Fisc's "Break Out," the second full-length album by the French heavy metal band from Metz (1982-1988), is a sonic triumph in the 1980s metal landscape. Released on a 12" vinyl LP, the album showcases Fisc's musical synergy with dynamic guitar work, robust bass lines, and compelling vocals by Alain Duva. A pivotal piece in French heavy metal history, "Break Out" resonates with raw energy and enduring impact.
In the world of heavy metal history, the French metal scene has often been overshadowed by its counterparts in the United States and the United Kingdom. However, nestled within this vibrant and diverse musical landscape is the band Fisc, whose second full-length album, "Break Out," stands as a testament to the prowess of French heavy metal in the 1980s.
Fisc, hailing from the city of Metz, France, burst onto the scene in 1982 and remained a formidable force until 1988. Comprising a lineup that included Jean-Michel Mauffray on guitars, Pierre Bechet on bass, Dominique Henry on drums, Alain Duva on vocals, and Alain Aimé on guitars, the band brought together a cadre of talented musicians with a shared passion for crafting powerful and memorable heavy metal.
The creation history of "Break Out" is a tale of artistic evolution and musical synergy. The album, released as a 12" vinyl LP, marked a crucial point in Fisc's discography. It showcased a band hitting its stride, blending the raw energy of heavy metal with a nuanced musicality that set them apart in the competitive landscape of the genre.
One of the distinctive features of Fisc's "Break Out" is the dynamic interplay between the band members. Jean-Michel Mauffray's guitar work, characterized by searing riffs and intricate solos, laid a solid foundation for the album's sonic identity. The bass lines, skillfully executed by Pierre Bechet, added a robust and rhythmic dimension to the compositions. Dominique Henry's precise drumming provided the necessary backbone, driving the songs forward with relentless energy.
At the forefront of Fisc's sonic assault was the charismatic presence of Alain Duva, whose vocals ranged from powerful and anthemic to soulful and emotive. Duva's ability to convey the lyrical themes with conviction and intensity contributed significantly to the album's impact. Meanwhile, Alain Aimé's guitar work complemented Mauffray's, creating a harmonious blend of twin guitar harmonies that became a hallmark of Fisc's sound.
The album's production also played a pivotal role in shaping its final form. Drawing on the expertise of recording engineers and producers, Fisc achieved a balance between a raw, gritty edge and a polished sound that resonated with fans of the genre.
"Break Out" is not merely an album; it is a sonic journey through the realms of heavy metal, a testament to the creative spirit of Fisc during a period when the genre was undergoing rapid evolution worldwide. While the band's active years were relatively short-lived, their impact on the French heavy metal scene is enduring, and "Break Out" remains a cherished artifact in the tapestry of heavy metal history.
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Music Genre: French Heavy Metal |
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Album Production information: The album: "FISC Break Out" was produced by: Linster / Van Goor, Alfie Falckenbach 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. 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. This album was recorded August-September 1985 at: Linster Studio Luxembourg Sound Engineer - S.Helstermann Design and Illustration - M.Munier, P.Tixier Photography - F. Rollinger |
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Record Label Information: Mausoleum Records SKULL 83107 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1985 Made in Belgium |
Band Members and Musicians on: FISC Break Out |
Alain Aimé, Dominique Henry, Jean-Michel Mauffray and Pierre Bechet have been members from the Fisc band from 1981 until 1988. Alain Duva was singing in Fisc during 1985. |
Track Listing of: "FISC Break Out" |
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The Songs/tracks on "FISC Break Out" are
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High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's Label
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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 ). |
Fisc is a French heavy metal band that was formed in the late 1980s. The band's name is derived from the Latin word "fiscus," which means a treasury or a public chest. Fisc's music is known for its powerful guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and dynamic vocals. The band's sound is heavily influenced by classic heavy metal bands such as Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, as well as progressive rock acts like Pink Floyd.
Fisc was founded in 1987 by guitarist and vocalist Patrick Fichaux, drummer Alain Dionisio, and bassist Olivier Spitzer. The band quickly gained a reputation in the French metal scene for their energetic live performances and their unique blend of heavy metal and progressive rock. In 1989, Fisc released their debut album, "Handle with Care," which was well-received by critics and fans alike. The album showcased the band's technical prowess and musical versatility, with songs ranging from fast-paced metal anthems to slower, more atmospheric tracks.
Fisc's second album, "Break Out," was released in 1990 and further solidified the band's status as one of France's most promising metal acts. The album featured guest appearances from several notable musicians, including former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno and guitarist Steve Blaze of the American band Lillian Axe. The album's lead single, "Midnight Sensation," became a fan favorite and helped to cement Fisc's reputation as a band that could compete with the best heavy metal acts in the world.
Despite their early success, Fisc faced a number of challenges in the early 1990s. The rise of grunge and alternative rock led to a decline in the popularity of heavy metal, and the band's record label went bankrupt. Fisc continued to perform and record, but their momentum was slowed by these external factors. The band released several more albums over the next decade, but they were not as well-received as their early work.
In recent years, Fisc has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. The band's classic albums have been reissued and remastered, and their music has been embraced by a new generation of metal fans. Fisc continues to tour and perform, and they remain an influential band in the French heavy metal scene.
Fisc's legacy is built on their technical proficiency, their dynamic songwriting, and their unwavering commitment to heavy metal. The band's music is a testament to the enduring power of classic heavy metal, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless metal bands that have followed in their footsteps. Despite facing setbacks and challenges over the years, Fisc has remained true to their vision and their love of metal, and their music continues to inspire and excite fans around the world.
Mausoleum Records SKULL 83107 , 1985 , Belgium
Fisc's "Break Out," the second full-length album by the French heavy metal band from Metz (1982-1988), is a sonic triumph in the 1980s metal landscape. Released on a 12" vinyl LP, the album showcases Fisc's musical synergy with dynamic guitar work, robust bass lines, and compelling vocals by Alain Duva. A pivotal piece in French heavy metal history, "Break Out" resonates with raw energy and enduring impact.
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N.E.W Musidisc 2360 , 1987 , France
"Too Hot For Love" is the third album by the French Heavy Metal band "Fisc" and was released in 1987. It is a powerful and dynamic debut album that showcases Fisc's ability to blend hard rock and heavy metal with intricate guitar work and powerful vocals. While Fisc may not be a household name outside of France, "Too Hot for Love" remains a classic album that has influenced subsequent generations of rock musicians and stands as a testament to the power and passion of hard rock and heavy metal music.
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Mausoleum Records SKULL 8352 , 1984 , Belgium
"Tracker," FISC's debut on MAUSOLEUM Records, resonates in French Heavy Metal history. Produced by Belgian maestro Jos Kloek, it epitomizes a harmonious blend of raw energy and melodic intricacies. The meticulous recording process, coupled with the warmth of the 12" Vinyl LP, enhances its sonic allure. Released on the esteemed MAUSOLEUM platform, "Tracker" solidifies FISC's place in Heavy Metal, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
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