“Exciter” by Judas Priest from their 1978 album Stained Class.
Exciter is the opening track 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.
During the 1990 civil action brought against the band, “Exciter” was played backwards to the court. Lead vocalist Rob Halford demonstrated that, when played in reverse, the song appeared to contain the phrase: “I asked for a peppermint, I asked for her to get one.” This action showed that by playing any song in reverse, phrases could be formed by the human brain. The same point applied to “Better by You, Better than Me”, which had a sound that could be interpreted as “do it”.
Exciter is written by Rob Halford and Glen Tipton.
The opening guitar riff on “Exciter” has a distinctive sound, which is rooted in the 1970’s but still manages to sound bold, brash and exciting when compared to any metal song released today. The riff supplements at 0:54 for example also make an innovative mark. Rhythm is tight and sharp reminding us again of previous album’s faster songs like “Sinner” and “Call For The Priest.” Two verses and two choruses take us into 1:20 on the song. Rob adds “Here he comes now, fall to your knees and repent if you please” as the music comes to a full stop behind him. Pay attention how Binks’ cymbal hit is left ringing almost until the song resumes. The arrangement is classic Priest in its switching of gears countless times as the song progresses.
This lesson covers the main section of the song, there is a more in-depth lesson for Exciter on the premium channel. https://premium.skypeguitarlessonsonline.com/courses/exciter-premium-lesson
Tablature for Exciter is available in the premium channel click on the link for more details.
