BITCH - Be My Slave 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The Defiant Anthem of 80s Heavy Metal – A Collector’s Must-Have Vinyl

Album cover of BITCH - Be My Slave. The image features Betsy Bitch in a dominatrix-inspired outfit, holding chains and a whip. She wears black leather, studs, and metal accessories, with intense makeup and teased hair. The background is filled with BDSM-themed props, including whips, cuffs, and belts, emphasizing the album's provocative aesthetic.

"Be My Slave," Bitch's debut 12" Vinyl LP Album, is a seminal work in American heavy metal. Produced by Phil Pecora and executive produced by Brian Slagel, the album, released in the mid-1980s, showcases Bitch's unique blend of theatricality and powerful vocals by Betsy Bitch. With Bill Metoyer as the sound engineer, the album's sonic richness and enduring legacy solidify its place in metal history.

Essentials of: BITCH - Be My Slave
"Be My Slave" Album Description:

In the world of heavy metal history, certain albums stand out as pioneers, marking the inception of a band's musical journey. "Be My Slave," the debut full-length album by the female-fronted American heavy metal band Bitch, is one such iconic record that left an indelible mark on the metal landscape. In this expository article, we delve into the creation history of "Be My Slave," exploring the key players behind its production and the musical landscape that shaped its inception.

The Birth of Bitch:

Before we unravel the album's creation, it's essential to trace the roots of Bitch. Formed in the early 1980s by vocalist Betsy Bitch, the band embraced a unique blend of heavy metal with a strong emphasis on theatrical and visually striking performances. Betsy Bitch's powerful vocals and the band's energetic stage presence quickly garnered attention, paving the way for their debut album.

Phil Pecora's Production Magic:

The production of "Be My Slave" was entrusted to Phil Pecora, a seasoned producer known for his work with various metal acts. Pecora's expertise brought a polished sound to the album, enhancing the raw energy of Bitch's music. His keen understanding of the metal genre and meticulous approach in the studio contributed significantly to the sonic richness that defines "Be My Slave."

Brian Slagel's Executive Touch:

Brian Slagel, renowned as the founder of Metal Blade Records, assumed the role of Executive Producer for "Be My Slave." Slagel's visionary contributions to the metal industry are well-documented, and his involvement in the production process added a layer of strategic guidance. Under Slagel's stewardship, the album gained not only artistic credibility but also the backing of a label that would become synonymous with metal excellence.

Bill Metoyer's Sonic Engineering:

A crucial element in the album's creation was the expertise of Bill Metoyer, the sound engineer behind the mixing and mastering of "Be My Slave." Metoyer's proficiency in capturing the essence of metal music translated into a well-balanced and impactful sonic experience. The album's cohesive sound owes much to Metoyer's technical prowess, making it a timeless piece in the heavy metal tapestry.

Musical Landscape and Legacy:

Released in the mid-1980s, "Be My Slave" entered a dynamic period in the heavy metal scene. The album encapsulated the spirit of the era, characterized by a burgeoning underground metal movement and the rise of female-fronted bands challenging the genre's norms. Bitch's unapologetic approach and Betsy Bitch's charismatic presence contributed to the album's enduring legacy.

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Noise – N 001

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

1983 Germany

Production & Recording Information
Album Packaging

This album comes with the original custom inner sleeve with lyrics of all the songs and detailed production information.

Producers:

Phil Pecora - Producer

Brian Slagel - Producer

Brian Slagel is a pioneering figure in heavy metal, best known as the founder of Metal Blade Records in 1982. His label launched the careers of legendary bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Mercyful Fate, shaping the genre’s evolution. As a producer, he worked with Flotsam and Jetsam, Exciter, and Trouble, leaving a lasting impact. Learn more about Brian Slagel.
Sound & Recording Engineers:

Bill Metoyer - Sound Engineer

Bill Metoyer is a legendary music producer and sound engineer known for shaping the sound of heavy metal. As Vice President and in-house engineer at Metal Blade Records in the 1980s, he worked with iconic bands like Slayer, Armored Saint, and Flotsam and Jetsam. His expertise in capturing metal’s raw intensity has left a lasting impact on the genre. Learn more on his biography page.
Recording Location:

Track Record, Los Angeles, California May-June 1983

Mastering Engineer and Location:

Kevin Gray, MCA Whitney, Glendale, California

Photography:

Don Adkins - Photographer

John Al Letcher - Photographer

Musicians:
  • Betsy - Lead Vocals
    Betsy "Betsy Bitch" Weiss is from Brigantine, New Jersey and best know as singer with the American Heavy Metal band: "Bitch" from 1982 until today (and as of 2008 also in a band called "Witch". She has done at least one guest appearance and that is the duet with "Lizzy Burden" on the song "Don't Touch me There" (originally from "The Tubes".
  • David Carruth - Guitar
  • Mark Anthony Webb - Bass
  • Robby Settles - Drums
Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Right From The Start
  2. Be My Slave
  3. Leatherbound
  4. Riding In Thunder
  5. Save You From The World
  6. Live For The Whip
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Heavy Metal Breakdown
  2. Gimme A Kiss
  3. In Heat
  4. Make It Real (Make It Rock)
  5. World War III

BITCH - Be My Slave Album Photo Gallery:

Album Front Cover Photo
Album cover of BITCH - Be My Slave. The image features Betsy Bitch in a dominatrix-inspired outfit, holding chains and a whip. She wears black leather, studs, and metal accessories, with intense makeup and teased hair. The background is filled with BDSM-themed props, including whips, cuffs, and belts, emphasizing the album's provocative aesthetic.

Album Cover Description:

The cover of BITCH - Be My Slave features lead singer Betsy Bitch in an intense, dominatrix-inspired pose, staring directly at the viewer with a commanding expression. She is dressed in a revealing black leather outfit with cutouts, adorned with studs, metal chains, and spiked accessories. Her right arm is extended forward, gripping a thick metal chain, while her left hand holds a long black whip.

Her makeup is bold, with dark eyeliner, smoky eyeshadow, and deep red lipstick. Her voluminous, teased black hair frames her face, adding to her fierce appearance. Around her neck, a necklace spells out "Bitch" in metallic lettering.

The background is a stark white floor covered with various BDSM-themed accessories, including leather belts, studded cuffs, ropes, and whips. A black riding crop and a spiked belt are also scattered around, reinforcing the album’s provocative and theatrical aesthetic.

At the top, the band's name, "Bitch", appears in a stylized, gothic-metal font with dagger-like embellishments, while the album title, "Be My Slave", is scrawled in a dripping, edgy script, enhancing the rebellious and confrontational tone of the image.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of BITCH - Be My Slave album. Features a black-and-white collage of live performance photos of band members, with Betsy Bitch on vocals, David Carruth on guitar, Mark Anthony Webb on bass, and Robby Settles on drums. The tracklist and production credits are displayed in bold white text against a black background.

Album Back Cover Description:

The back cover of BITCH - Be My Slave is a black-and-white collage featuring live concert shots of the band members performing on stage. At the top, the full tracklist is presented in bold white text, listing songs like "Right From The Start," "Be My Slave," "Leatherbound," and "World War III."

Centered on the cover, four distinct live images showcase each member of the band in action:

  • Betsy Bitch is seen in the top-left corner, wearing dark sunglasses and a studded black outfit, gripping the microphone with an intense expression.
  • David Carruth, in the top-right image, raises his guitar triumphantly above his head while standing in front of a drum set, exuding classic heavy metal energy.
  • Mark Anthony Webb appears in the bottom-left photo, playing bass with a fierce expression, surrounded by bright stage lights.
  • Robby Settles is captured in the bottom-right corner, mid-performance behind his drum kit, partially obscured by cymbals.

Above the images, the production credits are printed in capital letters, crediting Brian Slagel as the executive producer, Phil Pecora and Brian Slagel as producers, and Bill Metoyer as the engineer. The recording location is specified as Track Record, Los Angeles, CA, May/June 1983.

At the bottom, the record label (TOTAL) NOISE is displayed along with its Berlin address: "a division of Modern Music - Skalitzer Str. 49, 1000 Berlin 36."

First Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve
Lyrics sheet of BITCH - Be My Slave album. A black-and-white printed inner sleeve featuring song lyrics for tracks like 'Heavy Metal Breakdown,' 'Gimme A Kiss,' 'Make It Real (Make It Rock),' 'In Heat,' and 'World War III.' The text is arranged in neat columns, with songwriting credits for music and lyrics.

Inner Sleeve with Lyrics - Side One

This image showcases the inner sleeve of BITCH - Be My Slave, printed on white paper with black text. The page features a neatly organized layout with song lyrics from several tracks on the album. The titles of the songs are in uppercase letters, followed by the respective songwriting credits.

Visible songs include:

  • "Heavy Metal Breakdown" – A fast-paced anthem with lyrics reflecting the raw energy and rebellious nature of heavy metal.
  • "Gimme A Kiss" – A provocative track with playful and aggressive lyrics.
  • "Make It Real (Make It Rock)" – A high-energy song with themes of ambition and chasing success.
  • "In Heat" – A song about obsession and desire, with a hypnotic rhythm.
  • "World War III" – A dark and apocalyptic track discussing themes of war and destruction.

The lyrics are structured in stanzas, with choruses labeled distinctly. Some songs also include "BRIDGE" and "LEAD" sections, emphasizing musical transitions. The bottom of the page contains a copyright disclaimer stating, "ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. UNAUTHORIZED DUPLICATION IS A VIOLATION OF APPLICABLE LAWS."

Second Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve
Second lyrics sheet of BITCH - Be My Slave album. This black-and-white printed inner sleeve features song lyrics for tracks like 'Right From The Start,' 'Be My Slave,' 'Leatherbound,' 'Riding in Thunder,' and 'Save You From The World.' The text is formatted in columns with credits and a special thanks section.

Inner Sleeve with Lyrics - Side Two

This image displays the second page of the inner sleeve for BITCH - Be My Slave, featuring the lyrics of additional tracks printed in black ink on white paper. The text is neatly arranged in multiple columns, with song titles in bold uppercase letters, followed by their respective music and lyrics credits.

Visible songs include:

  • "Right From The Start" – A song about passion and attraction, capturing the wild energy of heavy metal.
  • "Be My Slave" – The album’s title track, featuring dark and seductive lyrical themes.
  • "Leatherbound" – A song focused on themes of submission and power dynamics.
  • "Riding in Thunder" – A track about freedom and rebellion, set against a stormy backdrop.
  • "Save You From The World" – A song addressing the dangers of the world and a desire for protection.

The rightmost section of the sleeve contains additional credits, including:

  • Photography Credits: Don Adkins (cover and insert), Jon Al Letcher (back cover), Vince Gutierrez (logo and lettering).
  • Mastering Information: The album was mastered at MCA Whitney, Glendale, CA, by Kevin Gray.
  • Special Thanks: A lengthy list of acknowledgments to individuals and groups who contributed to the album’s creation and promotion.
  • Fan Club Information: A note at the bottom provides an address for Bitch World Enslavement Society in North Hollywood, California, for fans seeking more information.

The text ends with the catalog number MBR 1007, indicating the album's unique pressing identification.

Close up of Side One record's label
Close-up of Side One label of BITCH - Be My Slave vinyl LP. The black label features the NOISE Records logo in bold gothic font, along with track listing for Side One: 'Right From The Start,' 'Be My Slave,' 'Leatherbound,' 'Riding in Thunder,' and 'Save You From The World.' The catalog number N 001 and stereo format are displayed.

Side One Vinyl Label - BITCH - Be My Slave

This image presents a close-up of the vinyl label for Side One of BITCH - Be My Slave, released under NOISE Records, a division of Modern Music. The label is black with white text and features a gothic-style logo for "NOISE" prominently at the top.

Key details on the label include:

  • Tracklist for Side One:
    • 1. Right From The Start
    • 2. Be My Slave
    • 3. Leatherbound
    • 4. Riding in Thunder
    • 5. Save You From The World
  • Catalog Number: N 001
  • Playback Speed: 33 ⅓ RPM
  • Audio Format: Stereo

A circular border around the label contains legal text in German, warning against unauthorized reproduction, broadcasting, and rental of the record. The spindle hole is centrally located, slightly worn from use.

This label design reflects the classic heavy metal aesthetic of the 1980s, with its dark tones and bold, sharp typography.

Side Two Close up of record's label
Close-up of Side Two label of BITCH - Be My Slave vinyl LP. The black label features the NOISE Records logo in gothic font, track listing for Side Two: 'Heavy Metal Breakdown,' 'Gimme A Kiss,' 'In Heat,' 'Make It Real (Make It Rock),' and 'World War III.' The catalog number N 001 and stereo format are displayed.

Side Two Vinyl Label - BITCH - Be My Slave

This image presents a close-up of the vinyl label for Side Two of BITCH - Be My Slave, released under NOISE Records, a division of Modern Music. The label is black with white text, featuring the band's name in bold capital letters and the NOISE logo in a gothic typeface.

Key details on the label include:

  • Tracklist for Side Two:
    • 1. Heavy Metal Breakdown
    • 2. Gimme A Kiss
    • 3. In Heat
    • 4. Make It Real (Make It Rock)
    • 5. World War III
  • Catalog Number: N 001
  • Playback Speed: 33 ⅓ RPM
  • Audio Format: Stereo

The label’s circular border contains German text warning against unauthorized reproduction, broadcasting, and rental of the record. The spindle hole is centrally located, showing signs of wear from use.

This design remains consistent with the classic heavy metal aesthetic of the 1980s, emphasizing bold typography and a dark, no-nonsense presentation.

Index of BITCH Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

BITCH's Band Description:

"Bitch" is an American heavy metal band that was formed in the 1980s. They are known for their aggressive style of music, which is characterized by fast tempos, heavy guitar riffs, and powerful vocals. They released several albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and are considered to be one of the pioneers of the American heavy metal scene.

Some of Bitch's most popular songs include "Be My Slave," "Live for the Whip," and "Ain't None of Your Business." The band has been credited with influencing many other heavy metal and hard rock acts, and they continue to tour and perform to this day.

Bitch is known for their high-energy live performances, and they have been praised for their musicianship and stage presence. Despite facing criticism and controversy due to the explicit lyrics and subject matter in their music, they have remained popular among heavy metal fans and continue to be respected in the metal community.

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BITCH - Be My Slave 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of BITCH - Be My Slave 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Noise – N 001 , 1983 , Germany

"Be My Slave" by BITCH is a fierce 1983 heavy metal album that broke boundaries with its bold themes and theatrical flair. Led by Betsy Bitch’s commanding vocals, the album blends raw energy with provocative lyrics, delivering a rebellious, high-intensity sound. Released by NOISE Records, it remains a cult classic, defining the unapologetic spirit of female-fronted metal in the '80s underground scene.

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BITCH - The Bitch is Back 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of BITCH - The Bitch is Back 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

  Metal Blade Records RR 9627 , 1987 , Holland

The Bitch is Back is a bold statement of defiance from Bitch, released in 1987. Fueled by Betsy's fierce vocals and razor-sharp riffs, the album delivers pure heavy metal energy. Produced by Joseph Romersa and engineered by Bill Metoyer, it captures Metal Blade's raw power. With an electrifying Elton John cover and headbangers like Heavy Metal Breakdown, this record cements Bitch’s place in metal history.

Learn more