The same record label that recently released a great remaster / remix of JUDAS PRIEST first album, now is making available the legends’ sophomore work ”Sad Wings Of Destiny (2025 remaster)”. American based Exciter Records (after a deal made with Gull Records), presents this fresh remastering, obtaining a stunning sound quality.
With this second album released in 1976, Priest began to create the heavier rhythms and strong twin melodies which helped to pave the way for the still malleable metal genre. Independent label Gull Records provided a mere £2,000 for Judas Priest to lay down what would become one of metal’s most revered and influential albums and, arguably, the first true bona fide traditional heavy metal work.
Musically, “Sad Wings Of Destiny” is the album on which Judas Priest consolidated their sound and image, and not only one of their best, but also one of the most influential metal albums of all time.
Much has been said about the amazing vocals of Rob Halford and the killer guitar work of K.K. Downing and Glen Tipton. And while they absolutely deserve the praise, not as much credit has been given to the rhythm section of drummer Alan Moore (only album with the band) and bassist Ian Hill. They lock in together and form the pounding, driving rhythms that went on to help define heavy metal.
The songwriting on this album is incredible, ahead for its era, and the diversity, awesome. In my humble opinion is the most creative album from Judas Priest before becoming a killer rocking machine (which I also like as well).
Pulling together two old songs from 1973, Priest’s “Whiskey Woman” (written with original singer Al Atkins) and “Red Light Lady” from singer Rob Halford’s previous band Hiroshima, the group molded the indomitable “Victim of Changes.” The nearly eight-minute opener displays a wide dynamic range in rhythm, texture, and mood with heavy riffing, a melodic ballad section, and extended guitar leads. The heavy riff alternates with a cappella passages, Halford breaking into screaming falsettos during the slow break and dramatic conclusion of the song.
Following the now Priest classic that has stood tall for more than four decades came “The Ripper.” A concise, yet devastatingly effective track that further played with clever arrangements and sudden and arresting tempo changes. A busy, chugging, riff-heavy rocker with arrangements inspired by Queen – particularly in the high-pitched layered opening vocals and classical-tinged twin guitars.
“Dreamer Deceiver” is a classic metal ballad with terrific atmospheres complete with some of Halford’s most ear-piercing falsettos, serving as introduction to the heavy “Deceiver” which follows it, a rhythm-heavy, Sabbathian track.
“Prelude” features some mood changing awesome keyboards, then “Genocide” is a forward-looking, riff-heavy rocker, bearing the influence of heavy rockers such as Deep Purple’s Woman From Tokyo. “Tyrant”, with its driving guitar riffs and concise construction, is part of the first seeds of what would flower into the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.
Then closer “Island of Domination” is a heavy rocker with a complex riff in a style reminiscent of their contemporaries Black Sabbath.
”Sad Wings of Destiny” boasts one of the most recognizable album covers in Patrick Woodroffe’s Fallen Angels. Depicting an outstretched angel surrounded by flames on the ground, the band’s trident emblem made its first appearance hanging from the angel’s neck.
Following the release of ”Sad Wings of Destiny”, the band consciously decided to break their contract with Gull to sign with CBS. Knowing this meant forsaking their rights to the songs as well as revenues, (they would later reclaim copyright ownership of these songs) it was a move made out of necessity.
Little did Judas Priest know that they had just created a heavy metal masterpiece. Every single song on this album is amazing, ever changing. It’s not perfect due to money / production limitations, but this very good remaster solves many things.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
1. Victim of Changes (07:54)
2. The Ripper (02:51)
3. Dreamer Deceiver (05:54)
4. Deceiver (02:47)
5. Prelude (02:03)
6. Tyrant (04:28)
7. Genocide (05:51)
8. Epitaph (03:21)
9. Island of Domination (04:16)
Judas Priest – Sad Wings of Destiny (Reissue 2025), MP3+FLAC
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