Judas Priest: The Metal God

Judas Priest is known as the “Metal God” and is respected ‌by all heavy metal bands. Formed in Birmingham, ⁤England in 1974, their debut album⁢ “Rocka Rolla” ​released in the same year⁤ has been‍ remixed and remastered to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

The ‌Birth⁤ of Rocka ​Rolla

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 many masterpieces⁤ such as “British Steel” ‌and “Screaming​ For Vengeance.”

Tom Allom ‌on Remixing ⁤Rocka Rolla

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 the Band

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. And I thought, “No matter what happens, 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!”