0dayrox

Melodic Rock, AOR, Hard Rock, Prog, Classic Rock news

Category: REMASTER

ALLEYCAT SCRATCH / REMASTER

ALLEYCAT SCRATCH – Return To Trash City [FnA Records Reimagined, Remixed, Remastered] (2026) HQ *0dayrox Exclusive*

Sunset Strip ’80s rockers ALLEYCAT SCRATCH have a new album titled “Return To Trash City : Reimagined, Remixed, Remastered” available via FnA Records that is a reworked version of their debut record ‘Deadboys In Trash City (1993)’. Featured exclusively on 0dayrox.
The album has been pretty ‘Reimagined’ indeed, as we can here several changes compared to the original release; different drums, other layers of guitars, unused intros, and more. All has been remixed & remastered by lead singer Eddie Robison, who brought ALLEYCAT SCRATCH a harder edged with soulful vocal style.
The tracks have been given great care and painstakingly tweaked and every little nuance and every part of the songs were reimagined. The Remixing of… and Remastering of the original files is somewhat closer to what ALLEYCAT SCRATCH imagined and where they wanted to go utilizing the 1993 master files.
“Return To Trash City : Reimagined, Remixed, Remastered” contains all the songs you love from ALLEYCAT SCRATCH, but now getting a fresh new life. From the streets of the Sunset Strip underground come the sleazy glam rocking tracks like the bombastic staple “Take A Bite Outta Me”, the punchy “Stiletto Strut”, and the ethereal obligatory ballad, “Roses On My Grave”…

AXTION / REMASTER

AXTION – Look Out For The Night ’85 [Lost Realm Records remastered +2] HQ *Exclusive*

As requested, there’s the Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, based band AXTION only album, 1985 “Look Out For The Night“, in its Lost Realm Records remastered reissue CD including 2 bonus tracks. The album was previously reissued by Retrospect Records, but without the bonus tracks, previously unreleased and provided by the band itself especially for this Lost Realm Records first official reissue.
This pretty killer 5-piece only existed for about four years, but they delivered this fine piece if hard rock / US metal, edgy yet melodic, in the same league of MALICE, KEEL, Q5 (Steel The Light), early ICON, DOKKEN, et all.
“Look Out For The Night” is riff driven rock n’ roll with both guitarists providing a terrific, at places impressive axe-work. Seems one of them auditioned for OZZY but finally Zakk Wylde got the gig. And I can see why OZZY managers look out for this guy; his playing is in the same school / heavily influenced by Randy Rhoads.
‘Road Runnin’, ‘Shoot For The Stars’, ‘Precious Rock’, ‘Your Numbers Up’ contain an abundance of foot stomping riffs, title track ‘Look Out For The Night’ adds midtempo atmosphere, while ‘Hold Me Tight’ is a metal ballad in the HELIX style. The bonus tracks are very good as well, 2 songs AXTION recorded later after a reunion, but never released.
If you like mid ’80s hard rock / American metal plenty of melody and edgy / metallic punch, AXTION’s “Look Out For The Night” might just be your thing. This 2018 Lost Realm Records CD is out of print and has become very rare…

ANGEL WITCH / REMASTER / SHM-CD

ANGEL WITCH – Angel Witch 1980 [Japan SHM-CD remastered +10] *HQ*

It was requested here the best remastered sounding version of ANGEL WITCH‘s 1980 debut album “Angel Witch“. Without a doubt, the Japanese SHM-CD release is the finest edition available, faithfully preserving the analog character and atmosphere of the original master tapes. And we have 10 juicy bonus tracks to enjoy this NWOBHM classic.
The album was released in 1980 through Bronze Records, sporting one the most ‘heavy metal’ cover arts ever: a painting titled ‘The Fallen Angels Entering Pandemonium’, and the band’s name printed in gothic blackletter font.
The LP made ANGEL WITCH one of the key bands in the new wave of British heavy metal scene, and has proven influential on subsequent metal-related movements. ”Angel Witch” is regarded by many fans and critics as a NWOBHM classic alongside the likes of ‘Iron Maiden’, ‘On Through The Night’, and ‘Wheels of Steel’ and despite some flaws in the general production, it is a gem from the era…

HARLEQUIN / REMASTER

HARLEQUIN – Victim of a Song ’79 [Sony Music Canada remaster RSD] (2023) HQ *0dayrox Exclusive*

We have been featuring Canadian, Winnipeg rock music from the ’80s, and it has been requested another very good act from the area: HARLEQUIN, and there splendid 1979 debut album “Victim of a Song“. This is the Sony Music Canada 2022 remaster, and released for the RSD / Record Store Day Canada 2023.
First time remastered, the sound quality obtained on HARLEQUIN’s ”Victim of a Song” is fantastic, rich in midtones, defined high and low. And musically, this album is a little gem from the brilliant Canadian rock scene from the late Seventies / early Eighties. Plenty of guitar / analog keyboard interplay, fierce vocals, and pulsating energy, opener ‘Sweet Things in Life’ alone is worth the price of this album.
Signed by major label Epic, HARLEQUIN’s debut album ”Victim of a Song” was produced by Jack Douglas, who worked previously with the likes of Cheap Trick, Aerosmith and John Lennon. Released in the fall of 1979, it immediately made an impression with both the critics and the fans alike. “Sweet Things In Life” and “You Are The Light” both became instant radio staples across the country.
This is by far the most rocking, guitar driven HARLEQUIN album ever, as later the band became more radio friendly…
You saw it here first on 0dayrox

REMASTER / S.U.N. Something Unto Nothing / SASS JORDAN

S.U.N. (Sass Jordan & Brian Tichy) – Something Unto Nothing [remastered 2026] HQ *Exclusive*

Canadian Juno Award winner and platinum-selling vocalist Sass Jordan reunites with powerhouse multi-instrumentalist Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Billy Idol, Foreigner, Ozzy Osbourne) alongside bassist Michael Devin (Whitesnake) to celebrate the electrifying reissue of ‘Something Unto Nothing‘ – now fully remastered.
Unfortunately, soon after this reissue, Jordan died on 2 October 2026, at the age of 65, and the cause of death was not given.
Originally released 2012 / 2013, the self-titled debut ‘Something Unto Nothing’ also known as “S.U.N.” captured a raw, unfiltered energy that felt both timeless and urgent. Now, remastered at Iguana Studios in Toronto under the direction of Brian Tichy, the album roars back to life with deeper grooves, richer sonics, and an even greater punch.
On this 2026 remastered reissue Tichy’s drumming feels more upfront, however it does not distract to enjoy Sass Jordan incredible vocal pipes. There’s a new cover artwork as well.
While the songwriting is firmly rooted in hard blues and classic rock traditions, the overall sound is modernized with a sleek production and an unmistakable touch of ’80s sensibility. The performances are sharp, the musicianship is exceptional, and the production is crisp and vibrant throughout…

BUXX / REMASTER

BUXX – Knickers Down ’82 [remastered +4] + Standalone single / *HQ*

Hailing from Buffalo, NY (the same hometown as Duke Jupiter, Bruce Turgon and Lou Gramm) came this Melodic Rock / AOR band called BUXX. Formed in 1981, they played all around the US Northern States and Canada, and were signed with the small label Panther Records for the release of their 6-track miniLP ”Knickers Down” the following year.
These songs plus other unreleased appeared years before via Retrospect Records, but this is the band’s own release including the other four songs from the original session that didn’t were part of ”Knickers Down” mini-LP.
Originally recorded in 1982, BUXX’s plan was to release a full LP, but the label only authorized a 6-track EP or ‘mini-LP’ as it was called back in the day. An EP was a common practice in those years for novel groups to ‘taste the waters’ reception.
Now, on this re-release, we have the opportunity to listen to these previously unreleased tracks, plus the extra song ‘Out On The Rocks’ standalone released by the band too, originally part of the ’82 EP but not included into the previous Retrospect reissue.
“Knickers Down” has achieved cult status between fans & collectors, as the musical style here is typical ’80s hooky Melodic Rock / Radio-friendly AOR with the occasional injection of Pomp rock.
Compared to Loverboy, Fortnox, Redvette, HeartZone, or The Tubes, the songs are undeniably catchy, with wonderful melodies and big harmony vocals wrapped in a fine production considering its indie origin…

REMASTER / TOP NOTCH / UNRELEASED

TOP NOTCH – Mean & Smooth [80s recordings remastered] HQ *Exclusive*

TOP NOTCH was one of those 80s and 90s melodic rock / AOR bands who reached the interest of a major label, to watch it all go away with the arrival of Seattle bands. Top Notch’s quality songwriting led them to being managed by Alan Oken & David Liebert, who handled Guns N’ Roses, Alice Cooper and Bryan Adams, and the band eventually signed a development deal with Polygram Records. But the music business is a bitter pill, and nothing happened.
Formed in the mid-Eighties, Top Notch developed a hard rock sound focused on melody with blazing guitar solos. At the time, guitarist Eric Kellogg was connected with many prolific songwriters such as Peter Frampton, Martin Briley, Mark Tanner (Nelson, Eddie Money) and Steve Plunkett of Autograph. Steve Plunkett and Eric Kellogg developed a close relationship and went on to write many songs together that are featured on this release as well as Steve Plunkett’s solo album.
As requested, here’s the full version of “Mean & Smooth“, the FnA Records remastered compilation where we have all TOP NOTCH recordings, strong material with a very good sound quality and a US 80s melodic hard rock sound akin Hurricane, Autograph, Black ‘N Blue, etc…

ORPHAN / REMASTER / THE PUMPS

THE PUMPS (pre-Orphan) – Gotta Move [40th Anniversary CD edition remastered +4] HQ *Exclusive*

A couple days ago 0dayrox featured the first two albums by Canadian rockers ORPHAN, a band formed from the ashes of THE PUMPS. Now we have in exclusive “Gotta Move”, the only album released by THE PUMPS, in its 40th Anniversary remastered reissue including bonus tracks.
This is the CD version, with an extra track – a limited pressing now sold out / out of print. ”Gotta Move [40th Anniversary CD edition remastered +4]” was released on CD via Vatikan Records, a Canadian independent record label associated with Chris Burke-Gaffney, founder & singer/bassist for The Pumps and Orphan.
THE PUMPS formed in early 1978 and centred around friends Chris Burke-Gaffney on vocals and bass, lead guitarist Lou Petrovitch, and drummer Terry Norman Taylor. Playing in front of whatever local audience they could find, they quickly developed a following because of their live shows, full of energy and superb musicianship.
With famed British producers Phil Chapman and Jon Astley behind the board, “Gotta Move” was in the stores by March 1980. Over the next six months, three singles found their way to FM radio’s playlists across the country, “Success,” “Bust The TV” (a shot at mindless programs, many of which are considered pop culture icons like “Charlie’s Angels” and “Dukes of Hazzard), and the commercial “Coffee With The Queen.”
The album blossomed with some of the freshest sounds of the time. MAPL 100% Canadian Content (CanCon), “Gotta Move” is a lovely, very early ’80s slice of Maple Leaf fun and well crafted radio-friendly rock. All songs are catchy and easy to the ear, very well produced…

REMASTER / SHM-CD / STARZ

STARZ – Violation [Japan mini-LP SHM-CD Limited Release remastered +3] HQ *Exclusive*

As requested, here’s the excellent, now out of print, remastered Japanese Limited Release on SHM-CD of STARZ second album “Violation“, produced by Jack Douglas of Aerosmith fame – the 1977 album that should have made STARZ famous.
STARZ was one of the great American hard rock arena acts from the second half of Seventies on par with Aerosmith, Ted Nugent or Kiss, which despite a lack of major commercial success has a lasting cult following and has been cited as a major influence by bands such as Mötley Crüe; Poison, Bon Jovi and Twisted Sister.
Starz avoided the fabled sophomore jinx with this cult classic “Violation”, for many, the best album in their entire catalog. It is also the closest they came to a commercial breakthrough, with the lead-off track, “Cherry Baby,” climbed its way into the US top 40 albeit for only a brief stay.
That song, along with its equally accessible follow up single, “Sing It Shout It,” should have been enough to break Starz into the top tier of late Seventies arena rock bands.
Alas, it was not to be. However it wasn’t from a lack of quality…

REMASTER / SCOTT WEILAND and the WILDABOUTS / SHM-CD / STONE TEMPLE PILOTS

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS – No. 4 [Mo-Fi SACD 2298] (2026) *HQ*

Vengeance is sweet. Dismissed by some insiders due to vocalist Scott Weiland’s legal issues, and viewed by many critics as a band that rode the coattails of its predecessors, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS fired a loud shot across the bow in 1999 in the form of ”No. 4”.
Blending the strengths of the quartet’s three prior LPs while marking a return to its hard rock roots, the platinum-certified record stands as the heaviest and edgiest of the California ensemble’s career. That it succeeded while flying in the face of prevailing trends underlines its historic significance and appeal.
Sourced from the original analog tapes, mastered by engineer Rob LoVerde, and housed in mini-LP-style gatefold packaging, Mobile Fidelity’s numbered-edition hybrid SACD presents ”No. 4” in audiophile sound for the first time on disc. It plays with a combination of enhanced liveliness, fullness, and solidity that raises the profile of an album that doubled down on rock during a time when most of the style’s practitioners abandoned it in favor of electronic elements or quit the scene entirely.
This is truly like listening to this album for the first time. It sounds so much better than the CD it’s hard to believe it’s the same recording. All the brickwalled mastering choices seemed appropriate for this album at the time it came out in 1999, but hearing it like this with every instrument separated out and the EQ with a balanced presentation, gives you a new appreciation for this album.
Additionally, on the original release Weiland’s voice sounded buried in the mix, opaque. You can finally listen to this album without your ears bleeding. How the original CD was mastered is a crime. This SACD is pretty expensive, but this is a makes a massive difference that makes it worth the price…

QUEEN CITY KIDS / REMASTER

QUEEN CITY KIDS – Queen City Kids ’81 [remastered reissue 2026] HQ *Exclusive*

Finally one of the little gems from the Canadian early ’80s rock scene gets reissued / remastered for the first time: QUEEN CITY KIDS (QCK). We already featured their 2nd album, now it’s time for debut, self-titled ”Queen City Kids” from 1981. The remastering job is fantastic!
Their self-titled debut album ”Queen City Kids” aka ”QCK” was released 1981. The album sold well and regional tours in bars and small gigs all across the western provinces and into the US were followed by cross-Canada jaunts, including the coveted opening slots for Ozzy Osbourne, April Wine, Streetheart, Blue Oyster Cult, and Joan Jett.
”Queen City Kids” delivers a collection of punchy, rough-hewn analog sound rockers with sharp guitars and driving drums. The lead vocals of Alex Chuaqui sit prominently upfront, especially on standout tracks like “Carrying the Stick”—and give the mix a live, chest-pounding feel.
Unlike modern recordings, the album features a sweaty, honest barroom energy that captures the band’s gritty live reputation, and this 2026 remaster perfectly captures the sound with a vinyl LP vibe…

ORPHAN / REMASTER / REMASTER ROCK CANDY / THE PUMPS

ORPHAN – Lonely At Night [Rock Candy remastered & reloaded] HQ *Exclusive*

Formed in Winnipeg from the ashes of a band called The Pumps (who had links to obscure RCA act Max Damian), ORPHAN quickly signed to the Portrait label, an offshoot of CBS records, who were bathing in the recent and unexpected success of fellow Canadian group Loverboy.
The first ORPHAN album “Lonely At Night” appeared 1983, and this Rock Candy Records specialists ‘Remastered & Reloaded‘ version is wonderfully done.
With the record label deeming their name to be too new wave leaning, they switched to ORPHAN, according to record executives ‘a more conventional and less restrictive moniker‘(?).
This pompy, keyboard filled radio-friendly beauty was recorded at the famous Power Station studios in New York. Co-produced by its owner Tony Bongiovi (cousin of Jon Bon Jovi) and Lance Quinn (Bon Jovi, Danger Danger), the album hits the radio-friendly new wave melodic hard rock nail firmly on the head.
As one of the best Canadian albums of the era, the record embraces all the great elements that make for compelling listening; great hooks, unrelenting melody and musical ability that takes full advantage of clever arrangements.
Catchy, plenty of harmony vocals and contagious choruses, “Lonely At Night” is a must for fans of the genre. It’s a similar, but not identical, sound to both Loverboy and Aldo Nova…

ORPHAN / REMASTER / REMASTER ROCK CANDY / THE PUMPS

ORPHAN – Salute ’85 [Rock Candy Remastered & Reloaded] HQ *Exclusive*

Hailing from Winnipeg, Canada, ORPHAN was formed in 1982 from the ashes of the band The Pumps. After a locally successful debut LP, ORPHAN recorded their second album “Salute” with Englishman Phil Chapman (Eric Clapton, Corey Hart) & Jon Astley behind the desk. According to times – 1984-1985 – musically the band turned more mid-Eighties AOR-pumped oriented, extremely melodious and with a radio friendly Hi-tech touch.
This Rock Candy Records ‘Remastered & Reloaded‘ treatment brings the best from the record, obtaining a crisp sound quality. Awesome numbers such as the ecstatic “Woman In Love” and the fighting “Stand Up” (Refugee comes to mind) are staples of the pure AOR-Rock we all love.
“Old Enough To Know” is another instant favorite, just listen these quick guitars and huge processed drums.
The melodic rock perfection of “Lyin’ To Me” combines a sultry refrain with a bombastic chorus, “Steel & Iron” is heavily guitar oriented, while the more poppy “Crazy For The Night” and “A Little Heart & Soul” adds sensibility to a very well balanced recording.
The record oozes quality and class. Blessed with a polished sheen and a rich tapestry of songs the sound is highly reminiscent of equally impressive Canadian acts such as Red Rider, Honeymoon Suite and Streetheart…

FAST EDDIE CLARKE / FASTWAY / MOTORHEAD / REMASTER

FAST EDDIE CLARKE – Make My Day: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Story Of Fast Eddie Clarke [Complete 4-CD Box Set] (2024) *Exclusive*

”Make My Day: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Story of FAST EDDIE CLARKE” celebrates the late Motorhead / Fastway guitarist with a deluxe 4-CD career retrospective and book written by veteran rock journalist Kris Needs with Clarke’s widow Mariko Fujiwara, giving you a glimpse into the life and times of a proper rock ‘n’ roll great.
This is the complete set, remastered – be aware of fake versions floating the web compiling songs taken from previous albums, and incomplete. The set features unearthed / vault music from FAST EDDIE CLARKE early bands, Motorhead & Fastway rarities / unreleased, and his solo work including re-recordings and alternate versions.
CD1 is titled ‘The Early Years’, featuring tracks from Zeus, Continuous Performance, and the Muggers (who Eddie and Philthy “Animal” Taylor played with in 1978), rare early material remastered.
CD2 is ‘Motorhead Era’, highlighting hits like ‘Ace Of Spades,’ unreleased demos, rare Clarke takes on lead vocals, and his work with Girlschool,
CD3 ‘Fastway’ the band’s evolution with demos, remixes, plus the best hits, then CD4 is ‘The Solo Years’, focusing on his solo albums and collaborations.
Stories of a rock n’ roll warrior don’t come much more comprehensive than this. R.I.P. Eddie, and thanks for your rich legacy…

LeBROCK / REMASTER

LeBROCK – Real Thing + Action & Romance [2-in-1 CD Remastered] (2020) + Outrun EP (2025) *HQ*

Synthwave / melodic rock / 80s power pop greats LeBROCK brought a fresh sound to the genre with their first two EPs, 2016’s ‘Action & Romance’ and 2018’s ‘Real Thing’. Alongside their dream-like ’80s synths these guys add to their sound heartfelt vocal performances and robust guitar chords & solos.
Now, these beloved recordings are being combined and released on CD for the very first time, fully remastered. This special physical edition “Real Thing + Action & Romance [2-in-1 CD Remastered]” includes both hit EPs on a single CD, packaged together for maximum listening enjoyment.
Additionally, we are featuring LeBROCK’s last 2025 EP titled “Outrun“, another great soundtrack for a trip down the ’80s beach highway.
LeBrock put themselves into the new synthwave retro ’80s movement, but they are much more a ‘band’ with ‘real instruments’ than the typical projects of this ilk. LeBrock isn’t created by a synth / keyboard fan like most the projects from the synthwave scene – these are complete musicians.
This is a band put together by two musicians with academic formation; guitarist and keyboard player Michael Meadows and vocalist Shaun Phillips. LeBrock’s music of course, is inspired by all the ’80s culture from movies to sci-fi to mainstream music (just check out the album cover).
However, their blend of synthwave includes electric guitars, real bass and vocals performed and arranged in a true Melodic Rock manner. Seriously, just check Shaun’s performance on “Dangerous Dreams”… this guy easily could be the next Vega lead vocalist!