Exciter

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins the electrifying "Exciter" by Judas Priest from their 1978 album Stained Class. This track is a landmark in heavy metal, often hailed as one of the first speed metal songs ever recorded. Its blistering pace, driven by Les Binks’ thunderous double bass drum intro, set a new standard for intensity in the genre. In a 2008 interview with Guitar World, guitarist K.K. Downing revealed he ad-libbed his solo on "Exciter," showcasing the raw, spontaneous energy of the recording sessions. He noted, “I was particularly pleased with the guitar sound on [‘Exciter’], especially in my solo,” highlighting the track’s loose, fiery vibe. Fans on Reddit echo this love, with one user, LongIsland1995, raving about the “lazily shrieking” guitar solo that “absolutely shreds,” calling it a 10/10 banger that pumps them up every time.

Rob Halford’s lyrics for "Exciter" paint a vivid picture of a fiery, mythical messiah from space, a theme he crafted with his trusty Roget’s Thesaurus. In a 2020 Louder interview, Halford shared, “I was devouring it: ‘What’s another word for fire? What’s another word for heat?’” This creative process birthed lines like “cauterising masses” and “thermal lances,” which add a hellish, otherworldly edge. The song’s influence is undeniable—posts on X from users like @doomedparade in 2024 call it “effectively 70s speed metal,” noting its impact on the ‘80s metal scene. Another X post by @hard_moderns in 2025 praises "Exciter" as a defining track that shaped future heavy metal bands. Its raw power even inspired a cover by Strapping Young Lad, featured as a bonus track on their album Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing.

Judas Priest formed in Birmingham, Warwickshire, in 1969, emerging from the industrial heart of England. Bassist Ian Hill and guitarist K.K. Downing, schoolmates with a passion for heavy music, laid the band’s foundation. Hill introduced Rob Halford to the group after meeting him through his sister, whom Hill was dating. Halford, then singing with the band Hiroshima, joined alongside drummer John Hinch. The lineup evolved through the early ‘70s, with Glenn Tipton’s arrival in 1974 adding the dual-guitar attack that became their signature. Their early sound blended influences from Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple, but by Stained Class, they shed softer ballads and progressive elements to forge a harder, heavier identity. Despite financial struggles—Downing once shared he didn’t own a car until 1979—the band’s gritty determination fueled their rise.

Stay connected with Judas Priest through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates on tours and releases. Fans can dive deeper into the Priest legacy at sites like Encyclopaedia Metallum or join discussions on the r/judaspriest subreddit, a vibrant community for sharing memorabilia, concert stories, and debates over the best Halford screams. For Zoo Freaks craving more, check out fan-driven groups like the Judas Priest Fan Club on Facebook, where diehards celebrate the Metal Gods’ enduring legacy.