Album Production Information:
The album: "DARK WIZARD - Devil's Victim" was produced by:
Jos Kloek with Executive producers: Alfie Falkenbach, Leo Felsenstein, Stonne Holmgren
Jos Kloek, a Belgian music producer and sound engineer, emerged as a prominent figure in the vibrant Heavy Metal scene of the 1980s. Born in Belgium during a time when the music industry was undergoing significant transformations, Kloek's journey in the realm of sound engineering and production would leave an indelible mark on the Heavy Metal genre.
The 1980s were a dynamic period for the music industry, witnessing the rise of various genres and subcultures. It was during this time that Jos Kloek found his calling in the world of Heavy Metal, a genre characterized by its powerful and distorted sound, often accompanied by intense vocals and intricate guitar work.
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Kloek's expertise as a sound engineer and producer became evident as he collaborated with a plethora of Heavy Metal bands, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the genre. Among the notable bands that benefited from Kloek's musical prowess were Crossfire,
Killer
,
Dark Wizard
, Speedway,
Fisc
,
Axe Victims
,
E.F. Band
, Together,
Warhead
, KAT, and
FN Guns
.
Crossfire, with their raw energy and aggressive sound, found a sonic ally in Kloek. His work with Killer showcased a meticulous approach to sound engineering, enhancing the band's musicality. Dark Wizard, Speedway, Fisc, and Axe Victims, each unique in their style, shared a common thread – the influence of Jos Kloek's technical finesse in the studio.
E.F. Band, Together, and Warhead, with their diverse sounds, benefited from Kloek's ability to capture the essence of their music and translate it into powerful recordings. KAT and FN Guns, known for their contributions to the Heavy Metal scene, also found a collaborator in Kloek who understood the intricacies of their sonic landscapes.
Jos Kloek's role extended beyond technical proficiency; he became a crucial part of the creative process, shaping the overall sound and identity of the bands he worked with. His dedication to preserving the authenticity of Heavy Metal while pushing the boundaries of production techniques contributed to the enduring legacy of the genre.
As the 1980s drew to a close, Kloek's impact on the Heavy Metal scene remained palpable. His work with a multitude of bands not only solidified his position as a respected music producer but also played a pivotal role in shaping the sonic landscape of Heavy Metal during a crucial period in its history.
Alfie Falckenbach was a visionary figure in the European Heavy Metal scene, known for his contributions as the founder of the Belgian record company, Mausoleum Records. Born on 7 April 1950, in Belgium, Falckenbach displayed an early passion for music and a keen entrepreneurial spirit that would lead him to shape the landscape of heavy metal in the 1980s.
Falckenbach's journey into the world of music began when he discovered his love for rock and roll during his teenage years. Inspired by the energetic and rebellious nature of the genre, he immersed himself in the music and developed a deep appreciation for heavy metal. Recognizing the potential of this genre, Falckenbach became determined to provide a platform for emerging European bands and offer them the exposure they deserved.
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In 1982, Falckenbach established
Mausoleum Records
, a record company dedicated to promoting and supporting heavy metal music. Through his label, he aimed to give voice to talented European bands, particularly those from his home country of Belgium. Falckenbach's commitment to fostering talent and promoting the heavy metal scene resulted in the creation of numerous influential bands.
Working closely with talented collaborators like Leo Felsenstein and Stonne Holmgren, Falckenbach nurtured the growth of Mausoleum Records. He played a pivotal role in producing and promoting the music of various European heavy metal bands, giving them a platform to showcase their talent to a wider audience. His collaborations with Felsenstein and Holmgren brought a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and business acumen to the table, contributing to the success of the record label and the bands associated with it.
Under Falckenbach's guidance, Mausoleum Records became synonymous with quality heavy metal releases, launching the careers of many iconic bands. The record label introduced the world to Belgian metal acts like Acid, Ostrogoth, Killer, and Crossfire, among others, who would go on to make their mark in the metal scene. These bands not only gained recognition within Europe but also garnered international acclaim, thanks to the efforts of Falckenbach and his team.
Falckenbach's commitment to the heavy metal movement extended beyond Mausoleum Records. He played an active role in organizing concerts and festivals, providing a platform for metal bands to connect with their fans and expand their reach. His dedication to the genre and his understanding of its nuances made him a respected figure within the heavy metal community.
Alfie Falckenbach's influence on the European heavy metal scene cannot be overstated. His founding of Mausoleum Records, his collaborations with Leo Felsenstein and Stonne Holmgren, and his unwavering support for emerging bands shaped the landscape of heavy metal music in the 1980s. Today, his contributions continue to resonate, and his legacy lives on in the enduring music of the bands he helped to establish.
Although Alfie Falckenbach is no longer with us, his impact on the heavy metal genre remains as a testament to his dedication and passion for music. His visionary approach and unwavering commitment to supporting talented artists have left an indelible mark on the history of European heavy metal.
Leo "Rockstone" Felsenstein - one of founders of Mausoleum records (Belgium) has produced some Heavy Metal albums from 1980-1984. These include: Killer - Ready for Hell, Killer - Wall of Sound, White Heat - White Heat, Crossfire - See You in Hell, Killer - Shock Waves, Ostrogoth - Ecstasy and Danger, Axe Victims - Another Victim, Warhead - Speedway, Dark Wizard - Devil's Victim (EP).
Stonne Holmgren was co-founder of the Belgian record company "
Mausoleum Records
" and was in the 1980's responsible for the creations of many European and in particular Belgian Heavy Metal bands. For these productions he worked frequently together with "Leo Felsenstein" and "Alfie Falckenbach"
Sound/Recording Engineer(s):
Roel Toering
This album was recorded at:
Stable Studios, Arnhem, Netherlands
Album cover design:
Eric Phillippe
Eric Philippe is a highly acclaimed album cover designer known for his exceptional artistic talent and iconic designs. Throughout his illustrious career, Eric has collaborated with numerous renowned bands and musicians, creating visually stunning artwork that has become synonymous with the music itself. His work has left an indelible mark on the world of music, making him one of the most sought-after designers in the industry.
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Born with a creative spirit Eric Philippe grew up with a deep passion for art and music. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable talent for visual expression, often sketching and painting in his spare time. Inspired by the album covers he saw on his favorite records, Eric developed a keen interest in combining his two passions: art and music.
Eric's journey as an album cover designer began when he started working with local bands in his hometown. Recognizing his exceptional talent, word of his unique artistic vision spread rapidly, reaching the ears of well-established musicians in the industry. It wasn't long before Eric received his first major opportunity to design an album cover for the Belgian heavy metal band Ostrogoth.
The album cover for Ostrogoth's release catapulted Eric into the spotlight, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of a band's music through visual representation. The success of this collaboration led to numerous other opportunities, with bands such as Dark Wizard, E.F. Band, FN Guns, Killer, and many others seeking Eric's artistic expertise for their album covers.
Eric Philippe's designs have become renowned for their intricate details, vivid colors, and ability to convey the mood and themes of the music within. His style often blends elements of fantasy, surrealism, and realism, creating a visual language that resonates deeply with both musicians and fans alike. Whether it's a heavy metal album cover or a softer acoustic release, Eric has an innate ability to capture the essence of the music and translate it into stunning visual art.
Over the years, Eric's portfolio has expanded to include collaborations with a wide range of musical genres and artists from around the world. His designs have graced the covers of countless albums, making a significant impact on the overall visual identity of the music industry. His iconic artwork has not only attracted attention and accolades but has also become collectors' items, sought after by fans and art enthusiasts alike.
Beyond his work as an album cover designer, Eric Philippe has also dabbled in other artistic endeavors. He has exhibited his paintings in galleries, created designs for merchandise, and even ventured into the realm of music videos, applying his unique artistic vision to the moving image.
Eric continues to push boundaries and explore new horizons in his artistic career. His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring music to life through his visual creations have solidified his position as one of the most respected and influential album cover designers of his time. With each new project, Eric Philippe leaves an enduring artistic legacy, weaving a visual tapestry that enhances the music and creates a lasting impression on all who experience it.
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