Speak English or Die is the first album by the thrash/hardcore band Stormtroopers of Death (S.O.D.).
After Anthrax finished recording Spreading the Disease, there still was some studio time left, so Scott Ian and Charlie Benante called some friends, practiced some songs, and recorded it all within a week.
In the mid-1980s, amidst the burgeoning thrash metal scene, a side project emerged that would leave an indelible mark on the genre. Stormtroopers of Death, better known as S.O.D., released their debut album "Speak English or Die" in 1985, igniting a firestorm of controversy and musical innovation.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
"Speak English or Die" arrived at a time when thrash metal was gaining momentum, with bands like Metallica and Slayer pushing the boundaries of aggression and speed. S.O.D., a supergroup formed by members of Anthrax and Nuclear Assault, injected a dose of hardcore punk into the mix, creating a hybrid genre known as crossover thrash. The album's breakneck tempos, aggressive riffs, and satirical lyrics captured the rebellious spirit of the era.
Genre and Controversies
"Speak English or Die" solidified crossover thrash as a distinct subgenre, blending the raw energy of hardcore punk with the technicality of thrash metal. The album's lyrics, often humorous and politically incorrect, sparked controversy for their offensive nature. Some critics accused the band of racism and xenophobia, while others defended their right to free speech and artistic expression.
Production Team and Recording Studio
The album was produced by Alex Perialas, known for his work with Anthrax and Overkill. The recording sessions took place at Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca, New York. The band's DIY approach and tight schedule resulted in a raw and unpolished sound that captured the intensity of their live performances.
Album Cover Art
The album cover, featuring the band's mascot Sergeant D holding a severed head, further fueled the controversy surrounding S.O.D. The artwork, designed by Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian, was a visual representation of the band's irreverent and provocative attitude.
Music Genre: Hardcore Punk Crossover Thrash Metal |
Album Production information: The album: "Speak English Or Die" was produced by: Scott Ian and Alex Perialas for NOT Productions and Jon Zazula. Precious Metal Music Alex Perialas is an American Producer and sound engineer, and owner of the "Pyramid Sound Recording Studios" in Ithaca, and has been responsible for the production and engineering of dozens of Heavy Metal albums during the 1980s. Perialas is a well-known music producer and engineer who has been active in the industry for over three decades. He has worked with a wide range of musical artists, including heavy metal bands like Anthrax , Slayer , and Overkill , as well as pop artists like Taylor Dayne and New Kids on the Block. Throughout his career, Perialas has become known for his technical expertise, creative vision, and ability to bring out the best in his artists. Perialas was born in Greece and grew up surrounded by music. His father was a classical guitarist and his mother was a singer, so it was only natural that he would develop an early love for music. He began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and quickly became interested in recording and producing music. He moved to the United States in the 1970s to study music engineering and quickly began working in the industry, first as an assistant engineer and then as a producer. One of Perialas' earliest successes came with the release of the album "Among the Living" by Anthrax in 1987. This album marked a departure from the traditional sound of heavy metal and helped to establish Perialas as a major player in the genre. He went on to produce several more albums for the band, including "State of Euphoria" and "Persistence of Time". He also worked with other heavy metal acts like Slayer, Overkill, and Testament, helping to shape the sound of the genre and establish it as one of the dominant forces in popular music. In addition to his work in heavy metal, Perialas has also produced and engineered albums in a wide range of other genres. He has worked with pop artists like Taylor Dayne and New Kids on the Block, helping to create some of their biggest hits. He has also worked with hip-hop artists like MC Lyte and jazz musicians like Grover Washington Jr. This versatility and ability to work with a wide range of artists is one of the reasons why Perialas has been so successful throughout his career. Throughout his career, Perialas has been dedicated to the art of music production and engineering. He has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of recording and a keen ear for what makes a song sound great. He is also a creative visionary who is able to bring out the best in his artists, helping them to create music that is both innovative and commercial. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations and wins. In conclusion, Alex Perialas is a music producer and engineer who has made a significant impact on the industry. His work has helped to shape the sound of heavy metal and establish it as one of the dominant genres in popular music. He has also worked with a wide range of other artists, bringing out the best in them and helping them to create innovative and commercially successful music Jon Zazula: How did a record store shape metal forever? The Jon Zazula story – a must-read for music fans.
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Record Label & Catalognr: Roadrunner RR 9725 |
Album Packaging: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photo of the S.O.D. Band. |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 220 gram |
Year & Country: 1985 Made in Holland |
Band Members and Musicians on: S.O.D Stormtroopers of Death Speak English Or Die |
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Complete Track Listing of: "Speak English Or Die" |
The Song/tracks on "Speak English Or Die" are
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Album cover photos of : S.O.D Stormtroopers of Death Speak English Or Die |
| Photo of "Speak English Or Die" Album's Front Cover |
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| Photo of "Speak English Or Die" Album's Back Cover |
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| Photo of "Speak English Or Die" Album's Inner Cover |
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Close-up Photo of "Speak English Or Die" Record Label
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |