On this day, January 4, 1984, Judas Priest released their ninth studio album, Defenders of the Faith. Building on the success of Screaming for Vengeance, this album cemented the band’s status as one of the premier heavy metal acts of the 1980s.
The album peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S. and reached #2 in Sweden, showcasing its international appeal. Packed with classic tracks like Freewheel Burning, Some Heads Are Gonna Roll, and The Sentinel, the album is a relentless display of power, speed, and melody. Rob Halford’s commanding vocals and the twin-guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing defined the album’s sound.
Fun Fact: The album’s cover art features the iconic “Metallian,” a tank-like beast that became one of Judas Priest’s most recognizable mascots. It was designed by Doug Johnson, who also created the cover for Screaming for Vengeance.
What’s your favorite track from Defenders of the Faith? How do you think it stacks up against other Judas Priest albums?
The album peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S. and reached #2 in Sweden, showcasing its international appeal. Packed with classic tracks like Freewheel Burning, Some Heads Are Gonna Roll, and The Sentinel, the album is a relentless display of power, speed, and melody. Rob Halford’s commanding vocals and the twin-guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing defined the album’s sound.
Fun Fact: The album’s cover art features the iconic “Metallian,” a tank-like beast that became one of Judas Priest’s most recognizable mascots. It was designed by Doug Johnson, who also created the cover for Screaming for Vengeance.
What’s your favorite track from Defenders of the Faith? How do you think it stacks up against other Judas Priest albums?