There’s something about doing these ranking features that always pulls me back in. I say I’ll do them… they sit in the queue… and then suddenly I’m surrounded by albums again, revisiting memories, rediscovering tracks, and rethinking everything I thought I knew.
This time it’s Judas Priest.
Now, before we dive in—this is important.
This isn’t based on sales, influence, or what should be number one.
This is based purely on what I play the most.
So if an album is sitting at number 23, it doesn’t mean it’s bad. Far from it. It just means I don’t reach for it as often as the others. As a musician, I’ve never been comfortable dismissing music—songs are like children to the people who create them.
This is about connection. Memory. Emotion. And how these albums live with me today.
23–18: The Ones I Revisit the Least
At the lower end, we find the albums that—rightly or wrongly—haven’t connected with me as strongly over the years.
- 23. Jugulator (1997) – A bold attempt to evolve during a difficult period without Rob Halford, but it never quite clicked with me.
- 22. Demolition (2001) – A slight step up for me personally, but still not something I return to often.
- 21. Rocka Rolla (1974) – Historically fascinating, with flashes of brilliance like Run of the Mill, but not one I play regularly.
- 20. A Touch of Evil: Live
- 19. Battle Cry
- I include live albums in rankings—always have. These are good, but they don’t hit the heights of Priest’s best live work.
- 18. Ram It Down (1988) – Contains the phenomenal Blood Red Skies, but as a full album, it doesn’t quite hold together for me.
17–11: Strong Moments, Mixed Connections
This middle section is where things get really interesting. Albums with standout tracks… but perhaps not consistent front-to-back listens for me.
- 17. Point of Entry (1981) – Desert Plains is essential Priest for me, but the album dips in places.
- 16. Painkiller (1990) – I know… controversial. The title track is one of the greatest metal songs ever written, but I don’t revisit the full album often.
- 15. Redeemer of Souls (2014) – A genuine return to form.
- 14. Angel of Retribution (2005) – Halford’s return, and a powerful one at that.
- 13. Defenders of the Faith (1984) – A solid, fluid album in my rankings—it moves up and down depending on the mood.
- 12. Stained Class (1978) – Great songs, but I’ve always felt the production could be stronger.
- 11. Killing Machine (Hell Bent for Leather) – Running Wild alone elevates this album massively.
10–6: Albums That Keep Drawing Me Back
Now we’re getting into the albums I return to regularly—albums that have grown with me over time.
- 10. Nostradamus (2008)
A misunderstood masterpiece. Ambitious, immersive, and home to one of my favourite Priest tracks—Alone. - 9. Priest… Live!
A relentless live document that captures the band at full power. - 8. Firepower (2018)
Proof that Priest could still deliver at the highest level deep into their career. - 7. British Steel (1980)
This one has grown on me massively over time—especially through live performances. - 6. Turbo (1986)
I’ve always admired this album for taking risks. It’s Priest stepping outside their comfort zone—and I respect that.
5–2: The Heavyweights
This is where emotion really comes into play. These albums are deeply embedded in my listening history.
- 5. Unleashed in the East (1979)
Call it what you like—studio-enhanced or not—this is essential Judas Priest. Victim of Changes here is breathtaking. - 4. Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)
The album that made me sit up and realise this band was something special. Dark, dramatic, and utterly unique. - 3. Sin After Sin (1977)
Once my number one. The variety, the light and shade… it still holds up brilliantly. - 2. Screaming for Vengeance (1982)
An album I’ve fallen back in love with recently. Not a weak track on it. Pure Priest at their peak.
1. Invincible Shield (2024)
Yes… really.
The latest album from Judas Priest sits at number one.
And I completely understand that for some people, that will feel almost sacrilegious.
But here’s the thing…
This ranking is about what I play now.
And I’m playing Invincible Shield constantly.
It connects all the dots—songwriting, performance, production, energy. When I listen to it, I don’t find myself skipping tracks or questioning decisions. It just flows. It feels complete.
In many ways, it reminds me of how Screaming for Vengeance feels—but with the benefit of decades of experience behind it.
And perhaps most importantly…
It’s made me go back and listen to all these albums again.
Putting this list together reminded me just how deep and varied the Judas Priest catalogue really is.
From the experimental edges of Turbo and Nostradamus…
To the raw power of Painkiller…
To the timeless brilliance of Sad Wings of Destiny…
This is a band that has never stood still.
And that’s why we’re still talking about them.
Over to You
I’d love to know your thoughts.
What’s your top 5 Judas Priest albums?
Would Invincible Shield even make your list?
Let me know—and keep spinning those discs.
