Judas Priest are one of the pioneers of the heavy metal genre and were forerunners of the 'New Wave of British Heavy Metal' movement, laying the groundwork for the speed and thrash metal of the 80s and 90s back in the late 70s. The band was formed in 1967 by guitarist Kenneth "K. K." Downing, bassist Ian Hill and original singer Alan Atkins. A second guitarist, Glenn Tipton, was also added to the lineup as compensation for their record company's (Gull Records) suggestion to add a horn section to the first album. This "twin axe attack" was not particularly popular at the time, but worked wonders for the group later on and would inspire other bands to do the same.
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