Released 15 years ago this October
The Chosen Few
Judas Priest · 2011
77 min · 17 tracks · heavy metal
A high-octane collection of heavy metal anthems showcasing raw energy and powerful vocals layered over intricate guitar work.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Diamonds and Rust Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Beyond the Realms of Death — This track exemplifies Judas Priest's ability to blend melodic complexity with raw emotion, showcasing Rob Halford's soaring vocals and lyrical depth.
-
→
Breaking the Law — An anthem of rebellion, this song captures the spirit of youth disillusionment and has become one of the most recognizable tracks in heavy metal history.
-
→
Living After Midnight — Celebrating nightlife and freedom, this track represents the quintessential heavy metal party anthem, resonating with fans across generations.
-
→
Painkiller — 'Painkiller' stands out with its relentless energy and intricate guitar solos, embodying the essence of speed metal and solidifying its place as a fan favorite.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- fiery passion in every note
- late-night volume cranking
- nostalgic anthems for sing-alongs
- high-energy celebration of classics
Maybe skip if you
- prefer calm, mellow sounds
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A fan-selected compilation that showcases favorites but isn't essential for new listeners.
- Themes
- heavy metal anthems· rebellion spirit
- Career context
- By 2011, Judas Priest was a venerable force in heavy metal, celebrating their four-decade legacy. 'The Chosen Few' is a compilation album released after their 2008 studio album 'Nostradamus', featuring fan-favorite tracks that highlight the band's evolution and impact on the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Iron Maiden· Black Sabbath· Accept
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Beyond the Realms of Death
The narrative shifts from despair to hope as the protagonist reflects on transcendence beyond life's struggles.
This shift adds emotional weight to the song, contrasting themes of mortality with a yearning for liberation.
Tracklist
- 1 Diamonds and Rust Start here 3:24
- 2 Dissident Aggressor 3:06
- 3 Exciter 5:32
- 4 Beyond the Realms of Death 6:50
- 5 Delivering the Goods 4:16
- 6 The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown) 3:24
- 7 The Ripper (live) 2:42
- 8 Victim of Changes (live) 7:13
- 9 Breaking the Law 2:35
- 10 Rapid Fire 4:02
- 11 Grinder 3:57
- 12 Living After Midnight 3:30
- 13 Screaming for Vengeance 4:44
- 14 You've Got Another Thing Comin' 5:06
- 15 The Sentinel 5:01
- 16 Turbo Lover 5:30
- 17 Painkiller 6:06
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Number of the Beast
Iron Maiden
Shares anthemic storytelling and a rebellious spirit with heavy metal sound.
Heaven and Hell
Black Sabbath
Delivers powerful riffs and themes of defiance, resonating with the heavy metal ethos.
Rust in Peace
Megadeth
Combines intricate musicianship with a bold attitude, echoing the passion found in Judas Priest's work.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.