Judas Priest Information Continued
The band played faster and harder than most rock groups at the time and brought a more "metallic" sound to their guitars. Many people, including influential musicians and members of prominent hard rock and heavy metal bands, believe that the foundation for what would define "pure" heavy metal was three early Judas Priest albums; Sad Wings of Destiny (1976), Sin After Sin (1977), and Stained Class (1978).
Judas Priest have influenced countless musicians in three musical generations, in sound, technique, and image. Many bands including Iron Maiden, Accept, Metallica, Megadeth, Manowar, Mercyful Fate,Venom, Slayer, Dokken, Helloween, Stratovarius, Iced Earth, Poison, Napalm Death, Dream Theater and Pantera cite Judas Priest as an influence.
After almost twelve years apart, Judas Priest and original lead vocalist Rob Halford announced their reunion in July 2003. They immediately embarked on a live concert tour in 2004, and co-headlined the 2004 Ozzfest, being named as the "premier act" by almost all U.S. media coverage of the event. Both tours were extremely successful. Their most recent album, Angel of Retribution, was released on 1 March 2005 to critical and commercial success.
