Heavy metal’s long, loud history is getting a closer look on screen. A new documentary titled Ballad of Judas Priest is in the works, with guitarist Tom Morello attached as an executive producer. The project will trace the rise of Judas Priest and their lasting influence on hard rock.
The announcement was shared as the band approaches more than five decades in music. Known for shaping the sound and style of modern metal, Judas Priest emerged from Birmingham, England in the 1970s and became one of the genre’s defining acts. Their twin-guitar attack and operatic vocals helped set a blueprint that many bands still follow.
Morello, recognized for his work with Rage Against the Machine, has often spoken about music as a tool for social awareness. In recent remarks tied to the film’s promotion, he pointed to rock’s history of confronting authoritarianism and standing up for free expression.
Production details are still being finalized, but the film aims to document both the band’s musical milestones and their broader cultural impact.