Best Judas Priest Albums

The legendary Judas Priest have been releasing albums since the '70s and have put out some great ones over the years. Narrowing down five decades worth of releases into their best five was a daunting task. Here are our choices for Priest's best albums.

1. British Steel (1980)

It's hard to believe it was over 30 years ago that this classic album came out. British Steel is Priest at their finest, containing smashes like "Breaking The Law" and "Living After Midnight."

It saw the band leaving more experimental music behind and going for the arena rock anthems that Halford sings so well. There's not a bad song on this album.Buy from Amazon »

2. Hell Bent For Leather (1979)

There weren't any big singles from this album, but it is one of their more intense efforts. Halford's vocals sound great and there are some gothic and progressive influences to their sound.

Hell Bent For Leather saw the introduction of Halford's trademark leather-clad look. They also do a great cover version of Fleetwood Mac's "Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown)."More »

3. Screaming For Vengeance (1982)

The best known song from Screaming For Vengeance is "You've Got Another Thing Comin'," but there are several other great songs including the title track, "Electric Eye" and "Bloodstone."

Halford sounds great as usual, and Screaming For Vengeance is one of their most well-rounded albums, and one many consider their best.Buy from Amazon »

4. Defenders Of The Faith (1984)

This is the first Judas Priest album that I can remember listening to when it was still current. The most memorable song from Defenders Of The Faith is "Love Bites." "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll" also got some radio and video play.

Defenders Of The Faith is an album packed with anthems and a power ballad or two. The guitar work of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton is always great, but they really shine on this album.More »

5. Painkiller (1990)

After ending the eighties with a couple of less than well received albums (1986's Turbo and 1988's Ram It Down), Judas Priest started the '90s on a high note. Painkiller would be the last Rob Halford Priest album for more than a decade, and the metal god gave a great vocal performance on this release.

New drummer Scott Travis gave Priest a shot of energy, and that combined with the usual stellar guitar work from Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing made this the band's best album in years.Buy from Amazon »