Priest: Defenders of the Faith is a sweeping new music documentary set to debut on Netflix on August 16, 2025, marking the 40th anniversary of Judas Priest’s iconic album of the same name
Directed by Sam Dunn (metal docs aficionado) alongside Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine—making his directorial debut—the film promises to chart the band’s extraordinary 50‑year journey
This multi-part series combines never-before-seen archival footage, live concert performances, and candid, behind-the-scenes interviews with band members—past and present—as well as their fans and fellow rock legends like Lars Ulrich, Bruce Dickinson, Dave Grohl, and Ozzy Osbourne ([247sportlife.com][1]). It delves deep into Judas Priest’s evolution, from its working‑class roots in Birmingham, UK, through the defining sound and leather‑and‑studs look of heavy metal, to its commercial peak in the 1980s and beyond
Significant themes include:
Band legacy & influence**: Examining how Priest shaped metal music, fashion, and inclusivity
Personal stories**: Rob Halford’s courageous 1998 public coming out, lineup changes, and introspection on internal struggles
Cultural context & controversies**: Revisiting trials like the subliminal‑message hearing and exploring their cultural impact
Musical milestones**: Highlights from key albums—British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance, Painkiller, Defenders of the Faith—and the making of their 2024 album *Invincible Shield* ([247sportlife.com][1]).
The documentary promises “intimate, unfiltered access” to the band’s soul and spirit, offering fans a vibrant portrait of heavy metal’s pioneers ([blabbermouth.net][5]). With remastered live performances, deep archive dives, and stellar dispatches from metal titans, **Priest: Defenders of the Faith** is positioned as a cultural time capsule—not just for die‑hard fans, but for anyone curious about the power and legacy of heavy metal.
Streaming begins **August 16, 2025**. Metalheads, mark your calendars.
Netflix has officially announced the upcoming release of a highly anticipated music documentary, *Priest: Defenders of the Faith. *The film offers a compelling and in-depth look at the legendary British heavy metal band Judas Priest, whose groundbreaking sound, bold imagery, and electrifying live performances helped define an entire genre…”
