- This is the USA Release of Rolling Thunder
"Rolling Thunder" is the one and only official full-length album released by the "Attila" Heavy Metal band from New York City". The Attila band has been active from 1983 until 1986. After the release of "Rolling Thunder" the band split up.
Released in 1986 on the US label Metal Blade Records, "Rolling Thunder" is the second and final studio album from the German heavy metal band Attila. This album is a prime example of the powerful and melodic sound that characterized the European power metal scene in the mid-1980s.
Historical Context and Genre
"Rolling Thunder" arrived at a time when power metal was gaining momentum in Europe. Bands like Helloween, Running Wild, and Grave Digger were pushing the boundaries of heavy metal, incorporating elements of classical music, fantasy themes, and soaring vocals. Attila's music embraced these trends while maintaining a distinct sound rooted in traditional heavy metal.
The album's music is a blend of classic heavy metal and power metal, with soaring vocals, melodic guitar riffs, and thunderous drumming. Attila's sound is characterized by its energetic rhythms, catchy choruses, and a sense of epic grandeur.
Musical Exploration
"Rolling Thunder" showcases Attila's songwriting talent and their ability to craft memorable heavy metal anthems. Tracks like "Rolling Thunder," "Metallion," and "The Hunter" are full of energy and passion, while "Valhalla" and "Fight Back" delve into more melodic and atmospheric territory. The album's diversity reflects the band's willingness to experiment within the power metal framework, creating a sound that was both familiar and distinctive.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of mythology, fantasy, and social commentary. The lyrics are often poetic and evocative, creating a sense of epic storytelling that complements the music's grandeur.
Production and Recording
The album was recorded and mixed at Karo Musikstudio in Brackel, Germany. The production team, led by Etienne Conod, captured the band's raw energy while ensuring a polished sound that met the standards of the time.
| Album Fact Sheet: ATTILA - Rolling Thunder (USA) |
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Music Genre: Heavy Metal (Obscure) |
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Album Production Information: Produced by Carl Canedy for Rock Candy Music
Carl Canedy is a legendary drummer and producer whose impact on heavy metal spans decades. As a founding member of The Rods and a key producer behind bands like Anthrax and Exciter, his dynamic drumming and studio expertise have shaped countless classic albums. His passion for metal continues to inspire generations.
Learn more about Carl Canedy
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Recorded at Pyramid Sound Studios, Ithaca, New York Sound Engineer: Alex Perialas
Alex Perialas, a Greek-American producer and sound engineer, is celebrated for shaping 1980s heavy metal with bands like Anthrax, Slayer, and Overkill. As the owner of
Pyramid Sound Recording Studio, Ithaca, New York
, his work spans genres, influencing pop, hip-hop, and jazz.
Discover his legacy and impact on iconic music production here.
Assistent Sound Engineer: Peter Bombar Mastered by Jack Adelman at RCA Studios
Jack Adelman is a renowned mastering engineer known for his work in the heavy metal scene. With a career spanning decades, he has lent his expertise to numerous iconic albums, ensuring powerful, polished soundscapes. His mastering work has contributed to the success of various metal bands, solidifying their sonic impact.
Album cover art: Ricky Duburke Album cover concept by Anthony Tedeschi Album cover design Spencer Drate/Judith Salavetz Back cover photo: Mick Rock
Mick Rock was a British photographer celebrated as “The Man Who Shot the Seventies.” His striking images captured legendary artists like David Bowie, Queen, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and The Ramones, shaping the visual identity of rock and glam culture. His work includes iconic album covers and music videos, leaving an enduring impact on music history.
Read more about Mick Rock.
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Record Label & Catalognr: Shattered Records – PAL-1215 |
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Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1986 Manufactured in the USA |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: ATTILA - Rolling Thunder (USA) |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "ATTILA - Rolling Thunder (USA)" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "ATTILA - Rolling Thunder (USA)" is:
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The artwork on the album cover for ATTILA - Rolling Thunder (USA) portrays a striking post-apocalyptic landscape. Dominating the foreground is a massive, heavily-armored red truck with a rugged, rusted body, jagged metal reinforcements, and shattered windows. The truck appears to be in motion, ramming into a large metallic blue and silver missile, which is mounted on a crumbling, debris-laden surface.
The missile, sleek and futuristic, has sharp aerodynamic fins and rivets along its cylindrical body, contrasting against the truck's battered industrial aesthetic. The missile's placement suggests impending destruction or chaos, fitting the album’s aggressive theme.
The driver inside the truck is shadowy and barely visible, gripping the steering wheel in an intense posture. The windshield is cracked, adding to the battle-hardened appearance of the vehicle.
The background presents a barren wasteland, with the silhouettes of ruined buildings stretching across the horizon. The sky is painted in ominous hues of deep red and purple, reflecting an apocalyptic sunset, with dramatic yellow contrails streaking diagonally across.
In the upper right corner, the band's name, ATTILA, appears in bold yellow-outlined red letters, superimposed over a radiation hazard symbol, reinforcing the theme of war and destruction. At the bottom, the album title Rolling Thunder is written in red, adding to the intensity of the scene.
The back cover of ATTILA - Rolling Thunder (USA) presents a dark and intense visual aesthetic. Set against a black background, it prominently features three band members, each showcased in an individual portrait, striking dramatic and aggressive poses.
Vincent Paul (Lead Vocals, Bass) is positioned on the left, with long, curly hair, wearing studded black leather wristbands and a black sleeveless top. He extends one arm outward, pointing menacingly at the viewer.
John DeLeon (Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals) takes center stage with an intense expression, mouth open in a snarl. His wild, voluminous hair is partly dyed red, and he sports a black leather vest with red accents, fingerless gloves, and studded armbands.
A.T. Soldier (Drums, Backing Vocals) is on the right, arms crossed, with a confident and imposing stance. His curly hair, also featuring red highlights, complements his all-black leather outfit, which includes metal-studded gloves and a belt with chains.
Above the portraits, the track listing is displayed in bold yellow text, divided into Side One and Side Two, listing songs such as "Turn Up The Power," "Urban Commandos," and "Rolling Thunder."
Below the band members, additional text sections include the album credits, acknowledgments, and a passage titled "The Declaration of War," which appears to set the thematic tone for the album. This text is neatly aligned in yellow font, adding to the structured yet intense feel of the cover.
At the very top center, the band's name, ATTILA, appears in bold yellow text with a red radiation hazard symbol behind it, reinforcing the album’s aggressive and apocalyptic theme.
This is a close-up photograph of the Side One label on the vinyl record of ATTILA - Rolling Thunder (USA). The label is deep red with black text, creating a strong visual contrast that ensures clear readability.
At the top, the logo for Shatter Records is displayed, consisting of a circular emblem featuring a shattered metallic helmet, emphasizing a tough and industrial aesthetic.
Below the logo, the band's name, ATTILA, is prominently printed in bold, uppercase letters, followed by the album title, Rolling Thunder. The catalog number PAL-1215A is printed on the right side.
The label specifies that this is Side One of the record and that it plays at 33 ⅓ RPM, the standard speed for LPs. The track listing is presented below, featuring:
The songwriting credits indicate that all songs were written by John DeLeon, except for "Urban Commandos," which was co-written by DeLeon and Bach. Publishing rights are credited to Nouveau Music/Ice Metal Publishing/BMI.
The label also acknowledges the album’s producer, Carl Canedy, under Rock Candy Productions. At the very bottom, the record is noted as being manufactured and distributed by Profile Records, Inc., located at 740 Broadway, N.Y., N.Y. 10003.
This is a close-up photograph of the Side Two label on the vinyl record of ATTILA - Rolling Thunder (USA). The label is a solid red color with black text, creating a stark contrast that makes the details easily readable.
At the top, the logo for Shatter Records is prominently displayed. The logo features a metallic, shattered helmet enclosed within a circular frame, reinforcing a heavy and industrial aesthetic.
Below the logo, the band's name, ATTILA, is printed in bold, uppercase letters, immediately followed by the album title, Rolling Thunder. The catalog number PAL-1215B is printed to the right.
The label specifies that this is Side Two of the record and that it plays at 33 ⅓ RPM, the standard speed for LPs. The track listing is displayed clearly, showing:
At the bottom of the label, additional credits indicate that all songs were written by John DeLeon, except for "Tryst" (co-written with Vincent Paul) and "School’s Out" (credited to Cooper, Dunaway, Smith, Buxton, Bruce). The publishing and copyright information follows, along with a credit to producer Carl Canedy for Rock Candy Productions.
The label also states that the record was manufactured and distributed by Profile Records, Inc., located at 740 Broadway, N.Y., N.Y. 10003. The overall design is simple yet effective, emphasizing readability while maintaining a strong, professional aesthetic.