*The following is from the manufacturer information.
PRIEST OF JUDAS「ROCKA ROLLA」
This is the birth cry of the true God!
The debut work released in 1974 is remixed and remastered to commemorate the 50th anniversary!
After half a century, the quality is finally acceptable to the band!
Judas Priest is known as the “Metal God” and is respected by all heavy metal bands. Formed in Birmingham, England in 1974, his debut album “Rocka Rolla” released in the same year has been remixed and remastered to commemorate its 50th anniversary.
In 1974, the group consisted of five young musicians in their 20s: Rob Halford (vocals), Glenn Tipton (guitar), Ian Hill (bass), KK Downing (guitar), and John Hinch (drums). Because they had limited funds, they recorded in the studio at night, when it was cheaper. These recording sessions, under the guidance of Black Sabbath producer Roger Bain, resulted in their debut album, Rocka Rolla.
However, the band was not involved in mixing, mastering or checking Rocka Rolla, and Halford admits he was “disappointed” upon hearing it. For decades afterward, the band had no say in Rocka Rolla, but Gull Records, which signed Judas Priest in 1974, released two of its albums, Rocka Rolla and Destiny. Sold the master tapes and publishing rights for “Sad Wings of Destiny” to Reach Music Publishing, Glenn Tipton’s music publisher. The original multi-track tapes were discovered in storage, and the project to revive Rocka Rolla began. Judas Priest entrusted the production to Tom Allom, known for producing numerous masterpieces such as “British Steel” and “Screaming For Vengeance.”
Tom Allom says:
“Multi-tracking changes the sound quite a bit. It’s a complete remix of an album from that era from scratch. To be clear, we didn’t add anything musically or re-record any musical parts. We remixed it, rebalanced it, upgraded it sonically and made it sound even more powerful using the technology we have today – modern tools.”
[Comments from members (including current members and former members)]
rob halford
“I’m just thrilled… because it shows that when you have experts involved in a project, you can get a second chance. And when you think about how many elements were missing from ‘Rocka Rolla,’ And I think Tom Allom has given us a second chance here, and it’s a great feeling to have it happen on this 50th anniversary.”
Glenn Tipton
“Where it all began for us, and 50 years later, we have a wonderful remix and remaster of the original… and the band is still going strong!”
Ian Hill
“Rocka Rolla,” which was recorded in night sessions over several weeks in June and July 1974 to cut costs, always had its flaws! When I saw “Rocka Rolla” sitting on a shelf next to other artists’ records, I couldn’t have been more proud.I also thought, “No matter what happens next, it won’t change!” Now remixed and remastered by Tom Allom, Rocka Rolla is finally something to be proud of!
KK Downing
“Finally! This is it! You can listen to and enjoy Judas Priest’s debut the way you envisioned it!”
