How Judas Priest Indirectly Influenced Anthrax’S Speed-Metal Sound

March 20, 2025

In the heart of the 1980s, a wave of heavy metal music began to take over the world, shaking the very foundations of the rock scene. Among the bands pushing the boundaries of speed and sound, Judas Priest emerged as a powerful force. Their music was filled with soaring guitar solos and thunderous drums that made listeners feel alive. This was the soundtrack of a generation, and it stirred something deep within several young musicians, including a group of friends from New York City who would eventually call themselves Anthrax.

Among those passionate friends was a young guitarist named Scott Ian. He spent countless afternoons listening to records, trying to capture the energy and magic of bands like Judas Priest. On warm summer days, sitting in his cramped bedroom, he would crank up the volume of “Hell Bent for Leather” and let the music wash over him. The faster the music played, the more he felt inspired. Judas Priest’s aggressive style resonated with Scott, igniting a fire within him that demanded to be shared with the world. He wanted to take that lightning speed and infuse his own sound with it, creating something fresh and electrifying.

As Scott and his bandmates began to write their own music, they were fueled by the energy they felt from Judas Priest. They experimented with faster tempos and heavier riffs, crafting their songs with a sense of urgency that matched the feeling of being on the edge of chaos. They poured their heart and soul into their work, believing that they could create a new kind of metal that would capture the intensity they admired so much. This creative transformation wasn’t easy, though. There were nights when they doubted their abilities and wondered if they could ever reach their dreams. But the spirit of Judas Priest kept them going, reminding them that with passion and perseverance, anything was possible.

The moment came when Anthrax finally stepped onto the stage at a small venue in New York. Their hearts raced as they played their first official gig, filled with the adrenaline and electric energy that inspired them. As they struck the opening chords of their fastest song, a wild cheer erupted from the crowd. In that moment, Scott and his bandmates could see the direct influence of their heroes shining through their music, and it filled them with a sense of purpose. Each note they played was a tribute to the sound that Judas Priest helped create, and the audience was ready to embrace it.

Following that first performance, Anthrax began to rise through the ranks of the metal world. Their signature speed-metal sound, inspired by the likes of Judas Priest, garnered attention and admiration from fans everywhere. Albums like “Among the Living” showcased their bold creativity and high-octane energy, and the message was clear: they were here to stay. It was a testament to how inspiration could transform into something real and powerful. The legacy of Judas Priest had not only influenced their music but had sparked a new wave of speed that would leave an indelible mark on the world of metal.

Years later, as Scott stood on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans, he couldn’t help but feel grateful to the band that had inspired him as a kid. He understood that it was more than just music; it was about connection, resilience, and the joy of creating something that brought people together. The journey from obscurity to rock stardom had been a challenging one, but the influence of Judas Priest had been a guiding light, leading them through every high and low. It was a powerful reminder that music has the ability to shape lives, inspire dreams, and elevate spirits, echoing far beyond the notes played.