Hard rockers Tesla [ tickets ] return this summer with a new full-length studio album, "Real to Reel," and plans for a 20th anniversary boxed set on the horizon.

The group will kick off its touring season tonight (5/31) in its hometown of Sacramento, CA, with a free show where fans will be given a chance to purchase copies of the band's new album before its June 5 release date.

The new set will ship with one CD and a slot for a second disc that will be available for purchase exclusively at the band's summer concerts, which run through late July; the schedule is detailed below.

The 13-track first CD of "Real to Reel" features covers of "songs that inspired us back in the day when we first heard them in the '70s," singer Jeff Keith said in a press release. "We originally had a large list of songs in mind for the record, and we had a lot of fun picking out the ones that ultimately made it onto the album. Making music is all about feeding off of your inspirations and putting your own touches to it. We feel we've accomplished this to the highest extent."

Artists given the cover treatment on Tesla's new album include The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and others.

The album is Tesla's first since once again parting ways with original member Tommy Skeotch, who was replaced last year on tour and in the studio with guitarist Dave Rude. Although Skeotch had been in and out of the band since 1994 to deal with substance abuse problems, his most recent departure centered on family issues, primarily the birth of the guitarist's new son, according to an article published last year in the Mojave Desert News.

"He just wanted to spend more time with his family after all these years," bassist Brian Wheat told the newspaper. "It's hard. He'll always be a part of Tesla history."

Tesla's platinum debut, "Mechanical Resonance," was released in November of 1986, and featured the hits "Modern Day Cowboy" and "Little Suzi." The group's three subsequent releases were also certified platinum, and spawned the Top 10 hits "Love Song" and "Signs."