**Netflix Announces New Music Documentary: *Priest: Defenders of the Faith* — A Deep Dive into Judas Priest’s Heavy Metal Legacy**
Netflix has officially confirmed the upcoming release of *Priest: Defenders of the Faith*, a **highly anticipated music documentary** chronicling the monumental rise, influence, and resilience of **Judas Priest**, the legendary British heavy metal band. The documentary will premiere globally on **August 16, 2025**, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the band’s landmark album *Defenders of the Faith*.
Known for their dual-guitar assault, leather-and-studs aesthetic, and powerhouse vocals led by **Rob Halford**, Judas Priest didn’t just help shape the sound of heavy metal — they revolutionized its identity. *Priest: Defenders of the Faith* promises a **compelling and in-depth exploration** of the band’s decades-long journey, from their roots in Birmingham’s industrial heartland to their global status as genre icons.
The multi-part documentary, directed by acclaimed filmmaker **Sam Dunn** (*Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey*, *Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage*), features **exclusive behind-the-scenes footage**, rare archival interviews, and **full-access coverage** of recent world tours. The series is being co-produced by Banger Films and Netflix, in collaboration with the band and Sony Music.
> “This is the definitive story of Priest,” Halford said in a press statement. “It’s about music, yes — but it’s also about perseverance, brotherhood, and fighting to stay true to your voice in a world that often wants you to turn it down.”
*Priest: Defenders of the Faith* traces the band’s rise from the 1970s, when they first carved out a unique sound with albums like *Sad Wings of Destiny* and *Sin After Sin*, through their massive commercial success in the 1980s with *British Steel*, *Screaming for Vengeance*, and the iconic *Defenders of the Faith*. The series doesn’t shy away from the tougher moments either — exploring internal struggles, lineup changes, controversies, and Halford’s historic public coming out in 1998, a pivotal moment for both the band and the metal community.
Alongside candid interviews with all current and surviving past members, the series includes testimonials from some of the biggest names in rock and metal, including **Lars Ulrich (Metallica)**, **Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden)**, **Dave Grohl**, and **Ozzy Osbourne**, all of whom credit Priest as a primary influence.
Netflix’s Head of Music Content, **Jessica Mendez**, described the film as “a celebration not just of Judas Priest, but of what it means to stay loud, proud, and uncompromising in your art for over 50 years.”
Fans can also look forward to fully remastered live performances, intimate footage from the band’s personal archives, and exclusive studio content — including the making of their 2024 album *Invincible Shield*, which marked their highest Billboard debut in decades.
With its sweeping narrative and raw honesty, *Priest: Defenders of the Faith* stands as more than just a music documentary — it’s a **cultural time capsule**, capturing the spirit of rebellion, passion, and legacy that has defined Judas Priest for generations.
The series will be available to stream globally on **Netflix** starting **August 16, 2025**. For metal fans, music historians, and newcomers alike, this is a must-watch celebration of one of rock’s most enduring and fearless forces.
