The dark, gloomy overtones and amphetamine thrash of '80s metal wouldn't have been possible without the musical contributions of Judas Priest, a British quintet that underwent numerous evolutions--both in lineup as well as their sound--and are still highly influential to this day.

Judas Priest, the band new and unknown, was formed in 1970 in Birmingham by members K.K. Downing (who played guitar in the group) and Ian Hill (who played bass). Joined by two other members, the group named themselves after a band one of their members had been in, deciding the name was too good not to appropriate. Dedicated to their music, the band toured relentlessly throughout England and Europe for the first four years of their existence, finally releasing their debut, Rocka Rolla, in 1974. The record received a lukewarm response from critics. It wouldn't be until 1976, when the band released the landmark Sad Wings of Destiny, that they broke through to wider recognition.

That album began to define the sound of Judas Priest--as well as the sound of metal. The speeding riffs and technical abilities of the band made them stand out from much of the other rock that was playing on the radio at the time. 1977's Sin After Sin would lead them to their first American tour. 1978's Stained Class would make them gods among men, taking their brand of thrashy metal and launching it across the globe. The band was never much for the Billboard charts, but that mattered little to their fans, who always got an amazing time at each show.

Though the band's members would continue to age, their music, like a fine wine, would only get more ear-splitting and awesome.