- Netherlands 1987 Release
Warlock's "Triumph and Agony" (1987) is a defining heavy metal album showcasing powerful anthems, Doro Pesch's iconic vocals, and a refined songwriting style. The album achieved commercial success and cemented Warlock's place in metal history, especially as a pioneering force for female-fronted bands.
Released in 1987, Warlock's "Triumph and Agony" marks their peak as a driving force in the world of heavy metal. This Dutch 12" vinyl LP exemplifies the era's sound, delivering fist-pumping anthems, searing guitar work, and the inimitable vocals of Doro Pesch.
Musical Legacy
"Triumph and Agony" builds upon the raw energy of Warlock's previous releases but showcases a heightened level of songwriting and musicianship. Songs like "All We Are" and "Für Immer" have become beloved metal classics, known for their infectious melodies and powerful arrangements. The album deftly balances intensity with moments of vulnerability, adding emotional depth to Warlock's sound.
Commercial Impact
"Triumph and Agony" achieves significant commercial success for Warlock, charting internationally and expanding their fanbase. The album's singles gain traction on radio and MTV, helping to propel heavy metal further into the mainstream during the late '80s.
Distinctive Qualities
Above all, "Triumph and Agony" stands out for Doro Pesch's iconic performance. Her commanding vocals, blending power and vulnerability, are a landmark of female-fronted metal. The album further distinguishes itself with its lyrical themes, which often touch on fantasy and empowerment, appealing to a broad metal audience.
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Music Genre: 80s Teutonic Heavy Metal |
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Album Production Information: The album: "Triumph and Agony" was produced by: Joey Balin Recorded at the Powerstation, New York. Sound engineers: Steve Rinkoff, Larry Alexander, Roy Hendrickson, Photography by Jochen Harder / R. Harms |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Vertigo 832 804 Note: the Vertigo Swirl logo at 6'0 clock on the record's label is black/blue other issues of this record have a black/white swirl logo |
| Album Packaging:This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos of Doro with the Warlock band |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1987 Made in Holland |
Complete Track Listing of: "Triumph and Agony" |
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The Song/tracks on "Warlock Triumph and Agony" are:
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The album cover of Triumph and Agony by Warlock is a stunning fantasy-inspired illustration with a dark, mystical atmosphere. The dominant color scheme is deep blue, giving the scene an eerie, otherworldly glow.
On the left side, a menacing sorcerer-like figure looms large, his piercing eyes glowing with intensity. His face is wrinkled, shadowed, and partially illuminated by an unseen light, emphasizing his sinister expression. His long, wild white hair and beard blend into the swirling darkness of his tattered hooded cloak, which extends across the background.
On the right, a fierce, blonde warrior woman stands defiantly. She is clad in black leather pants, metal-studded accessories, and a revealing top, exuding power and defiance. Her arms are adorned with bracelets, and she raises one fist while the other rests on her hip. Her wild, flowing hair and determined gaze give her a commanding presence.
Behind her, a dark-hooded figure reaches out with claw-like hands, seemingly trying to grasp her. His face is partially obscured by shadows, but his sinister intent is clear. The background is a storm of swirling clouds and darkness, adding to the dramatic tension of the scene.
The album title, Triumph and Agony, is displayed in sharp, metallic font at the top right, just beneath the band's name, Warlock, which is styled in a bold, medieval-inspired typeface.
Photo of "Triumph and Agony" Album's Back Cover
The back cover of Triumph and Agony by Warlock is a continuation of the dark fantasy theme seen on the front. The scene is dominated by a fearsome, decayed sorcerer-like figure with wild white hair and a sinister, partially rotting face. His intense, glowing eyes pierce through the shadows, and his mouth is twisted in a wicked, toothy grin.
His massive, clawed hand tightly grips a blonde warrior woman, lifting her off the ground. She is clad in black leather with metal studs, her body twisted in resistance. Her head is thrown back, her golden hair flowing wildly, and her face contorted in a mix of struggle and defiance. Her clenched fists and tense body emphasize her fight against the sorcerer’s grip.
The background is a swirling, nightmarish abyss of blue tones, filled with ghostly demonic faces that seem to emerge from the shadows, watching the struggle unfold. The song titles of the album are listed in white text near the top center of the cover, blending seamlessly with the ominous atmosphere.
The artwork embodies the album’s themes of power, darkness, and epic struggle, reinforcing Warlock’s signature heavy metal aesthetic.
Photo of "Triumph and Agony" Album's Custom Inner Sleeve
The custom inner sleeve of Triumph and Agony by Warlock presents a visually striking design that complements the album's dark fantasy aesthetic. The layout is divided into sections containing the lyrics of several songs, including "East Meets West," "Touch of Evil," "Metal Tango," "Cold, Cold World," and "Für Immer." The text is arranged in bold, easily readable fonts, standing out against the shadowy, blue-tinged background.
The background features haunting imagery of a sinister, spectral figure with piercing eyes, seamlessly blending into the darkness. Swirling shadows and eerie faces emerge from the void, enhancing the mystical and foreboding tone of the album. Vibrant red illustrations are interspersed throughout, depicting dynamic action scenes that echo the album’s themes of power, struggle, and triumph.
In the lower right corner, a full-color band photo showcases Warlock in their signature heavy metal style. Doro Pesch, the band's iconic frontwoman, stands at the center, flanked by her bandmates, all dressed in studded leather and denim, embodying the rebellious energy of the era. The group exudes confidence and unity, reinforcing their status as a force in the metal scene.
Additionally, the sleeve includes a special thanks section, crediting various people who contributed to the album’s creation, as well as fan club contact information.
Photo of "Triumph and Agony" Album's Record Label
This image showcases the record label of Warlock's Triumph and Agony vinyl LP, released under the Vertigo label. The label design features a distinctive orange-to-yellow gradient background, a signature of Vertigo records from this era.
The large, bold Vertigo logo is prominently displayed at the top, curving around the spindle hole. Below, the album title Triumph and Agony is printed in black uppercase letters, followed by the band's name, Warlock, in a slightly smaller font.
On the right-hand side, the catalog number 832 804-1 and matrix number AA 832 804-1.1Y are listed, along with the indication that this pressing was Made in Holland. The label specifies that this is Side 1 of the record and confirms the format as STEREO 33 RPM.
The tracklist for Side 1 is neatly arranged, featuring:
At the bottom, the label credits the album's producer and arranger, Joey Balin, and states that the record was released in 1987 under Phonogram GmbH, Hamburg. Additional copyright and control marks, including the GEMA logo, the LC 1633 label code, and the classic Vertigo swirl icon, complete the design.
The record label design is clean and professional while maintaining the classic heavy metal aesthetic of the 1980s.
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The band's distinctive style blended elements of traditional heavy metal with the raw intensity of European power metal "Hellbound", their second studio album, solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with in the genre.
- Hellbound (1985, Germany) - Hellbound (1985, Holland)
Warlock, led by the charismatic frontwoman Doro Pesch, established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the 1980s metal scene. "Triumph and Agony" was their fourth studio album and marked a crucial point in their musical evolution.
- Triumph and Agony (1987, Holland)
Warlock's driving force was the inimitable Doro Pesch, a powerhouse vocalist with undeniable stage presence. Her raw energy and soaring vocals on tracks like "Fight For Rock," epitomized the spirit of classic 80s heavy metal.
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