Mike Oldfield Celebrates 35th Anniversary of 'Amarok' with Remastered Vinyl Reissue

Mike Oldfield Celebrates 35th Anniversary of 'Amarok' with Remastered Vinyl Reissue

Mike Oldfield is commemorating the 35th anniversary of his thirteenth studio album, Amarok, with a newly remastered vinyl reissue. The album will be released as a double-vinyl, half-speed remaster through UMC on October 31. The new reissue, approved by Oldfield, is divided into four 15-minute edits to enhance audio fidelity and includes expanded artwork. Amarok, a single long piece of music lasting over an hour, was created during a period of strained relations between Oldfield and Virgin Records, following perceived lack of promotion for his 1989 album Earth Moving. Despite Virgin Records suggesting the title Tubular Bells II, Oldfield insisted on Amarok, stating it could be considered as Ommadawn II. Tubular Bells II was eventually released in 1992 under Warner Music, marking Oldfield's departure from Virgin Records. Amarok remains one of Oldfield's personal favorites, as he recalls the creative process being free from interference and inspired by internal ideas. Oldfield's final album for Virgin Records was 1990's Heaven's Open, credited to Michael Oldfield, featuring a memorable moment on the closing track where laughter and Oldfield's expletive can be heard. Fans can pre-order the Amarok reissue now.