Malice - In the Beginning 12" Vinyl LP Album

"In the Beginning..." is the first official full-length album released by the Californian Heavy Metal/Power Metal band "Malice. The album was produced by Michael Wagener for Double Trouble Productions , recorded at Total Access Studios, Redondo Beach and released in 1983.

 

Malice In the Beginning 12" Vinyl LP Album album front cover

"In the Beginning" Album Description:

In the vast landscape of heavy metal, certain albums stand out as iconic, leaving an indelible mark on the genre's history. Among these treasures is Malice's "In the Beginning," a 12" Vinyl LP Album that catapulted the band into the spotlight and solidified their place in the metal pantheon. Released during the golden era of metal in the mid-1980s, this album is a sonic journey that showcases the band's prowess and establishes them as a force to be reckoned with.

A Glimpse into the Past:

"In the Beginning" emerged in 1985, a time when metal was thriving and expanding its boundaries. Malice, hailing from Portland, Oregon, seized the opportunity to contribute to the metal revolution with their unique blend of power and speed metal. The album served as the band's debut full-length release, following the success of their EP "Kick You Down."

The Vinyl Experience:

The decision to release "In the Beginning" as a 12" Vinyl LP Album was strategic and visionary. Vinyl records were the primary medium for music consumption at the time, offering a warm and authentic sound that resonated with the essence of heavy metal. The large canvas of a 12" vinyl allowed for intricate album artwork, and Malice capitalized on this by presenting a visually stunning cover that mirrored the intensity of the music within.

Legacy and Impact:

"In the Beginning" left an enduring impact on the metal community, earning Malice a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim. The album's combination of melody and aggression set a precedent for the power metal genre that would continue to evolve in the years to come. Malice's influence can be heard in subsequent generations of metal bands who drew inspiration from the band's technical prowess and unbridled energy.

Music Genre: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock Music

Album  Production information:

Produced by Michael Wagener for Double Trouble Productions

Michael Wagener is a renowned music producer, mixer, and engineer hailing from Hamburg, Germany. He is highly recognized for his work with numerous prominent hard rock and heavy metal bands, particularly during the late 1980s, when he achieved considerable success and acclaim for his production contributions.

Before his rise as a producer, Wagener had a musical career of his own. He was a guitarist and part of a German band called "Band X" in the pre-1970 era. Notably, Udo Dirkschneider, known for his involvement with the bands Accept and U.D.O., also performed alongside Wagener in Band X. This early collaboration between Wagener and Dirkschneider acted as a precursor to the formation of Accept, the influential German heavy metal band.

While Michael Wagener began as a guitarist for Accept, he eventually transitioned into the realm of music production, where he found his true calling. His talent, expertise, and meticulous approach to producing and mixing led him to work with some of the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal. Wagener became highly sought after for his ability to capture the energy and power of these genres in the studio.

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In addition to his work as a music producer, mixer, and engineer, Michael Wagener is also the president of Double Trouble Productions. This production company, headed by Wagener, focuses on providing high-quality production services to various artists and bands in the music industry.

Over the years, Wagener's production credits have included collaborations with iconic bands such as Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row, Dokken, White Lion, and many others. His contributions to the sound and success of these bands have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of rock and metal production.

Michael Wagener's work is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, ability to capture powerful performances, and his knack for creating an impactful and polished sound. His contributions to the music industry, particularly in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, have left a lasting imprint and have helped shape the sonic landscape of numerous iconic albums.


Recorded at Total Access Studios, Redondo Beach, CA.

Alex Woltman - Sound Engineer

Alex Woltman, sound engineer who has been working on a dozen of Heavy Metal albums during the 1980s. Bands he has worked with include W.A.S.P., Malice, Lizzy Borden and others. For W.A.S.P. he engineered the two singles: "95-Nasty", "I Don't Need No Doctor" and the full-length album: "Inside the Electric Circus"

Ashley Howe - Sound Engineer

Duane Baron - Sound Engineer

Duane Baron is a sound engineer known for his work in the music industry. While information about Duane Baron's personal life is limited, his contributions as a sound engineer have left a lasting impact on various musical projects.

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Duane Baron has worked with a diverse range of artists and bands, showcasing his versatility and skill in capturing and enhancing the sound of their recordings. He has been involved in engineering and mixing albums across different genres, including rock, metal, and pop.

One notable collaboration in Duane Baron's career was his work on Mötley Crüe's album "Girls, Girls, Girls." Released in 1987, the album showcased a departure from the band's previous sound, incorporating a blues-influenced style. As the sound engineer for the project, Duane Baron played a crucial role in capturing the band's performance and bringing their vision to life.

While his work on "Girls, Girls, Girls" with Mötley Crüe gained recognition, Duane Baron has also lent his expertise to other notable acts. Some of his other engineering credits include albums by Ozzy Osbourne, Heart, and Alice Cooper, among others. Through his work, Duane Baron has contributed to shaping the sound and production quality of these artists' music.

Sound engineers like Duane Baron are responsible for capturing, manipulating, and mixing audio recordings to achieve the desired sound quality and artistic vision. They work closely with artists and producers to ensure that the recording process translates the musical performances into a cohesive and sonically pleasing final product.

Mark Wilczak - Sound Engineer

George Marino (1947-2012) - Mastering Engineer

George Marino was a highly acclaimed Senior Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound in New York City. Born on 15 April 1947, in the Bronx, New York, he became one of the most experienced and influential sound mastering engineers in the world. With his unparalleled expertise, Marino played a significant role in shaping the sound of countless albums across various music genres.

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From a young age, Marino displayed a deep passion for music and an innate talent for audio engineering. He began his career at Capitol Records in New York, where he worked as a mastering engineer and honed his skills in audio post-production. In 1973, Marino joined Sterling Sound, a renowned mastering facility founded by Lee Hulko. It was here that he would leave an indelible mark on the music industry.

Over the years, George Marino mastered an extensive catalog of albums for a wide range of artists and musical styles. His meticulous attention to detail and exceptional ear for sound allowed him to consistently deliver exceptional quality and clarity in his work. He possessed an intuitive understanding of how to enhance the dynamics, balance, and overall sonic experience of each record he touched.

During the 1980s, a pivotal era for heavy metal music, George Marino worked on numerous influential albums in the genre. His mastering contributions to these records played a crucial role in shaping the iconic sounds of heavy metal during that decade. Some notable albums he mastered include:

These albums, among many others, showcase Marino's contribution to the heavy metal genre's sonic landscape during the 1980s. His meticulous mastering work ensured that these records had the power, clarity, and impact necessary to captivate listeners and establish their enduring legacies.

George Marino's career spanned over four decades, during which he received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. His expertise and mastery of sound engineering made him a highly sought-after professional, and he worked with a diverse range of artists, including AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Coldplay, and many more.

Tragically, George Marino passed away on 4 June 2012, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most skilled and respected mastering engineers of his time. His dedication to his craft, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled expertise continue to inspire and influence audio engineers and musicians worldwide. George Marino's contributions to the art of sound mastering remain an enduring testament to his extraordinary talent and passion for music.

Record Label & Catalognr:

Atlantic 781 250 / LC 0121

Packaging:

  This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Malice

Media Format:

 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record 

Year & Country:

 1985 Made in Germany

Band Members and Musicians on: Malice In the Beginning
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • James Neal - Vocals
  • Jay Reynolds - Guitars
  • Mick Zane - Guitars, Acoustic
  • Mark Behn - Bass, Taurus Pedals
  • Clifford Carothers - Drums, Motorcycle

Track Listing of: Malice In the Beginning
    The Song/tracks on "In The Beginng" are:
  • Rockin' With You 05:01
  • Into The Ground 03:48
  • Air Attack 03:01
  • Stellar Masters 03:58
  • Tarot Dealer 04:21
  • Squeeze It Dry 04:03
  • Hellrider 04:11
  • No Haven For The Raven 06:07
  • The Unwanted 04:37
  • Godz Of Thunder

 

Front Cover Photo Of Malice In the Beginning 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

Malice In the Beginning 12" Vinyl LP Album album front cover

Photo Of The Back Cover Malice In the Beginning 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

Malice In the Beginning 12" Vinyl LP Album album back cover

Close up of record's label Malice In the Beginning 12" Vinyl LP Album Side One

Record Label Details: Green and Orange ATLANTIC 781 250

Malice In the Beginning 12" Vinyl LP Album enlarged record label