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.

Fronted by Rob Halford (voc), Glenn Tipton (gtr), KK Downing (gtr), 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.

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 6.

PHYSICAL RELEASE DATES

Original 1976 Masters
Vinyl and CD available starting October 9
Early access through Exciter Records on October 2
Pre-save for streaming HERE

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.