Can’t believe this masterpiece is already 40 years of age. By that time many rockers have been long dead and gone but Judas Priest still persist. All credit to Black Sabbath for starting the genre but songs like “Victim Of Changes,” “The Ripper” and “Tyrant” were light years ahead of everything else done in 1976. The dynamics, melodies, guitar duels by Downing and Tipton, drum work by underrated Alan Moore, low bass end grind of Ian Hill and Rob Halford’s dramatic, often-times operatic delivery seal this as the heavy metal album of the decade. And we are talking about heavy metal. Judas Priest defined it. Now 40 years after its release (as if you haven’t already) give “Sad Wings Of Destiny” again a much deserved spin.
