Well, well, well, the album that started it all for the Metal Gods (yes, I know about Rocka Rolla, but I also don't consider it a "Metal" album, more like heavy rock at best). This album holds so many gems, it is impossible to deny it's greatness and also influental nature. In my humble opinion, Heavy Metal wouldn't be the same without it. Sad Wings of Destiny allows the listener into the now signature sound of Judas Priest, as almost every song on the album is instantly recognizable by any metal fan that calls themselves a fan of the early stages of the genre. One side note I would like to mention, before anyone tries to call me out on it. Compared to what was around in the 80's, 90's, and today, this would not be considered Heavy Metal, but compared to what else was floating around in 1976, this is definitely Heavy Metal.

The first song on the album, "Prelude" is exactly what it says, a instrumental prelude that leads very nicely into the rest of the album. "Tyrant", being next, is the first sign of the metalness that this album has to offer, one of my personal favorites. Next up, "Genocide", one of Priest's fan favorites, as Rob even took it with him and performed it all throughout his solo years. "Epitaph" is next, not a metal song, but it fits in well with the atmosphere of the album. "Island of Domination", probably my favorite of the album, is next, and so far the flow of the album is perfect. The next song, "Victim of Changes" has been covered several times by other bands (my favorite covered version being by Gamma Ray), as well it is also the song that got "Ripper" Owens his place in Priest some years ago. Probably the heaviest song on the album, "The Ripper" is next, and as probably guessed, is about Jack the Ripper. The next two songs really go together, so I am going to group them so. "Dreamer Deceiver" and "Deceiver" are the two songs, that proved to me, before all others, that Rob Halford IS the Metal God. I mean, listen to those pipes, as they are at their best in these two songs.

I can't tell you how many times when someone has asked me my favorite album that I have switched this album out with Painkiller, as they are both from my favorite band, and are both two of the greatest metal albums ever written. It is impossible to hold one higher than the other. For someone to say that a particular album is their favorite of all time, not just out of metal albums, it must mean something. I am not going to do my usual "this album kicks ass, buy it now, it's worth it" speech, as I shouldn't have to, you should already have it in your collection.