“Exciter” is the opening track on the 1978 album Stained Class and is an early example of speed metal. According to former guitarist K.K. Downing their drummer Les Binks accidentally came up with the drum intro for the song at a soundcheck on their Sin After Sin-tour.
[Verse 1]
Racing cross the heavens straight into the dawn
Looking like a comet slicing through the morn
Scorching the horizon, blazing to the land
Now, he's here amongst us, the age of fire's at hand
[Chorus]
Stand by for Exciter
Salvation is his task
Stand by for Exciter
Salvation bids to ask
[Verse 2]
Everything he touches fries into a crisp
Let him get close to you so you're in his trip
First you'll smoke and smolder, blister up and singe
When ignition hits you the very soul of your being will cringe
[Chorus]
Stand by for Exciter
Salvation is his task
Stand by for Exciter
Here he comes now
Fall to your knees and repent if you please
[Guitar Solo]
[Bridge]
Who is this man? Where is he from?
Exciter comes for everyone
You'll never see him
But you will taste the fire upon your tongue
[Verse 3]
He's come to make you snap out of the state that you are in
Looks around and make you see the light again
So much self-indulgence results in shattered eyes
Predominant complacency leads to beguiling lies
[Chorus]
Stand by for Exciter
Salvation is his task
Stand by for Exciter
Salvation bids to ask
[Verse 4]
When he leaps amidst us with combustive dance
All shall bear the branding of his thermal lance
Cauterizing masses melting into one
Only when there's order will his job be done
[Chorus]
Stand by for Exciter
Salvation is his task
Stand by for Exciter
Here he comes now
Bow to your knees and repent if you please
[Instrumental Break]
[Bridge]
Who is this man? Where is he from?
Exciter comes for everyone
You'll never see him
But you will taste the fire upon your tongue
[Verse 1]
Racing cross the heavens straight into the dawn
Looking like a comet slicing through the morn
Scorching the horizon, blazing to the land
Now, he's here amongst us, the age of fire's at hand
[Outro]
Stand by for Exciter
Stand by for Exciter
Stand by for Exciter
Stand by for Exciter
Exciter was written by Glenn Tipton & Rob Halford.
Exciter was produced by Judas Priest & Dennis Mackay.
Judas Priest released Exciter on Fri Feb 10 1978.