For decades, Judas Priest has stood as one of heavy metal’s most iconic and influential bands.

Now, after what feels like a “gazillion” years, the Metal Gods are ready to tell their story like never before.

The eagerly anticipated official documentary titled *The Ballad of Judas Priest* has been announced by Sony Music Vision, promising to set the record straight on the band’s legendary career.

This article explores everything fans need to know about this groundbreaking film and why it could be the ultimate Judas Priest documentary.

The documentary’s title, *The Ballad of Judas Priest*, is an inspired choice.

It cleverly nods to Bob Dylan’s song *The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest*, which famously inspired the band’s name back in the late 1960s.

This connection hints that the film will delve deeply into the origins and roots of Judas Priest, capturing the spirit and history behind the name itself.

Unlike many past documentaries or compilations of live footage and interviews, this film is a full-scale production.

It is created by Banger Films, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning team renowned for producing some of the best metal documentaries ever made.

Their previous works include *Metal Evolution*, *Iron Maiden: Flight 666*, and *Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage*.

This pedigree alone promises a high-quality, insightful, and engaging documentary.

Adding further excitement, the film is co-directed by Sam Dunn, a veteran metal documentarian, and Tom Morello, famed guitarist of Rage Against The Machine, who makes his directorial debut with this project.

Morello has expressed that this will be the most unfiltered and honest look at Judas Priest’s career yet.

The band members themselves have promised an unprecedented level of honesty.

They describe the documentary as a summoning of their “congregation” to witness their lives uncensored and in a never-before-seen way.

The metaphor of the “cassock coming off” suggests that the film will reveal Judas Priest stripped of any pretense, showcasing the band in all their raw metal glory.

The documentary aims to chronicle the band’s 50-plus-year journey, from their working-class roots in Birmingham, England, to becoming one of the most defining forces in heavy metal worldwide.

With full access to the band’s archives and inner circle, fans can expect rare insights, personal stories, and perhaps revelations about some of the darker, less-known chapters of Judas Priest’s history.

Judas Priest has been the subject of many documentaries over the years, including the 1992 *Dream Deceivers*, VH1’s *Behind The Music* in the early 2000s, and the legendary *Heavy Metal Parking Lot*.

There were also official releases like *The Making of British Steel* for the album’s 30th anniversary and *Reunited*, focusing on their reunion tour with Rob Halford.

Perhaps the closest predecessor to this new film was *Metal Works*, released nearly 30 years ago, which compiled interviews telling the band’s story.

However, much has changed in the band and their personal lives since then.

What sets *The Ballad of Judas Priest* apart is its promise to be far less filtered and sanitized.

Tom Morello has stated gratitude for the intimate and unfiltered access the band granted the filmmakers, suggesting a level of honesty and openness fans have not seen before.

There has been some misinformation circulating online, including false rumors that the documentary would be streaming on Netflix later this year.

However, as of now, there is no official confirmation about where or how the film will be distributed.

Neither Sony Music Entertainment nor the band has announced any streaming platform deals.

Fans are advised to wait for official announcements from Judas Priest or trusted sources before getting excited about a Netflix or Amazon Prime release.

Tom Morello’s involvement as co-director is particularly interesting.

Known primarily for his groundbreaking work as a guitarist with Rage Against The Machine, Morello is now transitioning into a new role as a documentarian and storyteller for metal legends.

Besides Judas Priest, he is also directing the Black Sabbath reunion show documentary, showcasing his growing influence behind the camera in chronicling metal history.

This shift suggests that Morello is channeling his passion for music into preserving and celebrating the legacy of metal’s pioneers.

His work on these projects could be the beginning of a new chapter in his career, bringing fresh perspectives to the stories of legendary bands.

Fans of Judas Priest can expect *The Ballad of Judas Priest* to cover the band’s entire trajectory, including their early struggles, breakthrough moments, creative processes, and the challenges they faced both on and off stage.

Given the filmmakers’ access and the band’s willingness to be candid, the documentary may also explore some previously untold or misunderstood aspects of Judas Priest’s history.

This could include insights into lineup changes, personal conflicts, controversies, and the band’s evolution over five decades.

Most importantly, it promises to celebrate the enduring spirit and influence of Judas Priest, highlighting why they remain metal gods to millions around the world.

*The Ballad of Judas Priest* is shaping up to be the definitive documentary on one of heavy metal’s most legendary bands.

With a compelling title, top-tier filmmakers, unprecedented access, and a promise of honesty and raw storytelling, this film is poised to become a must-watch for metal fans everywhere.

While distribution details remain under wraps, anticipation continues to build.

Until official news breaks, fans should stay tuned and prepare for a deep dive into the life and legacy of Judas Priest like never before.

As the band themselves say, “We will prevail.” And with this documentary, the story of Judas Priest will finally be told in full metal glory.