A groundbreaking documentary titled The Ballad of Judas Priest is currently in production at Sony Music Vision, celebrating the remarkable 50-plus-year legacy of the legendary English heavy metal band and their ascension to the pinnacle of the hard rock and heavy metal genres. This film aims to provide fans and newcomers alike with an in-depth look into the band’s storied history and cultural impact.

Renowned documentary filmmaker Sam Dunn, known for his work on Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey and BangerTV, is teaming up with Tom Morello, the iconic guitarist of Rage Against the Machine, for his directorial debut on this project. The Ballad of Judas Priest will showcase classic metal anthems such as “Breaking the Law” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” while exploring the band’s working-class roots in Birmingham, U.K., and their evolution into Grammy-winning Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

In a heartfelt statement, Judas Priest expressed, “We have lived and breathed metal for over five decades, and finally in this documentary, we are summoning our congregation to officially witness our lives uncensored, in a never-before-seen way. The cassock comes off, revealing Priest in all its metal glory!” This declaration sets the stage for a revealing exploration of the band’s journey.

READ MORE: 13 Rock + Metal Masterpieces Released 20+ Years After a Band’s First Album

Tom Morello and Sam Dunn also noted, “While some may know Judas Priest for their huge hits that have shaped the heavy metal genre, there is so much more to their story.” This documentary will trace their incredible 50-year journey, capturing how Judas Priest not only defined the sound and aesthetic of metal but also played a pivotal role in making it a more inclusive environment. They expressed gratitude to the band for granting them intimate, unfiltered access to their lives, promising to deliver a film that resonates with metal fans around the world.

As they celebrate over half a century in the music industry, Judas Priest shows no signs of slowing down. They recently released their 19th studio album, Invincible Shield, in March 2024, and are gearing up for an exciting co-headlining North American tour alongside Alice Cooper this fall. The tour will feature support from Corrosion of Conformity at most dates, ensuring a thrilling experience for concertgoers.