is one of Judas Priest’s most successful and enduring songs. It received significant radio airplay and became a staple of the band’s live performances. The track’s combination of catchy melodies, memorable lyrics, and powerful instrumentation contributed to its popularity and solidified its place as a classic in the heavy metal genre.
The song’s success helped “Screaming for Vengeance” become one of Judas Priest’s best-selling albums, and it remains a fan favorite, showcasing the band’s ability to deliver high-energy, anthemic metal.
7. Turbo Lover
“Turbo Lover” is a song by Judas Priest, released as a single and included on their tenth studio album, “Turbo,” which was released in 1986.
“Turbo Lover” is notable for its incorporation of synthesizers and a more polished, radio-friendly sound compared to some of Judas Priest’s earlier, heavier work. The album “Turbo” as a whole marked a departure from the band’s traditional heavy metal sound and embraced a more glam metal and hard rock approach.
The lyrics of “Turbo Lover” are known for their suggestive and metaphorical language, often associated with themes of love and desire. The chorus features the catchy refrain “Turbo Lover, tell me there’s no other.”
While the “Turbo” album received mixed reviews at the time of its release due to its departure from the band’s traditional style, “Turbo Lover” became a hit and is still well-regarded by fans. The song showcases Judas Priest’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining their signature sound.
8. The Hellion/Electric Eye
“The Hellion/Electric Eye” is a dynamic and iconic duo of instrumental and vocal tracks by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It is featured on their 1982 album “Screaming for Vengeance.”
“The Hellion” serves as an instrumental introduction, featuring a powerful and electrifying guitar riff played by K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton. It sets the stage for the intensity and energy that follows in “Electric Eye.” The combination of “The Hellion” and “Electric Eye” has become inseparable in live performances and in the minds of Judas Priest fans.
“Electric Eye” follows “The Hellion” with its powerful lyrics, sung by Rob Halford. The song explores themes of surveillance, technology, and the invasion of privacy, with the “Electric Eye” symbolizing an all-seeing, all-knowing entity. Musically, it is characterized by its catchy chorus, driving guitar riffs, and Halford’s soaring vocals.
The pairing of “The Hellion” and “Electric Eye” is a highlight of “Screaming for Vengeance” and showcases Judas Priest’s ability to create a dramatic and memorable musical experience. The two tracks are often played consecutively in concerts, contributing to the overall impact and energy of the performance.
9. Metal Gods
“Metal Gods” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, featured on their 1980 album “British Steel.” This album is often considered a landmark release in the heavy metal genre and played a crucial role in defining the sound of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM).
“Metal Gods” is known for its driving guitar riffs, powerful vocals by Rob Halford, and the anthemic quality that characterizes much of Judas Priest’s music. The song’s lyrics, written by Judas Priest’s longtime lyricist Rob Halford, touch on themes of futuristic dystopia and the rise of machines, with the “Metal Gods” themselves symbolizing the technological takeover.
The album “British Steel,” including “Metal Gods,” marked a shift in Judas Priest’s sound, embracing a more straightforward and accessible approach while maintaining their heavy metal roots. The song, along with other tracks from the album, played a significant role in broadening the band’s audience and influencing the direction of heavy metal in the 1980s.
“Metal Gods” has remained a fan favorite and a staple in Judas Priest’s live performances. Its impact on the metal genre is substantial, contributing to the band’s enduring legacy as pioneers of heavy metal.
10. Victim of Changes
“Victim of Changes” is a song by Judas Priest, featured on their second studio album, “Sad Wings of Destiny,” released in 1976.
“Victim of Changes” is a significant and influential track that showcases Judas Priest’s early approach to heavy metal. The song is actually a combination of two separate tracks: “Whiskey Woman,” written by original singer Al Atkins, and “Red Light Lady,” co-written by Halford, Downing, and bassist Ian Hill.
The song is known for its dynamic structure, featuring both heavy and melodic sections, and Rob Halford’s powerful and versatile vocal performance. “Victim of Changes” has been praised for its intensity and is often considered one of the band’s masterpieces.
The lyrics address themes of heartbreak, despair, and the emotional toll of a failed relationship. The song has become a fan favorite and a staple in Judas Priest’s live performances. “Victim of Changes” is not only a standout track on “Sad Wings of Destiny” but also a classic in the heavy metal genre.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
