Queen to reissue sophomore album Queen II

Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor are set to reissue their sophomore album, Queen II, out on March 27.

Originally released in 1974, the album combines a heavy rock sound with art rock and progressive rock elements and has been called "a pillar of grandiose, assaultive hard rock" by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The reissue will include a collector's edition box set featuring the 2026 mix of the album, plus audio of Queen in the recording studio, previously unheard outtakes and demos, live tracks, and radio sessions.

Also included with the collector's edition is a 112-page book featuring previously unavailable photographs, handwritten lyrics, diary entries, and special memorabilia, as well as recollections of the writing and recording process from the band members.

“Queen II was the single biggest leap we ever made,” says Brian May. “That’s when we really started making music the way we wanted to, rather than the way we were being pushed into recording it.”

“With Queen II, I couldn’t believe how much work we put into it,” adds Roger Taylor. “I think we felt we were evolving our own sound. We were pioneering this sort of multitracking thing. It gave you a tremendous palette, massive choral effects with just three of us singing.”

"The idea was to reveal more of the clarity of the songs,” says mixer Shirley-Smith. “Rather than add anything, we wanted to reveal more of what was there and get that desired sound.”

Pre-order the Queen II reissue here.