Album Description:
The 12" vinyl LP album "Nemesis" by AXE stands as a testament to the American Hard Rock band's musical prowess and evolution. Released as their fourth studio album, "Nemesis" showcases the band's transition from their previous incarnation as "Alien" to the formidable force known as AXE. The album, released under ATCO Records, features a captivating blend of powerful vocals, scorching guitar work, and hard-hitting rhythms that have come to define the band's signature sound.
AXE emerged from the remnants of another band called "Babyface", featuring Edgar Riley Jr, Bobby Miles, Bobby Barth, and Mike Turpin. However, it was in 1979 that the band underwent a transformative change, renaming themselves AXE and welcoming Michael Osborne as their second guitarist. This alteration marked a turning point in their musical journey, setting the stage for the release of "Nemesis".
Produced by Al Nalli, "Nemesis" boasts an impressive lineup of sound and recording engineers, with Andy de Ganahl taking charge of the studio work at Bee Jay Recording Studio in Orlando, Florida. The album's pristine sound quality is a testament to the meticulous attention paid to every detail during the recording process. To ensure the highest level of audio excellence, Bob Ludwig, a renowned mastering engineer, lent his expertise at Masterdisk N.Y.C., adding the final touches to the album.
The 12" vinyl LP format of "Nemesis" offers a tangible and immersive listening experience. It includes a custom inner sleeve that provides essential album details and features the complete lyrics of all the songs. This comprehensive inclusion allows listeners to delve into the lyrical depth and narrative intricacies woven throughout the album.
From the opening track to the closing notes, "Nemesis" showcases AXE's ability to craft infectious melodies and memorable hooks. The album explores a range of themes, from introspective reflections to anthemic expressions of resilience and determination. Each song is imbued with powerful vocals, courtesy of Edgar Riley Jr., who effortlessly commands the listener's attention. The guitar work, executed by Bobby Barth and Michael Osborne, is a captivating blend of blistering solos and intricate riffs that showcase the band's instrumental prowess.
"Nemesis" represents a crucial chapter in AXE's discography, as it highlights their musical growth and artistic evolution. The album's production quality, courtesy of Al Nalli, ensures that every instrument and vocal nuance is perfectly balanced, allowing each song to resonate with the listener on a profound level. The collaboration with sound engineer Andy de Ganahl and mastering engineer Bob Ludwig further solidifies the album's sonic brilliance.
As fans embrace the vinyl LP format, "Nemesis" serves as a testament to AXE's enduring legacy. With its striking album artwork, immersive sound quality, and comprehensive inclusion of lyrics, the 12" vinyl LP provides a captivating and nostalgic experience for both longtime fans and new listeners alike. AXE's "Nemesis" stands as a testament to the band's dedication to their craft and their ability to create Hard Rock music that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.
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Album Production Information:
The album: "AXE - Nemesis" was produced by: Al Nalli
Al Nalli – Producer, manager
The guy who could turn band chaos into a signed contract and a finished master.
Read more...
Al Nalli is the kind of industry lifer I learned to respect: not a spotlight hog, but the guy who gets the deal, the studio time, and the tape rolling. His fingerprints show up when Brownsville Station got steered onto Big Tree/ABC in the early 1970s (he’s credited in their camp through the mid-’70s), then he pivots to Blackfoot as manager and co-producer right as they break nationally—producing the 1979 "Strikes" era and helping shape their tougher Atco run. By 1982 he’s also producing Axe’s "
Offering
," tightening their hard-rock swing without sanding off the grit.
Sound/Recording Engineer(s):
Andy de Ganahl
Andy De Ganahl - Sound EngineerA no-nonsense engineer: keeps guitars big, drums tight, and mud out of the mix. Read more... Andy De Ganahl, the kind of engineer who keeps big guitars huge without turning the low end into oatmeal. I ran into his name on Pat Travers Band's "Hot Shot" (circa 1980), then again on Y&T's "In Rock We Trust" (1984) where he handled engineering and mixing and kept the Fantasy Studios wall-of-amps sound sharp, not smeared. He also turned up in the late-'80s trenches with Molly Hatchet's "Lightning Strikes Twice" (1989), and later on A Flock of Seagulls' "The Light at the End of the World" in the mid-1990s. Different bands, same mission: punch, clarity, and zero mush. He isn't the guy in the band photo; he's the guy who makes the band photo sound like it looks: loud, focused, and ready to bite.
Assistent sound engineer: Pat "I Can Take a Punch" Schneider
This album was recorded at:
Bee Jay recording Studio, Orlando, Florida
Mastering Engineer: Bob Ludwig at Masterdisk N.Y..C.
Bob Ludwig – Mastering EngineerMy quick tell for a record that’s about to sound expensive: “Mastered by Bob Ludwig” quietly lurking in the credits. Read more... Bob Ludwig, for me, is the final boss of “make it hit”: cutting lacquers at A&R in the late ’60s, shaping the 1970s at Sterling Sound, the 1976–1992 Masterdisk era, then building Gateway Mastering in Maine (founded 1992) before retiring in 2023. His mastering fingerprints run from classic rock to metal to modern pop—Led Zeppelin and Lou Reed through Metallica, Nirvana, Tool, and Daft Punk.
Album cover photography: Mark Hanauer
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Record Label & Catalognr: ATCO Records – 79-0099-1
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
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Year & Country:
1983 Made in the Netherlands for European distribution
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