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

Category: SHM-CD

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…

BRUCE DICKINSON / REMASTER / SAMSON / SHM-CD

SAMSON (Bruce Dickinson lead vocals) – Survivors ’79 [SHM-CD remastered +9] (2026) *HQ*

A week ago Japanese label BELLE ANTIQUE / Ｍａｒｑｕｅｅ has started a beautiful reissue campaign of SAMSON albums pressed on SHM-CD, fully remastered 2026 and adding rarities / bonus tracks, all presented in a mini-LP / paper sleeve format replica.
SAMSON debut album, 1979’s ”Survivors” is of a special interest, as this vintage analog recording needed a proper remastering. And this reissue on SHM-CD includes no less than 9 bonus tracks.
Although his name is listed in the credits and his image appears to be on the front cover (standing atop such deceased notable figures as Jimi Hendrix, Jesus Christ, Elvis, and Hitler!), Bruce Dickinson was not in Samson when their 1979 debut, ”Survivors”, was recorded. The band was a trio at this point, consisting of Paul Samson on vocals and guitar, bassist Chris Aylmer, and masked drummer Barry “Thunderstick'” Graham. The band’s sound isn’t far off from what they would sound like with Dickinson on vocals (‘Head On’, ‘Shock Tactics’) — perhaps bluesier, but still comparable to other New Wave of British Heavy Metal bands that were beginning to rule the world around this time (Judas Priest, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Gillan, etc.).
However, you can hear Bruce Dickinson on the bonus tracks, the album tracks with ”Bruce Bruce” at the mic.
Such riff-rockers as the album-opening “It’s Not as Easy as It Seems” and “Big Brother” prove to be highlights, and like most other Samson recordings, at least one song belongs in the Spinal Tap hall of fame. This time, it’s “I Wish I Was the Saddle of a Schoolgirl’s Bike.”

EAGLES / JOE WALSH / REMASTER / SHM-CD

JOE WALSH – So What ’74 [Japanese SHM-CD remastered] HQ *Exclusive*

Over a year and a half before he joined the EAGLES to play on their classic album Hotel California, JOE WALSH released his third studio solo album “So What“, a wonderful piece of Classic Rock. As requested, here’s the excellent Japanese reissue pressed on ＳＨＭ－ＣＤ and featuring a pristine 24 bit remaster.
”So What” was supposed to be Joe Walsh’s most sophisticated album yet, and so it is, but the death of his three-year-old daughter in April 1974 cast a pall over it. The title alludes to Walsh’s state of mind at the time and the realization that what was intended to be his most important musical statement to date maybe wasn’t so important after all. The album is also notable as a sort of prequel to the next phase of Eagles, as every member except Bernie Leadon (whom Walsh would replace) appears here.
There’s no hits on ”So What”, just a remake, tightened-up version of his song “Turn to Stone.” The rest of the songs find Walsh refining his broad tastes for guitar-driven rock (“Time Out”), analog synthesizer interludes (“Pavanne”), psychedelic rock (“County Fair”) and what could be described as California rock (“Falling Down,” “Help Me Thru the Night”). The album ends with a song written for his daughter, Emma, that’ll break your heart…

REMASTER / SAXON / SHM-CD

SAXON – Innocence Is No Excuse [SHM-CD mini-LP remastered +7] (2025) HQ *Exclusive*

Remastered and including seven bonus tracks, Ｍａｒｑｕｅｅ ／ Ａｖａｌｏｎ Japan just reissued SAXON 1985’s album ‘Innocence Is No Excuse‘ on SHM-CD, a Paper Sleeve mini-LP replica from the original vinyl pressing. It uses the latest remastering, however this SHM-CD has a more defined bottom end.
”Innocence Is No Excuse” is Saxon’s major-label debut, their first album under EMI / Parlophone. Produced by Simon Hanhart, 1985’s Innocence was a controversial reinvention of the band’s style. It has a very commercial sound: smooth chorused guitars, gated drums and extra keyboards. And the band put a pop-metal spin on their material too. The opening track, the moody and windswept Rockin’ Again sets the stall out clearly: this is not going to be your typical Saxon album.
With Byford and Dawson hogging the writing chores, the focus is firmly on melodies and anthems. The glossy production with the guitars and their crystalline sustain, the fat bass lines and drums echo louder than ever, enhanced the best written pack of songs included into a Saxon album since its foundation. It’s a vast sound that increases the scope and atmosphere. At the forefront, Byford’s lead vocals are not only more fine-tuned, but they’re actually singing catchy choruses.
From the cryptic opening of “Rockin’ Again” to the cheerful “Back On The Streets” and to the spirited “Everybody Up” (used in the 1985 Italian horror movie Demoni), this is like listening to a re-invigorated band…

METALLICA / REMASTER / SHM-CD

METALLICA – Kill ‘Em All [Japan SHM-CD Remastered mini-LP replica] *HQ*

As requested, here’s the mighty METALLICA debut album “Kill ‘Em All” remastered, in its Japanese SHM-CD pressing mini-LP replica, now out of print.
Without belaboring the point, some albums change the course of music so profoundly that it’s hard to imagine what the world was like before their arrival. Metallica’s 1983 debut “Kill ‘Em All” more or less singlehandedly launched thrash metal and established the template for every other metal band on Earth that’s been active since.
You could argue that other bands were bound to reach the same threshold of tempo and attack because the early ’80s metal underground was collectively headed in the same direction. But the fact is, several key participants in thrash metal’s first wave freely admit that “Kill ‘Em All” gave them a framework for the sound they had all been searching for.
In other words, once Metallica stepped up the pace, everyone else followed suit…

ANN WILSON / HEART / REMASTER / SHM-CD

HEART – Bad Animals [Japanese SHM-CD remastered]

As part of the essential HEART albums reissued on SHM-CD by Universal Japan is the great “Bad Animals“. The recording continues the mainstream melodic hard rock style from the band’s 1985 self-titled release, all while enjoying similar success, three times platinum.
“Bad Animals” contains the number 1 hit single “Alone”, while “Who Will You Run To” reached No. 7, “There’s the Girl” reached No. 12, and “I Want You So Bad” reached No. 49. All are terrific songs. While the album is notable for containing only a few tracks with writing contributions from lead members Ann and Nancy Wilson, I have no problem at all with it.
And that’s because we have the songwriting talents of monsters such as Tom Kelly, Billy Steinberg, Holly Knight, Steve Kipner, Peter Beckett… wow.

DEF LEPPARD / JOE ELLIOTT'S DOWN 'N' OUTZ / REMASTER / SHM-CD

DEF LEPPARD – Hysteria [Japan SHM-CD new remaster / Limited Release] (2023) HQ *Exclusive*

A few days ago Universal Music Japan started a new reissue campaign of DEF LEPPARD albums pressed on SHM-CD, a Limited Edition release on miniLP faithfully replicating the album first edition LP in miniature and the original Japanese OBI. This reissue differs from the previous (now sold out) SHM-CD reissues, as features a new remastering.
“Hysteria” is a classic, one of the best selling albums in history, and one of the best produced. This album sounds terrific. Every track sparkles and burns. There is no filler. Mutt Lange gets full credit as a co-composer. He is, in fact, the sixth Leppard — the one who takes their riffs and choruses and assembles them into spectacular tracks.
There’s the relentless big drums; the dazzling guitar montages; the impeccable sense of structure and separation; the preternatural clarity. None of which is to suggest that Lange could have made this album on his own. Def Leppard is a sharp, hot and dedicated stage band that really delivers live. Steve Clark and Phil Collen worked like a two-man guitar firestorm – note the pulsing slabs of sound they pump into “Rocket” and the keening leads on “Don’t Shoot Shotgun” and “Love and Affection”. Rick Allen (despite his accident) and bassist Rick Savage remain a formidable rhythm section, and singer Joe Elliott, this time out, has convincingly deepened his range…

GARY MOORE / REMASTER / SHM-CD

GARY MOORE – Still Got The Blues [Limited Japan SHM-CD remastered +5] (2023) *HQ*

Fortunately the excellent SHM-CD format used in Japan is not dead, and now Universal Music Japan is reissuing in 2023 masterpieces from GARY MOORE in a miniLP / cardboard sleeve cover artwork and the latest remastered sound, plus bonus tracks.
A return to his blues roots, “Still Got The Blues” is the most successful album both in sales and chart positions from Gary Moore in the US.
Relieved from the pressures of having to record a hit single, Gary Moore cuts loose on some blues standards as well as some newer material here. Moore plays better than ever, spitting out an endless stream of fiery licks that are both technically impressive and soulful.
I believe Gary Moore was the first hard rock guitarist to cross over to blues by dedicating a full CD to the genre. There have been a string of “heavy blues” records produced by predominantly rock guitarists since the release of “Still Got The Blues”, so I think Gary set a standard in this area that has yet to be equaled…

GARY MOORE / REMASTER / SHM-CD

GARY MOORE – Run For Cover [Japan SHM-CD miniLP remastered +3] (2023) *HQ*

Fortunately the excellent SHM-CD format used in Japan is not dead, and now Universal Music Japan is reissuing in 2023 masterpieces from GARY MOORE in a miniLP / cardboard sleeve cover artwork and the latest remastered sound, plus bonus tracks.
“Run For Cover” is often considered as Gary Moore’s breakthrough album, and his more glossy / melodic produced. It features as well, monster vocal contributions by legends Glenn Hughes and Phil Lynott.
Indeed, checking the credits, you’ll see no less than four big name producers were employed in the making of “Run For Cover”: Mike Stone (Journey, Whitesnake), Peter Collins (Bon Jovi, Queensryche), Andy Johns (All!) and Beau Hill (Ratt, Winger), with each playing to their strengths.
Parping ’80s keyboards are present and correct but not obnoxiously so and complement songs like ‘Once In A Lifetime’, the excellent title track and the awesome ‘Out In The Fields’. The choice of vocal wonder Glenn Hughes, to guest on four of the tracks, works really well. His, for once, understated delivery meshes really well with Gary’s voice.
This SHM-CD remastered reissue sound quality is excellent…

GARY MOORE / REMASTER / SHM-CD

GARY MOORE – Victims Of The Future [Japan SHM-CD miniLP remastered +3] (2023) *HQ*

Fortunately the excellent SHM-CD format used in Japan hasn’t been shelved, and now Universal Music Japan is reissuing in 2023 masterpieces from GARY MOORE in a miniLP / cardboard sleeve cover artwork and the latest remastered sound, plus bonus tracks.
Continuing Gary Moore’s path in the hard rock genre started as solo artist a couple years before (after his excellent work with Thin Lizzy) “Victims of the Future” was a collection of straight-out rocking anthems such as “Teenage Idol” and “Hold on to Love”, a mournful love ballad (“Empty Rooms”), a killer cover of The Yardbirds’ “Shapes of Things”, and two darker songs with some social and political commentary: the title track and the heavy “Murder in the Skies”, a protest against the Soviet Union’s shooting down of Korean Air Flight 007.
The bonus tracks included in this remastered reissue are great as well: “Devil In Her Heart” is a heavy number worthy of standing alongside “Murder in the Skies” plenty of fire and full-blooded guitar work, “Blinder” is a great instrumental showcasing emotional inspiration, and “Empty Rooms 1984 Remix” is the AORish version of Gary’s more popular song from the mid-80s…

GARY MOORE / REMASTER / SHM-CD

GARY MOORE – Corridors Of Power [Japan SHM-CD miniLP remastered +3] (2023) *HQ*

Fortunately the excellent SHM-CD format used in Japan hasn’t been shelved, and now Universal Music Japan is reissuing in 2023 masterpieces from GARY MOORE in a miniLP / cardboard sleeve cover artwork and the latest remastered sound, plus bonus tracks.
“Corridors Of Power” was the first of Irish guitar virtuoso Gary Moore’s true metal / hard rock albums. Featuring the same terrific rhythm section of Whitesnake at the time – Neil Murray on bass & ex-Deep Purple Ian Paice on drums – and produced by the highly requested Jeff Glixman, “Corridors Of Power” impressed the Rock community when appeared.
Boasting a crisp, aggressive sound, “Corridors Of Power” kicks off with the foot-stomping ‘Don’t Take Me for a Loser’, which is almost more Whitesnake than Whitesnake with the driving rhythm section and catchy hook. Gary’s lead vocals are fierce and fits the song greatly, yet with a more polished or dare I say ‘full-time’ vocalist (Coverdale perhaps?) it could probably have made the singles chart…

MEGADETH / REMASTER / SHM-CD

MEGADETH – Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? [Japan SHM-CD miniLP remastered + bonus] (2023) HQ *Exclusive*

When we thought never will see again classic hard rock / metal albums pressed on superb physical format SHM-CD Universal Music Japan has started a new 2023 reissue campaign, and we have in exclusive MEGADETH‘s 1986’s “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?” reissued in a miniLP replica, remastered and with bonus tracks.
Simply put, ”Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?” is a classic and an album that gave prominence to thrash metal. The anthemic title track and “Wake Up Dead” are the two major standouts, but the entire album knock your socks off.
From the get go, it’s clear that on ”Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?” in 1986 MEGADETH were a new beast. Maybe not as unhinged or fierce sounding as its predecessor debut, ‘Peace Sells…’ still sounds muscular and commanding, due to a much better songwriting and a serious improvement in musicianship.
”Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?” has hints of the band’s refined future sound while still retaining the filth and mercilessness of their early material. It’s the perfect blend of everything MEGADETH…

MEGADETH / REMASTER / SHM-CD

MEGADETH – So Far, So Good… So What! [Japan SHM-CD miniLP remastered + bonus] (2023) HQ *Exclusive*

When we thought never will see again classic hard rock / metal albums pressed on superb physical format SHM-CD Universal Music Japan has started a new 2023 reissue campaign, and we have in exclusive MEGADETH‘s 1988’s “So Far, So Good… So What!” reissued in a miniLP replica, remastered and with bonus tracks.
The success of “So Far, So Good… So What!” (managed to enter the top-30 of the Billboard 200 although it received no commercial radio play) indicated Megadeth’s forthcoming emergence from the underground scene.
While isn’t polished sounding as previous LP ‘Peace Sells…’ or the next ‘Rust In Peace’, for many fans this is MEGADETH finest hour, raw, with a sort of sloppy, rugged charm to it. “In My Darkest Hour”, the catchy “Hook In Mouth”, “Mary Jane”, “Set The World Afire” are killers tracks.
Every heavy metal album wishes it had the fury that seethes in these tracks. Only a few come close…

MEGADETH / REMASTER / SHM-CD

MEGADETH – Rust In Peace [Japan SHM-CD miniLP remastered + bonus] (2023) HQ *Exclusive*

When we thought never will see again classic hard rock / metal albums pressed on superb physical format SHM-CD Universal Music Japan has started a new 2023 reissue campaign, and we have in exclusive MEGADETH‘s 1990’s “Rust In Peace” reissued in a miniLP replica, remastered and with bonus tracks.
For “Rust In Peace”, enter excellent lead guitarist Marty Friedman and drummer Nick Menza into the line up, and MEGADETH created one of the best thrash metal records of all time according to Decibel and Kerrang!, and listed in the reference book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. The album even was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.
“Rust In Peace” is a killer LP without a single skippable song. The lead guitar work is second to none, the drumming is always popping off, and the bass sounds so thick and juicy. The riffs are nasty too, even rivals Metallica’s. Dave Mustaine vocals sound great on this record, despite them being sort of an acquired taste for some casual listeners…