Breaking the Law

Get ready for a heavy metal anthem of rebellion! Breaking the Law, Judas Priest's 1980 classic, is a raw and powerful expression of frustration and defiance. With its iconic guitar riff and Rob Halford's intense vocals, this song is a timeless cry against authority. Prepare for a sonic revolt!

This standout track from Judas Priest's influential 1980 album "British Steel" perfectly captures the band's ability to craft heavy metal songs with a strong sense of urgency and social commentary. The song's simple yet incredibly effective guitar riff, coupled with its driving rhythm section and Rob Halford's aggressive vocal delivery, creates a sense of anger and rebellion. Its concise structure and its impactful chorus have made it a heavy metal staple.

Released at a time when heavy metal was gaining mainstream popularity, Breaking the Law became one of Judas Priest's most recognizable and enduring songs. Its themes of frustration with the system and the desire to break free from constraints resonated with audiences, solidifying its place as a heavy metal anthem of defiance.

SONG MEANING: The lyrics of Breaking the Law express a sense of frustration and anger with societal rules and authority. The song portrays a feeling of being trapped or oppressed by the system and a desire to rebel against it. While not necessarily advocating for actual criminal activity, the lyrics capture the feeling of wanting to break free from constraints and assert one's independence. It's a heavy metal portrayal of rebellion and the struggle for individual freedom.

Heavy metal, born in the late 60s, isn't just loud guitars and headbanging. It's a diverse rock subgenre pulsating with intensity, virtuosity, and a rebellious spirit. Imagine distorted riffs that melt faces, thunderous drums that pound your core, and vocals that soar or growl with raw emotion. That's the essence of metal.

Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple are often hailed as pioneers, weaving blues rock's grit with psychedelic experimentation. This birthed the signature heavy sound: distorted guitars, extended solos, driving rhythms, and sheer volume.

The 80s saw a subgenre explosion. Thrash metal like Metallica upped the tempo and aggression, while glam bands like Mötley Crüe brought theatricality and anthemic choruses. Black metal delved into darkness and anti-religious themes, while doom metal embraced slower tempos and melancholic atmospheres. Each branch offered a unique flavor.

Metal continued to evolve. Death metal brought guttural vocals and brutal instrumentation, while power metal infused fantasy themes and soaring vocals. Symphonic metal incorporated orchestral elements, and progressive metal explored complex song structures and technical wizardry.

Metal's not just about aggression. It tackles social issues, explores dark fantasy, and celebrates individuality. Its fans form a passionate community, united by their love for the music's power and the freedom it expresses.

Whether you headbang to Slayer or lose yourself in Nightwish's symphonic epics, heavy metal offers an experience unlike any other. It's a genre that constantly innovates, reminding us that music can be both exhilarating and thought-provoking.