(TheBRHM.com) I’ve discussed it before as far as comics are concerned but Judas Priest has created enough characters on its albums to spin that out into sci-fi lore. I’m certain I’m not the first to mention this, hell it had to be obvious to the band during its most marketable periods. We’re going to look at three characters ready for the screen or page.
Exciter (Judas Priest – Stained Class, 1978)
Debuting in the opening song “Exciter”, this character is described as something of a redemption-bringing powerhouse. He’s either capable of transversing space or worlds, brings light, wields powers of fire and just seems like a world-beater. From the song itself:
Everything he touches fries into a crisp.
Let him get close to you, so you’re in his trip.
First you’ll smoke and smoulder, blister up and singe.
When ignition hits you, the very soul of your being will cringe.Stand by for Exciter.
Salvation is his task.
Stand by for Exciter.
Here he comes now.
He’s a Captain Marvel, a Goku, a Superman—someone who could turn a planet into hourglass sand with a blast from space. You know, if they were on a tight schedule or just didn’t have time for whoever is on that planet’s sh**.
Exciter could be introduced as some sort of elder god, celestial being, alien—he has the power to come and go as he pleases after all. For human mortals, Exciter would probably be described as the embodiment of the sun and he’s not beyond rewarding and punishing.
There’s some easy, low-hanging lore off the bat for Exciter as part of a Metal Gods world.
The Sentinel (Defenders of the Faith, 1984)
Often battling our last entry for the top spot of my favorite Priest character, The Sentinel is probably the easiest to brainstorm. He’d also probably be the easiest to get on screen, comic, or video game. In “The Sentinel”, he isn’t described as a galactic superhero-tier force. Instead, he’s something of a post-apocalyptic cross between Batman and Judge Dredd:
Sworn to avenge
Condemn to hell
Tempt not the blade
All fear the SentinelAmidst the upturned burned-out cars
The challengers await
And in their fists clutch iron bars
With which to seal his fate
Across his chest is scabbards rest
The rows of throwing knives
Whose razor points in challenged tests
Have finished many lives
I’d read that comic—especially if it’s in 2000 A.D. The Sentinel is a vigilante or perhaps a mercenary who roams what has to be a destroyed or overrun city. His existence is proof that there’s little to no order going down here. It’s a great setting for such a character and seems ready for an adaptation. There might need to be a budget to factor in special effects but not to the level of a galaxy or universe-spanning science fiction adventure such as Exciter and our third entry.
Painkiller (Painkiller, 1990)
Yes, I’m sure y’all are tired of seeing Painkiller mentioned on this site. It’s my favorite Priest album and a fun as hell listen. It’s a great drinking and reading or gaming album and the titular character is something that rivals Exciter.
Whereas Exciter is the sun or light and leans towards being a force for justice and retribution, Painkiller really seems like he could be either a force for universal and dimensional law—or chaos. He’s that powerful, that destructive and how Halford describes him as the rest of the band just saws and rips for six minutes and change is enough to warrant some adaptation.
Faster than a bullet
Terrifying scream
Enraged and full of anger
He’s half man and half machineRides the Metal Monster
Breathing smoke and fire
Closing in with vengeance soaring highHe is the Painkiller
This is the PainkillerPlanets devastated
Mankind’s on its knees
A saviour comes from out the skies
In answer to their pleas
What an introduction! And that’s the thing for the three characters mentioned and more to be mentioned: the basic lore is there, just make stories around that. Or start on the career-spanning concept album. I mean, I’d love a Priest comic where Painkiller appears or The Sentinel is grimly correcting wrongs indefinitely but a concept album would be cool as well.
If you’re a Judas Priest fan or know your Metal Gods lore, what characters stood out to you across their albums? Let us know in the comments!
Staff Writer; James “Metal” Swift Jr.
This talented writer is also a podcast host, and comic book fan who loves all things old school. One may also find him on Twitter at; metalswift.