JUDAS PRIEST – Sad Wings Of Destiny [Limited Edition 180g LP] (2018)

Here’s one I was waiting for to replace my old, dead-wasted original vinyl, the Limited Edition (500 copies) 180g LP release of JUDAS PRIEST‘s “Sad Wings Of Destiny“.
This album is a pillar in metal / hard rock history, and always suffered from horrible, failed reissues. It’s simple; “Sad Wings Of Destiny” born analog, and it doesn’t suit digital treatment.

“Sad Wings Of Destiny” was Judas Priest’s second and final studio record made while under contract with Gull Records, an independent UK company. Despite critical acclaim, the band was struggling financially due to lack of support from the label.
Shortly after changing management, the band severed their ties with Gull and signed with Columbia Records. Consequently, Judas Priest lost all rights to the recordings on their first two albums and to all demo recordings made during the sessions while under contract with Gull.
Hence, “Sad Wings Of Destiny” never received a ‘major label’ proper reissue.

I heard several CD versions of “Sad Wings Of Destiny” all over the years, and all are really disappointing.
My last hope was the 2012 Victor Japan (a respected Japanese label) claiming a ‘K2HD Re-Mastering’ technology… oh my… it works great for Eighties albums, but they completely destroyed “Sad Wings Of Destiny” harmonics, dynamics, etc.

This vinyl LP 2018 reissue is not remastered – I repeat, this album it shouldn’t be ‘digitally’ remastered – manufactured by E-One / Koch Records. I remember the CD release by Koch from years ago being one of the worst, but this red marble colored vinyl LP sounds really fine to my ears.
Packaging and sleeve is nothing special, but certainly good for the price. Exactly what this fantastic album deserves.

Speaking about the music, “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).
The nearly eight-minute “Victim of Changes” 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.

A busy, chugging, riff-heavy rocker, “The Ripper” features 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, serving as introduction to the heavy “Deceiver” which follows it.
“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.
The side-closing “Island of Domination” is a heavy rocker with a complex riff in a style reminiscent of their contemporaries Black Sabbath.

Every single song on this album is amazing, ever changing.
It’s pretty imperfect; I mean, there’s some obvious failed notes here and there, not the best mixing, and production is disparate due to a low budget. But there’s resides part of its charm.
This album sounds to me, at places, like if you were in the rehearsal room with the guys, guitars straight to the Marhalls, straight from the guts.

This LP-vinyl rip was done by the 0dayrox team. Untouched, just straight from the turntable trying to capture the LP original sound. Don’t expect a louder, ‘digi’ brickwalled sound, this is to be enjoyed ‘old-school’.
Cult classic

0dayrox exclusive

Side A:
1 – Victim Of Changes
2 – The Ripper
3 – Dream Deceiver
4 – Deceiver

Side B:
1 – Prelude
2 – Tyrant
3 – Genocide
4 – Epitaph
5 – Island Of Domination

Rob Halford – vocals
Glenn Tipton – guitars, piano, organ
K. K. Downing – guitars
Ian Hill – bass
Alan Moore – drums

BUY IT !
www.popsike.com/Judas-Priest-LP-record-Sad-Wings-of-Destiny-red-marble-colored-vinyl-180g/372193256544.html
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