(Rated this album with 10 out of 10) Reviewed by
markyff
from Hanson, MA USA
This album has to be one of the most influential Metal records in history. After a lackluster debut with "Rocka Rolla", the band changed drummers and redefined their sound from bluesy quasi-psychedelia to molten gothic heavy metal. I don't think Priest has ever created such a formidible document of powerful songwriting and instrumental skullcrushing since this landmark 1976 work. They sure haven't made a more serious record since, with lead track "Victim of Changes", arguably their greatest song. This album has so much emotion and range from "Epitaph" and "Dreamer Deceiver" (the greatest metal ballad ever) to "Tyrant", "Genocide" and "The Ripper" Downing and Tipton became a true team on "Sad Wings" and fully established their twin lead guitar attack. Rob Halford providing possibly his greatest performance and one of the most profound in the history of metal. The lack of commercial success that the band received for this LP is shocking yet maybe the world wasn't ready for music this intense in its sonic fury. I bought this originally on record when I was 15 and didn't really like it compared to "Screaming for Vengeance" and "Defenders" but man have my tastes and appreciation changed in the last 17 years. Now I think this is the mack daddy of all Priest albums. For all the critics who have laughed off much of '80's era Priest and all the so called fans who prefer the more commercial sounding post-"British Steel" material, then I say give "Sad Wings" a listen find out why people like Lars Ulrich and Dave Mustaine rave about this album!
