“Rocka Rolla” by Judas Priest will be released in a new edition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the record

It’s 50 years since Judas Priest came out with their first album, “Rocka Rolla”. That album, which dates all the way back to September 6th, 1974, introduced the world to one of the most significant and influential metal bands in history. Five decades later, they are revisiting this immensely significant piece of history, even though they don’t really play anything off it live.

Bassist Ian Hill of Judas Priest recently disclosed that a new edition of the iconic album is in the works during an interview with Detroit’s WRIF. The record will be redone using the original stems, thanks to producer Tom Allom’s efforts. Allom has long been associated with Priest.

It’s just been re-engineered by Tom Allom after all of these years. The multi-tracks were in remarkably good condition, and he’s changed some of the sounds, made it more modern and obviously remixed it. And he’s done a great job. It’s just coming out shortly, I believe. It’s only a few weeks away, I’m sure it is. Yeah, but he’s redone it. It’s gonna be re-released, which is great news. It’s finally got the production it’s always needed.

What exactly Hill means when he claims that sounds were altered to make a record that is fifty years old sound “modern” is unclear.

Some bands that have tried this kind of thing in the past have landed rather well, while others haven’t. Let’s wait and see what they announce!