TRIUMPH - STAGES 2LP 12" Vinyl LIVE ALBUM

- Gatefold Album Cover

: This album "TRIUMPH - Stages Double Live Album" is a live album by Canadian hard rock band Triumph, released in 1985. The tracks were recorded from various performances over the prior three years 1981–1984 although two new studio tracks were added: "Mind Games" and "Empty Inside". 

 

TRIUMPH - Stages Gatefold Cover 2LP 12" Vinyl LIVE ALBUM front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"Stages" Album Description:

Released in 1985, "Stages" encapsulated Triumph's electrifying live energy and served as a retrospective of their most successful period. The double LP featured a selection of tracks recorded during their "Allied Forces," "Never Surrender," and "Thunder Seven" tours, providing a comprehensive snapshot of their concert experience.

Historical Context

By the mid-1980s, Triumph had solidified their position as a major force in the hard rock scene. Their string of successful studio albums and relentless touring had earned them a devoted fan base. "Stages" arrived at a time when live albums were a staple in a band's discography, allowing fans to relive the concert experience or discover the band's music in a new light.

Musical Exploration

The album showcased Triumph's signature blend of hard rock, progressive rock, and melodic ballads. The live recordings captured the raw energy and musicianship of the band, highlighting Rik Emmett's virtuosic guitar solos, Gil Moore's thunderous drumming, and Mike Levine's solid bass lines. The inclusion of two new studio tracks, "Mind Games" and "Empty Inside," added a contemporary touch to the album.

Controversies

While "Stages" was generally well-received, some critics questioned the inclusion of the two studio tracks, feeling they disrupted the flow of the live recordings. Additionally, the absence of certain fan favorites from the setlist sparked minor debates among die-hard fans.

Recording Venue

"Stages" was not recorded at a single venue. The tracks were culled from various shows across North America during Triumph's extensive tours from 1981 to 1984. This approach allowed the band to capture the diverse energy of different audiences and showcase their ability to adapt their performance to various settings.

Album Description & Collectors information:

Music Genre:

Canadian Hard Rock 
Album Production information:

The album: "TRIUMPH - Stages Double Live Album Foc Gatefold" was produced by: Triumph

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Ed Stone, Hugh Cooper , Noel Golden, David Runstedler

Ed Stone is a highly respected figure in the world of music production and sound engineering, particularly within the realm of Heavy Metal. Born and raised in the 1960s, Stone's passion for music ignited at an early age, eventually leading him to make a significant impact on the metal scene during the 1980s.

Stone's journey into the music industry began when he developed a keen interest in sound engineering. As he honed his skills, he quickly realized his affinity for the hard-hitting, raw energy of Heavy Metal music. He set out to work with bands that shared his passion for this genre, and it wasn't long before he made a name for himself in the industry.

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Throughout the 1980s, Stone's expertise was sought after by several prominent Heavy Metal bands. One of his early collaborations was with the Canadian thrash metal band Razor. Stone's production and engineering skills helped shape the band's sound, contributing to their success and earning him recognition within the metal community.

Following his work with Razor, Stone continued to forge strong partnerships with other notable bands of the era. He lent his talents to Kick Axe, a Canadian heavy metal band known for their powerful vocals and anthemic sound. Stone's contributions helped bring out the band's intensity and added depth to their recordings.

Stone's reputation as a skilled producer and sound engineer continued to grow, and his services were soon in high demand. He worked with the Canadian heavy metal band Warriors, ensuring their recordings captured the band's aggressive and dynamic live performances. Stone's meticulous attention to detail and technical expertise were evident in the band's albums, establishing him as a trusted collaborator.

In addition to his work with Razor, Kick Axe, and Warriors, Stone also made significant contributions to the careers of other bands during the 1980s Heavy Metal scene. His production and engineering work enhanced the sound of bands such as Deaf Dealer, Exciter, Hanover Fist, and Reckless, elevating their music and helping them gain recognition.

Stone's impact on the Heavy Metal genre during the 1980s cannot be overstated. His expertise and dedication to capturing the essence of the bands he worked with were crucial in shaping their sound and cementing their place in music history. His contributions were highly regarded, and his name became synonymous with high-quality production within the metal community.

Beyond the 1980s, Ed Stone's career continued to flourish. He expanded his portfolio, working with a diverse range of artists across different genres. His versatility and ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes made him a sought-after producer and sound engineer.

Ed Stone's passion for music, particularly Heavy Metal, and his dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the industry. His work with bands such as Razor, Kick Axe, Warriors, Deaf Dealer, Exciter, Hanover Fist, and Reckless showcased his exceptional talent and solidified his reputation as a master of his trade.

 

This album was mixed at: Metalworks Studios, Ontario, Canada , June-August 1985. Mastered at Masterdisk, New Yoork, by Bob Ludwig

Bob Ludwig is a legendary mastering engineer known for his work with Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd. With a career spanning over five decades, he has won multiple Grammy Awards and founded Gateway Mastering Studios. Ludwig is a pioneer in high-fidelity sound, ensuring top-tier audio quality. Learn more on Bob Ludwig's biography.

Album cover photography: Raja Rama

Record Label & Catalognr:

MCA Records 252 519
Album Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages

Media Format:

Double 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1985 Made in Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: TRIUMPH - Stages Double Live Album Foc Gatefold
    Triump's Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Rik Emmett – guitars, vocals
  • Gil Moore – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Michael Levine – bass, keyboards
  • Gary McCracken – drums on "Mind Games" due to Gil Moore's arm injury
  • Rob Yale – keyboards
Complete Track-listing of the album "TRIUMPH - Stages Double Live Album Foc Gatefold"

The detailed tracklist of this record "TRIUMPH - Stages Double Live Album Foc Gatefold" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. "When the Lights Go Down" (Gil Moore, Michael Levine, Rik Emmett) – 6:00
  2. "Never Surrender" (Rik Emmett, Michael Levine, Gil Moore) – 6:43
  3. "Allied Forces" (Gil Moore, Michael Levine, Rik Emmett) – 5:07
  4. "Hold On" (Rik Emmett) – 4:21
  5. "Magic Power" (Rik Emmett, Michael Levine, Gil Moore) – 6:12
  6. "Rock & Roll Machine" (Gil Moore) – 10:20
  7. "Lay it on the Line" (Rik Emmett) – 5:03
  8. "A World of Fantasy" (Rik Emmett, Michael Levine, Gil Moore, Tam Patrick) – 4:18
  9. "Druh Mer Selbo" (Gil Moore) – 4:12
  10. "Midsummer's Daydream" (Rik Emmett) – 2:42
  11. "Spellbound" (Gil Moore, Michael Levine, Rik Emmett) – 3:56
  12. "Follow Your Heart" (Gil Moore, Michael Levine, Rik Emmett) – 3:37
  13. "Fight the Good Fight" (Rik Emmett, Michael Levine, Gil Moore) – 7:36
  14. "Mind Games" (Gil Moore, Michael Levine, Rik Emmett) – 4:49
  15. "Empty Inside" (Rik Emmett, Michael Levine, Gil Moore) – 4:04
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