Released in 1976, Sad Wings Of Destiny was the moment Judas Priest found its true identity. Where Rocka Rolla offered promise, Sad Wings delivered purpose.
Featuring Rob Halford (vocals),Glenn Tipton (guitar),K.K. Downing (guitar),Ian Hill (bass) and Alan Moore (drums),Sad Wings Of Destiny was a bold, dark, and ambitious statement that would help define heavy metal and featured future metal classics such as Victim Of Changes and The Ripper — songs that Judas Priest performed live during their 2026 Faithkeepers summer tour.
Now in the 50th anniversary year of its original release, Judas Priest‘s Sad Wings Of Destiny is being celebrated with two distinct editions of the album: “Original 1976 Masters” and the newly announced “Remixed & Remastered”. These two new versions restore the band’s intended track listing, beginning with the atmospheric Prelude and presenting the songs in the sequence Judas Priest originally envisioned for the album.
“Original 1976 Masters” presents an archival edition of the recordings, sourced from the original analog master tapes, preserved in storage for decades, and remastered for the anniversary. The physical release will be available on hand-poured Solar Flare vinyl, with a unique color pattern on every record. The CD is presented in a classic jewel case with liner notes by Bryan Reesman, previously unseen archival photographs, and adds the original 1976 version of Diamonds And Rust, which was recorded during the Sad Wings sessions but left off the album. The European release also offers a “Galaxy” color vinyl option.
The “Original 1976 Masters” is available for streaming worldwide on October 2, 2026 — with CD and vinyl available starting October 9th, with early access through the Exciter Records webstore on October 2nd.
“Remixed & Remastered” features a newly created mix from the original multitrack recordings, produced by Tom Allom, mixed by Luie Stylianou and mastered by Matt Colton — the same team behind the “Remixed & Remastered” edition of Rocka Rolla. The release will be available as a 45 RPM, 180g Double LP on black vinyl, mastered at half-speed for a true audiophile experience. The CD is presented in a modern digipak design. Both physical editions contain a newly remixed version of the 1976 recording of Diamonds And Rust as a bonus track.
The “Remixed & Remastered” is available for streaming worldwide on October 2, 2026 — with CD and vinyl available starting November 27, with early access through the Exciter Records webstore on November 6th.
Physical Release Dates:
Original 1976 Masters
Vinyl and CD available starting October 9th
Early access through Exciter Records on October 2nd
Track listing:
1. Prelude
2. Tyrant
3. Genocide
4. Epitaph
5. Island Of Domination
6. Victim Of Changes
7. The Ripper
8. Dreamer Deceiver
9. Deceiver
10.Diamonds And Rust (CD bonus track)
“Remixed & Remastered”
Vinyl and CD available starting November 27th
Early access through Exciter Records on November 6th
Vinyl:
Side A:
1. Prelude
2. Tyrant
3. Genocide
Side B:
1. Epitaph
2. Island Of Domination
Side C:
1. Victim of Changes
2. The Ripper
Side D:
1. Dreamer Deceiver
2. Deceiver
3. Diamonds And Rust (bonus track)
CD:
1. Prelude
2. Tyrant
3. Genocide
4. Epitaph
5. Island Of Domination
6. Victim Of Changes
7. The Ripper
8. Dreamer Deceiver
9. Deceiver
10. Diamonds And Rust (bonus track)
The 50th anniversary kicked off over the summer with a limited CD edition of the “Original 1976 Masters” made available exclusively to fans attending Judas Priest‘s 2026 Faithkeepers summer european tour. The celebration continues with the release of these two definitive editions.
One Response
Hands down, one of their greatest albums.