Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
“The Sentinel” is the fourth track on Judas Priest’s 1984 album Defenders of the Faith. More in the progressive metal vein due to the use of electronic manipulation and the fantastical lyrics, this is one of the fan-favorite Judas Priest songs from the 1980s.
The lyrics describe an emotionally cold...
[Guitar theme]
[Instrumental intro]
[Verse 1]
Along deserted avenues, steam begins to rise
The figures primed and ready, prepared for quick surprise
He's watching for a sign
His life is on the line
[Chorus]
Sworn to avenge
Condemn to hell
Tempt not the blade, all fear the Sentinel
[Verse 2]
Dogs whine in the alleys, smoke is on the wind
From deep inside its empty shell, a cathedral bell begins
Ringing out its toll
A storm begins to grow
[Chorus]
Sworn to avenge
Condemn to hell
Tempt not the blade, all fear the Sentinel
[Verse 3]
Amidst the upturned burned-out cars, the challengers await
And in their fists clutch iron bars with which to seal his fate
Across his chest in scabbards rest the rows of throwing knives
Whose razor points in challenged tests have finished many lives
[Instrumental Break]
[Bridge]
Now facing one another, the standoff eats at time
Then all at once a silence falls as the bell ceases its chime
Upon this sign the challengers with shrieks and cries rush forth
The knives fly out like bullets upon their deadly course
Screams of pain and agony rend the silent air
Amidst the dying bodies blood runs everywhere
The figure stands expressionless, impassive and alone
Unmoved by this victory and the seeds of death he's sown
[Outro]
Sworn to avenge
Condemn to hell
Tempt not the blade, all fear the Sentinel
Sworn to avenge
Condemn to hell
Tempt not the blade, all fear the Sentinel
Sworn to avenge
Condemn to hell
Tempt not the blade, all fear the Sentinel
Sworn to avenge
Condemn to hell
Tempt not the blade, all fear the Sentinel
The Sentinel was written by Glenn Tipton & Rob Halford & K.K. Downing.
The Sentinel was produced by Tom Allom.
Judas Priest released The Sentinel on Fri Jan 13 1984.