"Expect No Mercy" Album Description:
In the tumultuous landscape of 1970s rock music, where the airwaves were saturated with a cacophony of genres vying for attention, one album emerged as a formidable force that would leave an indelible mark on the era. "Expect No Mercy," the 12" LP vinyl album by Nazareth, not only stands as a testament to the band's musical prowess but also serves as a cultural artifact that encapsulates the spirit of its time.
Produced by the renowned Manny Charlton, whose deft touch in the studio had previously steered Nazareth to success with albums like "Hair of the Dog," "Expect No Mercy" marked a significant chapter in the band's discography. Charlton's influence on the production brought a raw, unbridled energy to the album, elevating the band's signature sound to new heights.
At the helm of the sound and recording engineering was Nick Blagona, a maestro in his own right. The decision to record the album at Le Studio in Morin Heights, Canada, added a unique sonic quality to the tracks. Le Studio, known for its picturesque setting and state-of-the-art facilities, provided the perfect backdrop for Nazareth to craft their musical opus.
The artistic vision of an album is often encapsulated in its cover, and "Expect No Mercy" is no exception. The album cover boasts a striking painting by the legendary Frank Frazetta, a visionary artist whose work has become synonymous with the fantasy genre. Frazetta's evocative art not only adorned the cover but also served as a visual overture to the sonic journey within.
Complementing Frazetta's artwork is the album cover photography, skillfully handled by PhotoReserve Bill Sosin and Ed Rottinger. Their lens captured the essence of the band and the era, freezing a moment in time that would resonate with fans for decades to come.
Released in 1977, "Expect No Mercy" arrived at a juncture where the music scene was undergoing a dynamic transformation. Punk and new wave were challenging the established order, disco was dominating the dance floors, and classic rock was still reigning supreme. In this context, Nazareth's album brought a fusion of hard rock and blues-infused melodies that struck a chord with a diverse audience.
The tracks on "Expect No Mercy" showcase Nazareth's versatility, from the gritty and powerful title track to the soulful balladry of "Gone Dead Train." The album's thematic depth and musical range positioned it as a relevant commentary on the challenges and uncertainties of the times.
Music Genre:
Scottish Hard Rock |
Album Production Information:
The album: "NAZARETH - Expect No Mercy" was produced by:
Manny Charlton
Sound/Recording Engineer(s):
Nick Blagona
This album was recorded at:
Le Studio, Morin Heights, Canada
Album cover painting: Frank Frazetta
Frank Frazetta (Birth-name: Frank Frazzetta ) was an American fantasy and science fiction artist, best known for his iconic illustrations and paintings in the genres of sword and sorcery, horror, and science fiction. He was born on February 9, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, and began drawing at a young age.
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Frazetta's career took off in the 1950s and 1960s, when he produced some of his most famous works, including cover art for books by authors like Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert E. Howard, as well as illustrations for comic books and movie posters. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest fantasy and science fiction artists of all time, and his work has been a major influence on countless other artists and creators.
Frazetta's work is characterized by its dynamic and powerful imagery, featuring larger-than-life characters and intense action scenes, often set against sprawling landscapes and fantastical creatures. His iconic paintings, such as "Death Dealer," "Conan the Adventurer," and "The Egyptian Queen," have become legendary, and are widely collected and reproduced.
Throughout his career, Frazetta received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Jack Kirby Hall of Fame Award, and he has been recognized as one of the most influential and important artists in the fantasy and science fiction genres. Today, his work continues to be widely admired and celebrated, and his legacy as one of the greatest fantasy artists of all time is firmly established.
Album cover photography: PhotoReserve Bill Sosin, Ed Rottinger
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Record Label Information:
Vertigo 6370 424 |
Media Format:
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country:
1977 Made in Italy |
