It's Pride Month 2020, but a band often not brought up in headlines that are associated with the LGBTQIA++ community are the heavy metal legends Judas Priest. Frontman Rob Halford came out in 1998, much to the shock of fans who, for years prior, thought the singer's leather biker aesthetic look was his relishing in heavy metal bliss rather than a nod to the gay community. Perhaps he enjoyed both aspects which is one of the unique reasons fans have been fascinated with this epic group. Here are our top five Judas Priest songs dedicated to Pride Month on today's Pandemic Playlist.

'Turbo Lover'

Halford's rendition on the subject of love and sex appears to adopt thinly-veiled queerness, albeit  at the same time it can also be regarded as a solid rock-out number for more hetero-inclined heavy metal fans. With an '80s pop-rock resonance in the opening verses, the chorus is where the song truly slays. This awesome track is off the band's tenth studio album 'Turbo', which was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1986 in the same year as its release and Platinum in 1987.

'Electric Eye'

There's something about the way heavy metal bands of the '70s and '80s captured the energy of electrically-charged music as they enjoyed their distortion guitars. Minus the synth, minus the overcomplicated and vast instruments of today, just put four kickass musicians together playing the classic metal band setup of electric guitar, bass, drums (acoustic) and vocals, and it's hard not to get nostalgic. Judas Priest's powerful 'Electric Eye' is an immediate head-turner in all its rock and roll glory and lists as a fitting throwback to the era.

'Breaking the Law'

One of the band's softer tracks, 'Breaking The Law' comes off as more melodic than heavy, but that doesn't detract from the fact that the song packs a punch of its own accord. A massive hit since its release in 1980, Judas Priest supercharge their fans at live shows with this hot number. Before roaring into cheer, fans sing the lyrics with ease as Judas Priest tear up the stage with their performance of the song. Watch the official music video below.

'Screaming for Vengeance'

The cannon blast that is 'Screaming for Vengeance' will get you pumped during any abysmally boring coronavirus quarantine. Injecting heavy metal fury straight into your veins, Judas Priest's uptempo track not only rocks, but Halford's vocals are not to be trifled with. Vengeance comes full throttle as the powerful vocalist hits high notes like a rock and roll god.

Listen to 'Screaming for Vengeance' .

'Angel'

Speaking of vocals, Halford's singing on 'Angel' proves he is as versatile as he is deadly. One of the slower tracks from Judas Priest, the ballad gets acoustic guitar, strings and intoxicating vocals that include "Oh angel - we can find our way somehow. Escaping from the world we're in. To a place where we began. And I know we'll find. A better place and peace of mind. Just tell me that it's all you want - for you and me. Angel won't you set me free" as the song swells to a hard chorus.

Pandemic Playlist is a daily list of songs that will keep you entertained instead of feeling drained while you're isolated at home. Look out for a fresh selection of great tunes from MEAWW to refresh your mood every day!

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