The first official clip from the Judas Priest documentary, The Ballad of Judas Priest, has been released
The legendary British band Judas Priest, recognized as one of the founders of heavy metal, is the subject of the long-awaited documentary film “The Ballad of Judas Priest”, which explores over half a century of the band’s history and its influence on the global music scene. The film had its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in Germany, held from February 12 to 22, 2026, and has already attracted significant attention from fans and critics.
The first official video clip has appeared online, featuring lead singer Rob Halford sharing the story behind one of Judas Priest’s most famous tracks, “Breaking the Law”. Halford explains that the song was created as a response to the socio-political climate of late 1970s to early 1980s Britain, including waves of strikes and working-class dissatisfaction during Margaret Thatcher’s premiership. In the music video, the band symbolically “robs a bank” to take their gold record, serving as a metaphor for the freedom of metal music, which defies all boundaries.
The documentary covers the career of Judas Priest, from their working-class roots in Birmingham to becoming globally recognized musicians. It highlights key albums such as British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance, and Painkiller, as well as legendary hits including You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’. Special attention is given to the band’s impact on modern music, culture, and generations of fans worldwide.
The project is directed by Sam Dunn and guitarist Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine). Dunn is known for his music documentaries, including Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey and Iron Maiden: Flight 666, while Morello served as co-producer and music consultant. The film features interviews with prominent musicians and critics, including Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Daryl McDaniels (Run-DMC), and Scott Ian (Anthrax), discussing the legacy of Judas Priest and their influence on rock and metal.
Judas Priest was founded in 1969 and has released over 19 studio albums, with total sales exceeding 50 million copies worldwide. In 2022, the band was officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and their recent album Invincible Shield marked an important milestone — the first time a heavy metal band released studio albums more than 50 years after their debut.
The documentary The Ballad of Judas Priest promises to be not only a tribute to the legendary band but also a unique source of information for anyone interested in the history of heavy metal, the creative process, and the cultural impact of Judas Priest. The first official clip is already available online, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the full release.
