Over half a century after it set the band on the path to superstardom, Queen’s regal second album is returning. On March 27th, the band will release a lavish 5CD+2LP Collector’s Edition of Queen II, featuring a brand-new 2026 mix.
Originally released in 1974, Queen II is widely heralded as the band’s first true masterpiece. Brian May and Roger Taylor served as executive producers for this restoration. The team of Justin Shirley-Smith, Joshua J Macrae, and Kris Fredriksson handled the stunning new mix.
The collector's box offers much more than just the original tracks. It includes intimate fly-on-the-wall audio from the studio and previously unheard outtakes. Fans can also enjoy rare demos, live tracks, and classic radio sessions.
A 112-page book accompanies the set. It features unseen photographs and handwritten lyrics. It also includes diary entries and personal memories from the band members about the recording process at Soho’s Trident Studios.
Brian May describes the album as the "biggest leap" the band ever made. It was the moment they gained the freedom to experiment. They began creating the dense, multi-layered sound that would become their global trademark.
The album is famous for its "Side White" and "Side Black" structure. Side White features Brian May’s guitar-heavy orchestrations. Side Black showcases Freddie Mercury’s complex, fantastical musical excursions, including the epic "The March of the Black Queen."
Roger Taylor notes that the band was pioneering multitracking techniques during these sessions. This allowed them to create massive choral effects with only three voices. The results were so ahead of their time that many fans, including Axl Rose, consider it a crowning achievement.
Beyond the massive box set, the 2026 mix will be available in multiple formats. These include a 2CD Deluxe Edition, vinyl LPs, and a special picture disc. Digital fans can also experience the album in immersive Atmos sound.
