The List of Judas Priest Albums in Order of Release Date

All Judas Priest Albums Available on: Apple Music 

Also See: Iron Maiden Albums in Order

How many albums does Judas Priest have?

Judas Priest have released Nineteen (19) studio albums, six live albums, seven compilation albums, 29 singles, 10 video albums, and 21 music videos.

The List of  Judas Priest Albums in Order of Release Date

Here is the list of Judas Priest Album in Order of Release Date

1. Rocka Rolla — 6 September 1974
2. Sad Wings of Destiny — 23 March 1976
3. Sin After Sin — 8 April 1977
4. Stained Class — 10 February 1978
5. Killing Machine — 9 October 1978
6. British Steel — 11 April 1980
7. Point of Entry — 27 February 1981
8. Screaming for Vengeance — July 1982
9. Defenders of the Faith — 13 January 1984
10. Turbo — 21 March 1986
11. Ram It Down — 13 May 1988
12. Painkiller — 14 September 1990
13. Jugulator — 28 October 1997
14. Demolition — 31 July 2001
15. Angel of Retribution — 28 February 2005
16. Nostradamus — 17 June 2008
17. Redeemer of Souls — 15 July 2014
18. Firepower — 9 March 2018
19. Invincible Shield — 8 March 2024

All Judas Priest Albums List in Order

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1. Rocka Rolla (1974)

Tracks

1. One for the Road
2. Rocka Rolla
3. Winter
4. Deep Freeze
5. Winter Retreat
6. Cheater
7. Never Satisfied
8. Run of the Mill
9. Dying to Meet You/Hero, Hero
10. Caviar and Meths

Judas Priest’s debut album Rocka Rolla, released on September 6, 1974, marked the beginning of the band’s journey into heavy metal history. Produced by Rodger Bain—known for his work with Black Sabbath—the album had a blues and progressive rock flair, distinct from Judas Priest’s later signature style. Recorded live in the studio, it featured drummer John Hinch in his only appearance with the band. Though plagued by technical issues and limited commercial success, the album hinted at future greatness, especially with tracks like “Run of the Mill.” Rocka Rolla was later reissued and is set for a 50th-anniversary edition in 2024.

 

2. Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)

Tracks

1. Victim of Changes
2. The Ripper
3. Dreamer Deceiver
4. Deceiver
5. Prelude
6. Tyrant
7. Genocide
8. Epitaph
9. Island of Domination

Sad Wings of Destiny is Judas Priest’s seminal second studio album, released on March 26, 1976, by Gull Records. Widely recognized as the band’s creative breakthrough, the album established their signature heavy metal sound, blending operatic vocals, intricate guitar riffs, and dynamic songwriting. Tracks like “Victim of Changes” and “The Ripper” became live staples, showcasing Rob Halford’s vocal range and the twin-guitar prowess of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing. Despite poor initial sales and a modest production budget, Sad Wings of Destiny became a cornerstone of the genre, influencing future heavy metal acts and earning its place as one of Judas Priest’s most iconic and enduring works.

 

3. Sin After Sin (1977)

Tracks

1. Sinner
2. Diamonds and Rust
3. Starbreaker
4. Last Rose of Summer
5. Let Us Pray/Call for the Priest
6. Raw Deal
7. Here Come the Tears
8. Dissident Aggressor

Sin After Sin marked Judas Priest’s major-label debut and was released on 8 April 1977 via Columbia Records. Produced by Roger Glover of Deep Purple, it introduced a heavier, more aggressive sound, helped by the precision of session drummer Simon Phillips. Recorded at Ramport Studios in London, the album features standout tracks like “Sinner,” “Dissident Aggressor,” and a metal-infused cover of Joan Baez’s “Diamonds & Rust,” their first song to receive radio play. It also features “Raw Deal,” later viewed as a milestone in LGBTQ+ metal history. Sin After Sin laid the groundwork for the evolution of modern heavy metal. 4o

 

4. Stained Class (1978)

Tracks

1. Exciter
2. White Heat, Red Hot
3. Better by You, Better Than Me
4. Stained Class
5. Invader
6. Saints in Hell
7. Savage
8. Beyond the Realms of Death
9. Heroes End

Judas Priest’s Stained Class, released on February 10, 1978, marks a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution and heavy metal history. It’s the first album to feature drummer Les Binks and debut the now-iconic Judas Priest logo. Musically, the record solidified the band’s aggressive signature sound, shedding earlier progressive and blues elements. Standout tracks like “Exciter” foreshadowed speed metal, while “Beyond the Realms of Death” became a live favorite. Its controversial cover of Spooky Tooth’s “Better by You, Better than Me” later drew legal scrutiny. Though modest at release, Stained Class is now revered as one of metal’s most influential masterpieces.

 

5. Killing Machine (1978)

Tracks

1. Delivering the Goods
2. Rock Forever
3. Evening Star
4. Hell Bent for Leather
5. Take On the World
6. Burnin’ Up
7. The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)
8. Killing Machine
9. Running Wild
10. Before the Dawn
11. Evil Fantasies

Killing Machine, also released as Hell Bent for Leather in the U.S., marked a pivotal shift for Judas Priest, blending their heavy metal roots with a more accessible, commercial sound. Issued by CBS Records in November 1978, and Columbia Records in the U.S. in February 1979, the album showcased a new image and sound aligned with Rob Halford’s leather-inspired aesthetic. Featuring hard-hitting tracks like “Delivering the Goods” and “Hell Bent for Leather,” the record balanced realism with dark themes, and introduced tapping guitar solos from Glenn Tipton. It was also the last studio album with drummer Les Binks.

 

6. British Steel (1980)

Tracks

1. Breaking the Law
2. Rapid Fire
3. Metal Gods
4. Grinder
5. United
6. Living After Midnight
7. You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise
8. The Rage
9. Steeler

British Steel, released on April 11, 1980, marked a pivotal moment for Judas Priest and heavy metal at large. It was the band’s sixth studio album and the first to feature drummer Dave Holland. The record showcased a refined, more accessible sound compared to earlier works, featuring iconic tracks like “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” and “Metal Gods.” Recorded at Ringo Starr’s Tittenhurst Park estate, the album included innovative sound effects using household items. British Steel earned critical acclaim, became a commercial success, and was later hailed as a cornerstone of the genre, influencing future metal acts including Metallica.

 

7. Point of Entry (1981)

Tracks

1. Heading Out to the Highway
2. Don’t Go
3. Hot Rockin
4. Turning Circles
5. Desert Plains
6. Solar Angels
7. You Say Yes
8. All the Way
9. Troubleshooter
10. On the Run

Point of Entry, Judas Priest’s seventh studio album, marked a stylistic shift toward a more accessible, radio-friendly sound following the commercial success of British Steel. Released on February 27, 1981, and recorded at Ibiza Studios, the album features a stronger, live-oriented production. Singles like “Heading Out to the Highway” and “Hot Rockin’” were accompanied by music videos and became live staples. While fan and critical reception was mixed, the album includes standout tracks such as “Desert Plains” and “Solar Angels.” Despite controversy over its artwork and commercial leanings, Point of Entry achieved gold certification in the U.S. and silver in the UK.

 

8. Screaming for Vengeance (1982)

Tracks

1. The Hellion
2. Electric Eye
3. Riding on the Wind
4. Bloodstone
5. (Take These) Chains
6. Pain and Pleasure
7. Screaming for Vengeance
8. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin
9. Fever
10. Devil’s Child

“Screaming for Vengeance” is the iconic eighth studio album by English heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on July 1, 1982. A commercial breakthrough in North America, the album earned double platinum certification in the U.S. and platinum in Canada. It features the massive hit “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” which became one of the band’s most enduring songs. Recorded in Ibiza and mixed in Florida, the album marks a return to a heavier sound, following the more melodic Point of Entry. “Screaming for Vengeance” not only solidified Judas Priest’s place in metal history but also helped establish them as a dominant force in North America, with its powerful tracks like “Electric Eye” and “Riding on the Wind.”

 

9. Defenders of the Faith (1984)

Tracks

1. Freewheel Burning
2. Jawbreaker
3. Rock Hard Ride Free
4. The Sentinel
5. Love Bites
6. Eat Me Alive”
7. Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
8. Night Comes Down
9. Heavy Duty
10. Defenders of the Faith

Defenders of the Faith, released by Judas Priest in January 1984, marked the band’s continued dominance in heavy metal. Recorded in Ibiza and Miami, the album boasts anthemic tracks like “Freewheel Burning,” “Some Heads Are Gonna Roll,” and “Love Bites.” The album’s sound remains in line with Screaming for Vengeance, featuring fast-paced, stadium-ready metal, with occasional progressive flourishes, especially on “The Sentinel.” While it didn’t produce a signature hit like “Breaking the Law,” Defenders of the Faith went platinum and solidified Priest’s global reach. The controversial “Eat Me Alive” was included on the PMRC’s “Filthy Fifteen,” adding to its notoriety.

 

10. Turbo (1986)

Tracks

1. Turbo Lover
2. Locked In
3. Private Property
4. Parental Guidance
5. Rock You All Around the World
6. Out in the Cold
7. Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days
8. Hot for Love
9. Reckless

Turbo is Judas Priest’s tenth studio album, released on April 7, 1986, marking a significant shift in their sound toward commercial glam metal. The album features the band’s first use of synthesizers and diverges from their usual sci-fi and fantasy themes, focusing more on love and romance. Despite initial mixed reviews, Turbo became a commercial success, achieving Gold certification in the US and Platinum by 1989. The album’s success was bolstered by heavy MTV rotation of the music videos for “Turbo Lover” and “Locked In.” A remastered version was released in 2001, followed by a special Turbo 30 edition in 2017 for its 30th anniversary.

 

11. Ram It Down (1988)

Tracks

1. Ram It Down
2. Heavy Metal
3. Love Zone
4. Come and Get It
5. Hard as Iron
6. Blood Red Skies
7. I’m a Rocker
8. Johnny B. Goode
9. Love You to Death
10. Monsters of Rock

Ram It Down is the eleventh studio album by Judas Priest, released on May 13, 1988. Known for its heavy sound, the album marked the band’s final collaboration with drummer Dave Holland and producer Tom Allom. Despite mixed critical reception, Ram It Down achieved commercial success, earning gold certification in the U.S. within two months. It features tracks like “Ram It Down,” “Heavy Metal,” and a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” The album’s production was seen as polished but lacking the band’s usual energy, with many calling it a routine effort. It remains a notable release in their discography.

 

12. Painkiller (1990)

Tracks

1. Painkiller
2. Hell Patrol
3. All Guns Blazing
4. Leather Rebel
5. Metal Meltdown
6. Night Crawler
7. Between the Hammer & the Anvil
8. A Touch of Evil
9. Battle Hymn
10. One Shot at Glory

Painkiller is the twelfth studio album by Judas Priest, released on September 17, 1990. Marking a pivotal moment in the band’s career, it was the first to feature drummer Scott Travis, whose double kick drumming gave the band a heavier, more intense sound. The album blends classic heavy metal with speed metal, featuring iconic tracks like “Painkiller” and “A Touch of Evil.” Produced by the band alongside Chris Tsangarides, the album was well-received for its aggressive style and Rob Halford’s powerful vocals. Painkiller became a commercial success, earning gold certifications in multiple countries and becoming a cornerstone of heavy metal.

 

13. Jugulator (1997)

Tracks

1. Jugulator
2. Blood Stained
3. Dead Meat
4. Death Row
5. Decapitate
6. Burn in Hell”
7. Brain Dead
8. Abductors
9. Bullet Train
10. Cathedral Spires

Jugulator is the thirteenth studio album by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on October 16, 1997, in Japan and October 28, 1997, globally. This album marked a major shift for the band, being their first without iconic frontman Rob Halford and featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens as the new lead vocalist. Jugulator adopted a darker, more thrash metal-inspired sound, with lower guitar tunings and aggressive themes, including the end of the world in “Cathedral Spires” and the tragic perspective of a trapped man in “Brain Dead.” Despite mixed reactions, the album was notable for its bold departure from the band’s traditional style and was later reissued as part of a 50th-anniversary box set in 2021.

 

14. Demolition (2001)

Tracks

1. Machine Man
2. One on One
3. Hell Is Home
4. Jekyll and Hyde
5. Close to You
6. Devil Digger
7. Bloodsuckers
8. In Between
9. Feed on Me
10. Subterfuge
11. Lost and Found
12. Cyberface
13. Metal Messiah

Demolition, released in 2001, is the fourteenth studio album by the iconic heavy metal band Judas Priest. It marked the final collaboration with Tim “Ripper” Owens as lead vocalist. Known for its aggressive sound, the album features tracks like “Machine Man,” “Hell Is Home,” and “Metal Messiah,” which earned it a Parental Advisory label due to explicit content. Produced by guitarist Glenn Tipton, it stands out for its heavier, more modern sound compared to previous works. The album was reissued in 2021 as part of the 50 Heavy Metal Years of Music box set. Despite mixed reviews, Demolition remains a significant part of Priest’s legacy.

 

15. Angel of Retribution (2005)

Tracks

1. Judas Rising
2. Deal with the Devil
3. Revolution
4. Worth Fighting For
5. Demonizer
6. Wheels of Fire
7. Angel
8. Hellrider
9. Eulogy
10. Lochness

Angel of Retribution is the fifteenth studio album by Judas Priest, marking the band’s first collaboration with Rob Halford since Painkiller (1990). Released in 2005, the album debuted at No. 13 on the US Billboard 200, solidifying its commercial success. Produced by Roy Z, Angel of Retribution blends energetic, timeless heavy metal with nods to the band’s classic era. Songs like “Judas Rising” and “Deal with the Devil” evoke the band’s history while also pushing forward with a fresh sound. The album won numerous awards, including Metal Hammer’s Best Album of 2005, and remains a defining moment in Priest’s career.

 

16. Nostradamus (2008)

Tracks

1. Dawn of Creation
2. Prophecy
3. Awakening
4. Revelations
5. The Four Horsemen
6. War
7. Sands of Time
8. Pestilence and Plague
9. Death
10. Peace
11. Conquest
12. Lost Love
13. Persecution
14. Solitude
15. Exiled
16. Alone
17. Shadows in the Flame
18. Visions
19. Hope
20. New Beginnings
21. Calm Before the Storm
22. Nostradamus
23. Future of Mankind

Judas Priest’s Nostradamus is their sixteenth studio album, released on June 16, 2008, as a double album and a concept piece centered around the life and prophecies of the 16th-century seer Nostradamus. Musically, it marked a departure from the band’s classic sound, incorporating symphonic elements with choirs and keyboards, making it a more theatrical, epic metal experience. The album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200, marking their highest chart position in the U.S. at the time. Although it received mixed reviews, it sold over 500,000 copies globally and was supported by a world tour.

 

17. Redeemer of Souls (2014)

Tracks

1. Dragonaut
2. Redeemer of Souls
3. Halls of Valhalla
4. Sword of Damocles
5. March of the Damned
6. Down in Flames
7. Hell & Back
8. Cold Blooded
9. Metalizer
10. Crossfire
11. Secrets of the Dead
12. Battle Cry
13. Beginning of the End

“Redeemer of Souls,” released in 2014, is Judas Priest’s seventeenth studio album and marks a pivotal point in the band’s history. It is their first album without founding guitarist K.K. Downing, replaced by Richie Faulkner. This album also represents the band’s final collaboration with guitarist Glenn Tipton as the producer. The record received critical acclaim for its powerful heavy metal sound, with standout tracks like “Dragonaut” and “Halls of Valhalla.” The album debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and has sold over 110,000 copies in the U.S. by 2016. “Redeemer of Souls” was hailed as a return to form, cementing Priest’s legacy in metal.

 

18. Firepower (2018)

 

Tracks

1. Firepower
2. Lightning Strike
3. Evil Never Dies
4. Never the Heroes
5. Necromancer
6. Children of the Sun
7. Guardians
8. Rising from Ruins
9. Flame Thrower
10. Spectre
11. Traitors Gate
12. No Surrender
13. Lone Wolf
14. Sea of Red

Firepower is the eighteenth studio album by British heavy metal legends Judas Priest, released in 2018. This album marked their first collaboration with producers Tom Allom and Andy Sneap since 1988’s Ram It Down. It debuted at No. 5 on the US Billboard 200, making it their highest-charting album in the US. The album combines the band’s classic sound with a modern edge, featuring singles like “Lightning Strike” and “Spectre.” Critics praised Firepower for its strong songwriting and Halford’s powerful vocals, while the energetic guitar work from Faulkner and Tipton highlighted the band’s enduring relevance in the heavy metal genre.

19. Invincible Shield (2024)

Tracks

1. Panic Attack
2. The Serpent and the King
3. Invincible Shield
4. Devil in Disguise
5. Gates of Hell
6. Crown of Horns
7. As God Is My Witness
8. Trial by Fire
9. Escape from Reality
10. Sons of Thunder
11. Giants in the Sky

Invincible Shield, the nineteenth studio album by Judas Priest, was released on March 6, 2024, in Japan and globally two days later. Produced by Andy Sneap, with additional co-production by Tom Allom on the final tracks, the album showcases a blend of classic and fresh heavy metal. It debuted at No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart, marking the band’s highest position to date, and topped the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart in the U.S. The album was shaped through a challenging yet creative process, with contributions recorded across various locations during the band’s global tours. The album’s dynamic sound reflects influences from the band’s 70s-era music, featuring more progressive elements without veering into experimental territory.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, exploring Judas Priest albums in order reveals the band’s remarkable evolution and enduring legacy within heavy metal. From their groundbreaking early work in the 1970s to their commercial breakthrough with British Steel and the continued relevance of modern releases like Firepower and Invincible Shield, Judas Priest has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre. Their powerful vocals, twin guitar harmonies, and iconic leather-clad image have left a permanent mark on metal’s history. As pioneers of the NWOBHM movement and influencers of numerous subgenres, Judas Priest’s discography stands as a monumental testament to their innovation, resilience, and global impact.

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