Hell Bent on Judas Priest: The Sad Wings of Destiny By Matt Kapko and Michael Schnalzer Lumberjack Staff Rockers The Lumberjack January 21, 2004 Behind the traditional façade of Arcata’s jam band welcoming and infatuation with overplayed reggae music lies the dark underbelly of local rock ‘n’ roll. If you crave blood-curdling vocals, ear-piercing guitars and pulse-pounding bass and drums—the Sad Wings of Destiny has arrived. Granted they are only a Judas Priest cover band, but they are by far the best cover band that Arcata has ever seen. “Nobody plays balls-out butt rock anymore,” lead singer Terrence McNally said. It was this town’s lack of rock ‘n’ roll that prompted SWOD to form. “It was a big joke,” drummer Steve Bohner said. Guitarist Ryan Cook originally came up with the idea, but wasn’t sold on its potential until McNally told him that Bohner was on board. Guitarist Deric Mendes and bassist Danny McAlerney round out the pleather-clad lineup. “Around the area there’s a lot of people jonesin’ to get out and rock,” Cook said. Although the band doesn’t take itself seriously, there was a buzz around the area well before their first show. “First and foremost the show needs to be outstanding,” McAlerney said. Judging by the turnout at the band’s show at the Alibi last Thursday there’s no doubt about that. We witnessed the awesome sound of SWOD transform a seemingly quiet hippie girl into a violent, elbow-thrusting, slam-dancing maniac. “That’s what we do,” Bohner replied once we told him about the hippie. Mendes equates attending a SWOD show with going to church. “It’s a spiritual experience,” he said. Watching the crowd sing along to songs from the ‘80s, as if they were singing “Hallejuh” from the pews is what Bohner enjoys most. His position from the drum set is the perfect vantage point to see the four frontmen rock out with the crowd, as well as those whom he least expects to sing along. “Terrence invokes the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll,” Mendes added. McNally dons a pair of dark shades and a leather biker hat (you know, like the one that guy in the Village People wears), as he belts out Judas Priest classics such as “Breakin’ the Law,” “Livin’ after Midnight,” and “Electric Eye.” When asked if the infamous Rob Halford (Judas Priest’s frontman) was with them in spirit on stage, McNally quipped, “He’s right behind us the whole way.” Cook added, “We got Rob going all through us.” As for the band’s future McAlerney joked, “We’re hoping to play a children’s hospital soon, or at least a birthday party for Terrence’s kid.” But all joking aside the band is embarking on a short-but-sweet tour in February. “We’re going on a mini tour, we’re going to San Francisco then all the way back to Arcata,” McNally said. “We figure we’ll get a bunch of bonding in—eat some french fries on the road—maybe someone will get pregnant.” The band was thrilled to hear that Judas Priest requests were way up on KXGO radio the day after their show at the Alibi. “And that means so much, spreading the love,” McNally said. “Rock ‘n’ roll’s coming back—we’re takin’ Kulica down!” Home