Fozzy band photo

FOZZY's 'Judas' Triumph: Chris Jericho Reflects on Metal's Undeniable Comeback

By Jason •
With 'Judas' smashing charts and redefining their sound, FOZZY's Chris Jericho reveals the magic behind their meteoric rise.

In a gritty revelation during an interview with Tyler D on Delaware's 93.5 The Beach, FOZZY's charismatic frontman, Chris Jericho, took a deep dive into the seismic impact of their 2017 anthem, 'Judas'. This track didn’t just climb the U.S. rock charts to land in the Top 5; it amassed a staggering 75 million views on YouTube, earning a gold certification from the RIAA in 2022 for hitting the 500,000 unit mark.

When questioned about the premonitions surrounding 'Judas' at its inception, Jericho's candidness shone through. “You never know, man,” he mused, reflecting on the unpredictability of the music scene. “There have been tracks I've championed that never saw the light of day as singles. But with 'Judas', I felt it in my bones. It had to be the opener, the setlist starter, the first single.” Defying the record label's initial leanings towards 'Painless', Jericho's conviction prevailed. “I wanted a song that screamed, 'FOZZY's back!'” he declared.

As he reminisced about the anticipation surrounding 'Judas', Jericho's excitement was palpable. He recalled hoping for three million views, a benchmark set by their previous track 'Sandpaper'. To his surprise, 'Judas' shattered expectations, racking up three million views in its first month and currently sitting at around 90 million. “It's everywhere now,” he noted, “from football games to movies, like 'Cobra Kai'. It’s transcended just being a song — it’s become a cultural touchstone.”

Looking ahead, Jericho expressed high hopes for FOZZY's latest single, 'I Know Evil', suggesting it could mirror the success of 'Judas'. “It feels like our best since 'Judas'. If we never replicate that magic again, that’s okay,” he reflected philosophically. “We’ve got our anthem, our 'Enter Sandman'. There are countless bands out there yearning for just one song like 'Judas', and we’ve got it.”

Released in April, 'I Know Evil' follows 'Fall In Line', which also dropped in April 2025. Both tracks were crafted under the watchful eye of longtime producer Johnny Andrews, solidifying FOZZY's sound as they continue to evolve. Jericho also hinted at the band's cover of Ozzy Osbourne's 'Crazy Train', showcasing their fearless approach to blending classic influences with modern metal.

With a new era dawning for FOZZY, especially after the departure of founding drummer Frank Fontsere, now replaced by Grant Brooks, the band is gearing up to unleash fresh, face-melting tracks. As Jericho leads the charge, one thing is clear: FOZZY is not just back; they’re roaring louder than ever.