The band's membership has seen much turnover, including a revolving cast of drummers in the 1970s and the departure of singer Rob Halford in 1992. Tim "Ripper" Owens, formerly of Winter's Bane, replaced Halford in 1996 and recorded two albums with Judas Priest, before Halford returned to the band in 2003. The current line-up consists of Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis. The band's best-selling album is 1982's Screaming for Vengeance, with their most commercially successful line-up featuring Ian Hill, Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, guitarist K. K. Downing, and drummer Dave Holland. Tipton and Hill are the only two members of the band to appear on every album.
Halford's operatic vocal style and the twin guitar sound of Downing and Tipton have been a major influence on heavy metal bands. Judas Priest's image of leather, spikes, and other taboo articles of clothing were widely influential during the glam metal era of the 1980s. The Guardian referred to British Steel as the record that defines heavy metal. Despite a decline in exposure during the mid-1990s, the band has once again seen a resurgence, including worldwide tours, being inaugural inductees into the VH1 Rock Honors in 2006, receiving a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2010, and having their songs featured in video games such as Guitar Hero and the Rock Band series. In 2022, Judas Priest were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Priest
Studio albums
Rocka Rolla (1974)
Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)
Sin After Sin (1977)
Stained Class (1978)
Killing Machine (1978)
British Steel (1980)
Point of Entry (1981)
Screaming for Vengeance (1982)
Defenders of the Faith (1984)
Turbo (1986)
Ram It Down (1988)
Painkiller (1990)
Jugulator (1997)
Demolition (2001)
Angel of Retribution (2005)
Nostradamus (2008)
Redeemer of Souls (2014)
Firepower (2018)
Invincible Shield (2024)
Redeemer of Souls
Judas Priest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's loaded to feel their remorse
Steadfast strong that's for sure
The deal of his life takes its course
No giving in
They don't understand
They get to give up and to meet his demands
He's the last to obey
Watch him seizing the day
Redeemer redeemer of souls
There's no holding him back
The ransom announces his deeds
He's not cutting you slack
Just taking what ever he needs
Diamonds for eyes
As he begins
On that two wheeler from hell on the wind
Now he's setting the tune
They know the stare down is soon
Vengeance comes at high noon
Redeemer redeemer of souls
On the skyline
The stranger draws near
Feel the heat and he's shaking with fear
On the skyline
The stranger draws near
Feel the heat and he's shaking with fear
Countdown coming your way
He's the last to obey
Watch him seizing the day
Redeemer redeemer of souls
Redeemer of souls
Redeemer of souls
Redeemer of souls
Redeemer redeemer of souls
The lyrics to Judas Priest's "Redeemer of Souls" tell the story of a vengeful and relentless individual who is set on settling a score. He is fully loaded and prepared to make those who have wronged him feel shame and regret. Despite the opposition he faces, he remains steadfast and strong, ready to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal. He's not interested in compromise or mercy, and those who stand in his way will surely meet his demands.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that this figure is not just any run-of-the-mill avenger, but rather something of a supernatural force. He has diamonds for eyes, and rides a "two wheeler from hell" on the wind. As he approaches his target, they are filled with fear and trepidation. In the end, the "redeemer of souls" seems to be less of a person and more of a force of nature, bringing swift and final justice to those who have wronged him.
Overall, the lyrics to "Redeemer of Souls" paint a picture of a force to be reckoned with, someone who is determined to right wrongs in a way that is both fearsome and awe-inspiring.
Line by Line Meaning
Time to settle the score
It is time to finally resolve this conflict.
He's loaded to feel their remorse
The singer is armed and prepared to make his enemies feel regret for their actions.
Steadfast strong that's for sure
The singer is confident in his strength and resolve.
The deal of his life takes its course
The artist is risking everything on this mission.
No giving in
The artist will not back down.
They don't understand
The enemies do not comprehend the grave situation they are in.
They get to give up and to meet his demands
The enemies have the option to surrender and comply with the singer's demands.
Count down coming your way
The final countdown to the confrontation is approaching.
He's the last to obey
The artist will not be following anyone else's orders.
Watch him seizing the day
The artist is taking control and making the most of this pivotal moment.
Redeemer redeemer of souls
The singer is here to save their souls, but perhaps not in the way they expected.
There's no holding him back
The artist is fully committed to his mission.
The ransom announces his deeds
The singer is making a bold statement with his actions.
He's not cutting you slack
The singer is not going to go easy on anyone who opposes him.
Just taking what ever he needs
The singer is willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goals.
Diamonds for eyes
Perhaps an allusion to a motorcycle helmet, the artist's eyes are cold and hard like diamonds.
As he begins
The artist is just getting started on his mission.
On that two wheeler from hell on the wind
The singer is riding his motorcycle with great speed and skill, like a devilish figure on the wind.
Now he's setting the tune
The singer is setting the pace for the coming battle.
They know the stare down is soon
Both sides are aware that a fierce confrontation is imminent.
Vengeance comes at high noon
The time has been set for the final showdown.
On the skyline
The approaching force can be seen on the horizon.
The stranger draws near
The enemies are unsure of who the singer is and what he wants.
Feel the heat and he's shaking with fear
The enemies feel the pressure of the impending fight and they are afraid.
Redeemer of souls
The singer is on a mission to save souls, but whether he is an angel or a devil is unclear.
Redeemer of souls
The singer is on a mission to save souls, but whether he is an angel or a devil is unclear.
Redeemer of souls
The singer is on a mission to save souls, but whether he is an angel or a devil is unclear.
Redeemer redeemer of souls
The artist is here to save their souls, but perhaps not in the way they expected.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: GLENN RAYMOND TIPTON, RICHARD FAULKNER, ROBERT HALFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind