CHASTAIN - RULER OF THE WASTELAND 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Genuine 1986 European release on: RoadRunneR RR 9689 

"Ruler of the Wasteland," the second studio opus by the American heavy metal maestros Chastain, reverberates on a 12" LP Album Vinyl. Released in 1986, this album is a testament to Chastain's command over the heavy metal domain. With powerful vocals and formidable guitar work, the band solidifies their place in the metal scene. "Ruler of the Wasteland" encapsulates the band's sonic prowess, marking a milestone in their journey through the vibrant landscape of American heavy metal.

large album front cover photo of: CHASTAIN - Ruler Of The Wasteland

Chastain's "Ruler of the Wasteland": A Sonic Journey Through Heavy Metal's Golden Era Album Description:

Released in 1986, Chastain's "Ruler of the Wasteland" stands as a testament to the raw power and creative exploration that defined heavy metal's golden era. This iconic album, produced by Mike Varney and recorded at Prairie Sun and Cotati studios in California, showcases the band's signature blend of soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, and thunderous rhythms.

Historical Context and Musical Exploration

Emerging during a time when heavy metal was experiencing a surge in popularity and artistic innovation, Chastain carved out their niche with a sound that combined elements of traditional heavy metal with neoclassical influences. "Ruler of the Wasteland" reflects this unique fusion, showcasing the band's technical prowess while maintaining an accessible and anthemic quality.

Genre and Sound

Categorized primarily as heavy metal, "Ruler of the Wasteland" also incorporates elements of power metal and hard rock. The album's sound is characterized by Leather Leone's powerful and emotive vocals, David T. Chastain's virtuosic guitar solos, and a rhythm section that provides a solid foundation for the band's musical explorations. The production, helmed by Mike Varney and engineered by Stephen Fontano, captures the raw energy of the band's performance while maintaining a polished and professional sound.

Production Team and Recording Studio

Mike Varney, a prominent figure in the heavy metal scene, played a pivotal role in shaping the album's sound. His experience and expertise as a producer helped to bring out the best in the band's performance and create a cohesive and impactful listening experience. The recording sessions at Prairie Sun and Cotati studios provided the ideal environment for the band to experiment and capture their unique sound on tape.

European Release and Album Cover

The 1986 European release on Roadrunner Records (RR 9689) further solidified the album's place in heavy metal history. The album cover, featuring striking photography by Pat Johnson, perfectly captures the album's themes of power, defiance, and the struggle for survival.

Chastain - Ruler of The Wasteland :

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "CHASTAIN - Ruler of the Wasteland " was produced by: Mike Varney

Discover the story behind Mike Varney, the visionary founder of Shrapnel Records, who redefined rock and heavy metal by launching guitar legends—explore his journey on his dedicated webpage

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Stephen Fontano

This album was recorded at: Prairie Sun, Cotate , California

Prairie Sun Recording Studios, located in Cotati, California, has been a pivotal force in rock and metal music, shaping legendary albums with its world-class facilities and expert engineering. Hosting iconic bands from the 1980s onward, it remains a creative hub for artists seeking top-tier sound production. Explore its history and album gallery here.

 

Album cover photography: Pat Johnson

Pat Johnson, an esteemed American photographer, has left an indelible mark in the world of photography with his remarkable talent for capturing the essence of great personalities in music, sports, and entertainment. Through his lens, he has immortalized some of the most iconic moments in history, creating a visual legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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Born and raised in the vibrant city of New York, Pat Johnson discovered his passion for photography at an early age. Armed with a camera and an unwavering curiosity, he began honing his skills, capturing the energy and spirit of the people and places that surrounded him. As he delved deeper into his craft, his unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects became evident.

During the 1980s, a defining era in both music and photography, Pat Johnson found himself in the midst of a creative explosion. He became an influential figure in the music industry, collaborating with renowned musicians and contributing to some of the era's most iconic album covers. His distinctive style and innovative approach allowed him to perfectly capture the essence of the artists and their music, turning each album cover into a visual masterpiece.

With his keen eye for detail and an intuitive understanding of his subjects, Pat Johnson worked with a wide array of musicians, including legends such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen. His photographs adorned the covers of critically acclaimed albums, becoming an integral part of the music's visual narrative.

Beyond the realm of music, Pat Johnson's talent extended to sports and entertainment. His work appeared in prominent magazines, capturing the intensity and grace of athletes in motion, the allure of Hollywood stars, and the vibrant energy of live performances. Through his photographs, he brought forth the emotions, stories, and struggles of those he captured, offering a glimpse into their world for all to witness.

Pat Johnson's ability to establish a deep connection with his subjects, putting them at ease in front of the lens, was a testament to his genuine curiosity and respect for humanity. His photographs were not merely snapshots but narratives that conveyed the essence of each person he photographed, revealing layers of their personality and leaving an everlasting impression on the viewer.

As the years passed, Pat Johnson's work continued to evolve, adapting to changing trends and technological advancements. His photographs not only documented the past but also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring photographers, constantly pushing the boundaries of the craft and redefining what it meant to capture a moment in time.

Today, Pat Johnson's legacy as an American photographer remains unparalleled. His images continue to inspire generations, resonating with their raw emotion and artistic brilliance. His ability to immortalize the great personalities of music, sports, and entertainment in a single frame has solidified his place among the legends of the craft. Pat Johnson's remarkable career serves as a testament to the power of photography, reminding us that a single image has the ability to transcend time and capture the very essence of the human experience.

 

 

Record Label & Catalognr:

RoadRunneR RR 9689

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1986 Made in Netherlands
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: CHASTAIN - Ruler of the Wasteland
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Leather Leone - vocals

    Leather Leone, born Catherine Anne Leone, is an American heavy metal vocalist renowned for her powerful and distinctive voice. She rose to prominence in the 1980s as the frontwoman of Chastain, where her dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess became a defining element of the band's sound.

    Before Chastain, Leone made a name for herself in the San Francisco Bay Area with the all-female metal band Rude Girl. Her collaboration with Chastain, however, cemented her status as a leading lady of heavy metal, as her soaring vocals perfectly complemented the band's guitar-driven sound.

    Leone's vocal style is characterized by its raw power, wide range, and emotional intensity. Her ability to seamlessly transition from aggressive, gritty vocals to soaring melodic lines made her a unique and captivating presence in the heavy metal scene.

    While she took a hiatus from music in the 1990s, Leone made a triumphant return in the 2010s with new projects and collaborations. Her enduring legacy in heavy metal is a testament to her talent, passion, and unwavering commitment to the genre.

  • David T. Chastain - guitars, producer

    David T. Chastain an American musician, composer, and record producer from Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known as the founder and lead guitarist of the band CJSS (Chastain, James Murphy, David T. Chastain), which was active in the 1980s and 1990s. He has also released solo albums and collaborated with other musicians in the heavy metal and neoclassical metal genres.

    Chastain began playing guitar at a young age and formed his first band, Chastain, in the early 1980s. The band released several albums and gained a following in the heavy metal scene. In the late 1980s, Chastain formed CJSS with James Murphy and released several albums together.

    In the 1990s, Chastain released several solo albums and collaborated with other musicians in the heavy metal and neoclassical metal genres. He also founded the record label Leviathan Records, which released albums by other heavy metal and neoclassical metal artists.

    Chastain continues to release music and tour as a solo artist and with various bands. He is also a music teacher and has released instructional guitar videos.

  • Mike Skimmerhorn - bass
  • Ken Mary - drums KEN MARY a drummer who has played in many Hard Rock / Heavy Metal bands. Some of these bands are Accept , Alice Cooper , Chastain , David T. Chastain , Fifth Angel , House Of Lords , Impellitteri, James Byrd ,
    TKO.

Notes:

 

Complete Track-listing of the album "CHASTAIN - Ruler of the Wasteland "

The detailed tracklist of this record "CHASTAIN - Ruler of the Wasteland " is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. "Ruler of the Wasteland" – 3:46
  2. "One Day to Live" - 4:06
  3. "The King Has the Power" - 3:03
  4. "Fighting to Stay Alive" - 3:54
  5. "Angel of Mercy" - 5:14
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. "There Will Be Justice" - 4:13
  2. "The Battle of Nevermore" - 5:08
  3. "Living in a Dreamworld" - 3:26
  4. "Children of Eden" - 4:21
High Resolution Photo Album Front Cover of CHASTAIN - Ruler Of The Wasteland https://vinyl-records.nl  
Album Back Cover  Photo of "CHASTAIN - Ruler of the Wasteland "
High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover of CHASTAIN - Ruler Of The Wasteland https://vinyl-records.nl  
Photo of "CHASTAIN - Ruler of the Wasteland " 12" LP Label

Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's label CHASTAIN - Ruler Of The Wasteland https://vinyl-records.nl

 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 ).