Judas Priest is a British heavy metal band that formed in Birmingham, England in 1969. The band is known for their leather and studs image, as well as their powerful and melodic sound that helped to define the heavy metal genre in the 1970s and 80s.
With a string of classic albums including “Sad Wings of Destiny,” “British Steel,” and “Screaming for Vengeance,” Judas Priest has become one of the most influential metal bands of all time. The band’s signature twin-guitar sound and Rob Halford’s soaring vocals set the standard for heavy metal vocalists, while their innovative use of synthesizers and electronic elements helped to expand the sound of the genre.
Judas Priest’s impact on heavy metal cannot be overstated. Their influence can be heard in countless metal bands that have come after them, and their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike. The band has sold over 50 million albums worldwide, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Judas Priest remains a force to be reckoned with, with their high-energy live performances and commitment to the metal genre inspiring legions of fans around the world. Their enduring legacy as one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time is a testament to their talent and dedication to the art form.
1. ‘Victim of Changes’
“Victim of Changes” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released in 1976 as part of their album “Sad Wings of Destiny”. The song features a combination of heavy guitar riffs, thundering drums, and Rob Halford’s soaring vocals that have become synonymous with the band’s sound. The lyrics describe a narrator who is struggling with the aftermath of a failed relationship and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. “Victim of Changes” is considered a classic of the heavy metal genre and has become a staple of Judas Priest’s live performances. It showcases the band’s technical skills and their ability to create powerful and emotive music.
2. ‘Evening Star’
“Evening Star” is a haunting and atmospheric song by Judas Priest, known for its eerie guitar and haunting vocals. The song features lead vocalist Rob Halford’s signature soaring vocals, backed by atmospheric keyboards and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics speak to the idea of longing and loss, with Halford singing, “So many miles across the sea / So many faces that will never be / Forgotten cities on the moon / All our hopes will be there soon.” The song’s haunting melody and atmospheric soundscapes have made it a fan favorite and a testament to Judas Priest’s talents as a heavy metal band. “Evening Star” is a timeless example of atmospheric and emotionally charged metal music.
3. ‘Exciter’
“Exciter” is a classic heavy metal song by Judas Priest, released in 1978 on their album “Stained Class.” The song’s fast-paced, driving rhythm and powerful vocals create a sense of urgency and excitement, with the band showcasing their signature twin-guitar sound and Rob Halford’s soaring vocals. The song’s intense energy and memorable chorus make it a fan favorite and a testament to Judas Priest’s ability to create music that is both musically complex and highly accessible. “Exciter” remains a beloved classic of the heavy metal genre, and a reminder of Judas Priest’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest and most influential metal bands of all time.
4. ‘Painkiller’
“Painkiller” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released in 1990 as part of their album of the same name. The song features blistering guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and Rob Halford’s trademark high-pitched vocals, creating a sonic assault that captures the essence of the heavy metal genre. The lyrics describe a mysterious figure known as the Painkiller, who seeks to rid the world of evil and injustice. “Painkiller” is considered one of Judas Priest’s most iconic songs and has become a fan favorite and a staple of their live shows. It showcases the band’s ability to create powerful and dynamic music that has stood the test of time.
5. ‘The Hellion’ / ‘Electric Eye’
“The Hellion” / “Electric Eye” is a powerful and iconic song by Judas Priest, known for its thundering drums, blazing guitar riffs, and high-pitched vocals. The song begins with the ominous sound of a rumbling engine before launching into an electrifying guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics speak to the idea of surveillance and paranoia, with vocalist Rob Halford singing, “Up here in space, I’m looking down on you / My lasers trace everything you do / You think you’ve private lives, think nothing of the kind.” The song’s driving rhythm, blistering guitar solos, and Halford’s powerful vocals have made it a fan favorite and a hallmark of Judas Priest’s legendary career in heavy metal. “The Hellion” / “Electric Eye” is a timeless example of powerful and thrilling metal music.
6. ‘Heading Out to the Highway’
“Heading Out to the Highway” is a classic heavy metal song by Judas Priest, released in 1981 on their album “Point of Entry.” The song’s driving rhythm and catchy melody create a sense of adventure and escape, with Rob Halford’s powerful vocals perfectly capturing the song’s themes of hitting the open road and leaving one’s troubles behind. The song’s memorable chorus and guitar work make it a fan favorite and a testament to Judas Priest’s ability to create music that is both musically sophisticated and highly accessible. “Heading Out to the Highway” remains a beloved classic of the heavy metal genre, and a reminder of Judas Priest’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest and most influential metal bands of all time.
7. ‘Delivering the Goods’
“Delivering the Goods” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released in 1979 as part of their album “Killing Machine” (released as “Hell Bent for Leather” in the US). The song features a driving rhythm, heavy guitar riffs, and Rob Halford’s powerful vocals, creating a classic example of the band’s signature sound. The lyrics describe a group of rockers who are on a mission to deliver the goods and give their fans the ultimate concert experience. “Delivering the Goods” is considered one of Judas Priest’s most iconic songs and a fan favorite, showcasing the band’s ability to create high-energy and powerful music.
8. ‘Breaking the Law’
“Breaking the Law” is one of the most recognizable songs by Judas Priest, and an anthem of rebellion and nonconformity. The song features a catchy, driving guitar riff and powerful, soaring vocals by Rob Halford. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been pushed to the brink and decides to break the law, shouting, “Breaking the law, breaking the law / So much for the golden future, I can’t even start.” The song’s hard-hitting, anthemic sound and defiant lyrics have made it a classic of the heavy metal genre and a fan favorite for decades.
9. ‘Living After Midnight’
“Living After Midnight” is a classic heavy metal anthem by Judas Priest, released in 1980 on their album “British Steel.” The song’s catchy chorus and driving rhythm create a sense of rebellion and energy, with Rob Halford’s distinctive vocals perfectly capturing the song’s themes of living life to the fullest and defying convention. The song’s memorable guitar riff and infectious melody make it a fan favorite and a testament to Judas Priest’s ability to create music that is both musically complex and highly accessible. “Living After Midnight” remains a beloved classic of the heavy metal genre, and a reminder of Judas Priest’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest and most influential metal bands of all time.
10. ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Coming’
“You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” is a classic heavy metal song by Judas Priest, released in 1982 on their album “Screaming for Vengeance.” The song’s driving rhythm, powerful vocals, and memorable guitar riff create a sense of determination and defiance, with Rob Halford’s distinctive voice perfectly capturing the song’s themes of standing up for oneself and never backing down. The song’s catchy chorus and dynamic instrumentation make it a fan favorite and a testament to Judas Priest’s ability to create music that is both musically complex and highly accessible. “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” remains a beloved classic of the heavy metal genre, and a reminder of Judas Priest’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest and most influential metal bands of all time.
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.
