Judas Priest is set to release a remixed and remastered version of their debut album, Rocka Rolla, to mark the 50th anniversary of the LP. Scheduled for digital release this Friday, the album will also be available on vinyl and CD on November 22. In a statement, lead singer Rob Halford reflected on the significance of this milestone, stating, "It's great to look back and see our future unfurl. From little metal acorns mighty metal oaks do grow. This album lit the eternal metal flame as real and fresh as ever five decades on." Rocka Rolla, which was recorded during night-shift sessions in the early 1970s, saw the band contend with challenging production conditions, having little control over the mixing and mastering processes. Halford recalled his disappointment upon listening to the final product, saying, "I put the needle onto the groove and I sat back...I was so disappointed with the way it was sounding." After years of overshadowed potential, the original masters and publishing rights for Rocka Rolla were sold to Reach Music and Exciter Records in 2022 by Gull Records, allowing for this new initiative. Legendary producer Tom Allom returns to helm the remixing and remastering, providing what Halford describes as a "second chance" for one of metal's foundational albums. Halford emphasizes the importance of this project and expresses gratification towards celebrating the 50th anniversary alongside the revitalization of their first record.
Judas Priest's 'Rocka Rolla' Gets New Remix and Remaster for 50th Anniversary
Judas Priest will release a remixed and remastered version of their debut album, *Rocka Rolla*, on Friday for its 50th anniversary, with vinyl and CD releases set for November 22. Lead singer Rob Halford expresses excitement about revisiting the album, which struggled with production quality during its original release. Tom Allom, a longtime producer, will oversee the remixing and remastering process, offering a renewed opportunity for the historically significant record.
Published on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 4:41 PM
Dawn
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