Malice - License to Kill 12" vinyl ALBUM

"Malice - License to Kill" commands the stage on a 12" Vinyl Album. This release, marked by intense metal energy, showcases Malice's prowess in the genre. A significant offering in their discography, "License to Kill" exemplifies the band's dedication to the metal ethos. Whether through blistering riffs or powerful vocals, the album captures the essence of Malice's impact in the metal realm, making it a sought-after addition for enthusiasts of the genre.

 

High Resolution Photo MALICE License to Kill

Malice's "License to Kill": A Forgotten Gem of 80s Heavy Metal
Album Description:

In the vibrant and diverse landscape of 1980s heavy metal, Malice's debut album, "License to Kill," emerged as a bold statement. Released in 1987, the album captured the raw energy and unbridled passion that defined the era.

A Sonic Assault: Musical Exploration and Genre

"License to Kill" is a quintessential heavy metal album, showcasing a powerful blend of aggressive riffs, soaring vocals, and thunderous drumming. The band's musical exploration delves into themes of rebellion, freedom, and the darker aspects of human nature. While rooted in traditional heavy metal, Malice incorporated elements of speed metal and hard rock, creating a sound that was both familiar and distinctive.

Behind the Scenes: Production and Recording

The album was produced by the renowned Max Norman, known for his work with other heavy metal giants such as Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth, and Savatage. Norman's expertise helped Malice refine their sound and capture their live energy in the studio. Mastering was handled by the legendary Bob Ludwig, further ensuring the album's sonic excellence.

Music Genre:

Hard Rock, Heavy Metal Music

Album Production information:

Produced by Max Norman, for On Yer Bike Ltd

Legendary engineer Max Norman shaped iconic metal albums. Discover his story: Ozzy, Megadeth, and beyond!

Bob Ludwig - Mastering Engineer

Bob Ludwig is an American mastering engineer and record producer. He is widely regarded as one of the best mastering engineers in the music industry, and has worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, including classical, rock, pop, and jazz.

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Ludwig has been active in the music industry since the 1970s and has worked on numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including records by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and many others. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the industry and has won several Grammy Awards for his work.

Throughout his career, Ludwig has been known for his technical expertise, attention to detail, and his ability to bring out the best in recordings. He has also been a strong advocate for the preservation of audio quality and has worked to promote the use of high-quality analog and digital technologies in the recording and mastering process.

Overall, Bob Ludwig is a highly respected and accomplished mastering engineer who has made a significant impact on the music industry through his work with many of the biggest and most influential artists of our time.

Barry Levine - Photography

Bob Defrin - Art Direction

Bob Defrin, a prominent figure in the world of graphic design and album cover art, is best known for his significant contributions as the director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records. Born on April 13, 1946, Defrin's creative journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed a passion for art from an early age.

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Defrin's career in the music industry took off in the 1980s, a pivotal era for Heavy Metal music. His unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound through visual imagery made him a sought-after figure among musicians and record labels. As a director and graphic designer at Atlantic Records, Defrin played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identities of numerous Heavy Metal bands during this period.

One of Defrin's notable accomplishments was his work on album covers. He understood the power of album artwork in conveying the spirit and energy of a band's music. Defrin's ability to translate the raw power and intensity of Heavy Metal into captivating visuals earned him widespread recognition and accolades. His designs often featured bold, eye-catching imagery, intricate details, and striking typography, perfectly complementing the music within.

Defrin's portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic album covers. Among his most renowned works are the covers for AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979), "Back in Black" (1980), and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You" (1981). These covers captured the band's energy, attitude, and electrifying sound, becoming iconic symbols of Heavy Metal culture.

Additionally, Defrin's artistic contributions extended beyond AC/DC. He collaborated with numerous other influential bands, including Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Krokus, and Skid Row, among others. Each album cover he designed encapsulated the essence of the respective band's music, making a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Heavy Metal.

Bob Defrin's expertise in graphic design and his ability to understand and interpret the musical vision of Heavy Metal bands made him an invaluable asset to Atlantic Records. He left an indelible mark on the music industry, helping to shape the visual identities of some of the most influential Heavy Metal acts of the 1980s.

Beyond his work with Atlantic Records, Defrin's influence continued to resonate in the field of graphic design. His unique style and contributions left a lasting impression on album cover art, inspiring generations of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Bob Defrin's legacy as a director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records endures as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the Heavy Metal genre. His ability to merge music and visual artistry has forever left an indelible mark on the history of album cover design.

Chris Polentz - Cover Art

Record Label & Catalognr:

Atlantic 781 714
LC 0121

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record 

Year & Country:

1987 Made in Germany


Band Members and Musicians on: Malice License to Kill
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • James Neal - Vocals
  • Jay Reynolds - Guitars
  • Mick Zane - Guitars
  • Mark Behn - Bass
  • Clifford Carothers - Drums

Complete Track Listing of: Malice License to Kill
    The Song/tracks on "License to Kill" are:
  • Sinister Double
  • License To Kill
  • Against The Empire
  • Vigilante
  • Chain Gang Woman
  • Christine
  • Murder
  • Breathin' Down Your Neck
  • Circle Of Fire
Album cover photos of : Malice License to Kill

Photo of Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo MALICE License to Kill  
Photo of Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo MALICE License to Kill  
Photo of Record Label 
High Resolution Photo MALICE License to Kill  

 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 ).