KICK AXE - Vices Canadian Heavy Metal Holland Release 12" Vinyl LP Album

KICK AXE - Vices, is the debut album by this Canadian Heavy Metal / Hard Rock band. The vinyl version has been released on the Pasha label in Canada and the US, while in Europe this album was distributed by the EPIC record label.

Large Hires Photo Vices Front Cover

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal 

Album 
Production information:

The album: "KICK AXE Vices" was produced by: Spencer Proffer for Pasha

Spencer Proffer is an American media and record producer. Proffer produced the first heavy metal record, Quiet Riot's Metal Health , to reach number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Proffer has produced and arranged over 200 albums, many of which have achieved gold and platinum-selling status, produced or executive-produced. Proffer was also founder of the Pasha Record company.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Spencer Proffer, Duane Baron, Hanspeter Huber

Duane Baron is a sound engineer known for his work in the music industry. While information about Duane Baron's personal life is limited, his contributions as a sound engineer have left a lasting impact on various musical projects.

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Duane Baron has worked with a diverse range of artists and bands, showcasing his versatility and skill in capturing and enhancing the sound of their recordings. He has been involved in engineering and mixing albums across different genres, including rock, metal, and pop.

One notable collaboration in Duane Baron's career was his work on Mötley Crüe's album "Girls, Girls, Girls." Released in 1987, the album showcased a departure from the band's previous sound, incorporating a blues-influenced style. As the sound engineer for the project, Duane Baron played a crucial role in capturing the band's performance and bringing their vision to life.

While his work on "Girls, Girls, Girls" with Mötley Crüe gained recognition, Duane Baron has also lent his expertise to other notable acts. Some of his other engineering credits include albums by Ozzy Osbourne, Heart, and Alice Cooper, among others. Through his work, Duane Baron has contributed to shaping the sound and production quality of these artists' music.

Sound engineers like Duane Baron are responsible for capturing, manipulating, and mixing audio recordings to achieve the desired sound quality and artistic vision. They work closely with artists and producers to ensure that the recording process translates the musical performances into a cohesive and sonically pleasing final product.

  Hans Peter Huber a Swiss Sound and Mixing engineer, known for the albums by Krokus , Kick Axe, W.A.S.P.

Duane Baron, a sound engineer and producer who has been working on 2 dozen of Heavy Metal albums during the 1980s

This album was recorded at: Pasha Music House, Hollywood, California

Mastering by George Martin, Sterling Sound, New York City

George Marino was a highly acclaimed Senior Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound in New York City. Born on 15 April 1947, in the Bronx, New York, he became one of the most experienced and influential sound mastering engineers in the world. With his unparalleled expertise, Marino played a significant role in shaping the sound of countless albums across various music genres.

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From a young age, Marino displayed a deep passion for music and an innate talent for audio engineering. He began his career at Capitol Records in New York, where he worked as a mastering engineer and honed his skills in audio post-production. In 1973, Marino joined Sterling Sound, a renowned mastering facility founded by Lee Hulko. It was here that he would leave an indelible mark on the music industry.

Over the years, George Marino mastered an extensive catalog of albums for a wide range of artists and musical styles. His meticulous attention to detail and exceptional ear for sound allowed him to consistently deliver exceptional quality and clarity in his work. He possessed an intuitive understanding of how to enhance the dynamics, balance, and overall sonic experience of each record he touched.

During the 1980s, a pivotal era for heavy metal music, George Marino worked on numerous influential albums in the genre. His mastering contributions to these records played a crucial role in shaping the iconic sounds of heavy metal during that decade. Some notable albums he mastered include:

These albums, among many others, showcase Marino's contribution to the heavy metal genre's sonic landscape during the 1980s. His meticulous mastering work ensured that these records had the power, clarity, and impact necessary to captivate listeners and establish their enduring legacies.

George Marino's career spanned over four decades, during which he received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. His expertise and mastery of sound engineering made him a highly sought-after professional, and he worked with a diverse range of artists, including AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Coldplay, and many more.

Tragically, George Marino passed away on 4 June 2012, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most skilled and respected mastering engineers of his time. His dedication to his craft, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled expertise continue to inspire and influence audio engineers and musicians worldwide. George Marino's contributions to the art of sound mastering remain an enduring testament to his extraordinary talent and passion for music.

Album cover design: Jay Vigon, Spencer Proffer, Dario Campanile,

Album cover photography: Sam Emerson

Record Label Information:

Epic EPC 26051

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

1984 Made in Holland
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: KICK AXE Vices
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • George Criston - Vocals
  • Victor Langen - Bass
  • Raymond Arthur Harvey - Guitars
  • Vice Brian Gillstrom - Drums
  • Larry Gillstrom - Guitars
Complete Track-listing of the album "KICK AXE Vices"

The detailed tracklist of this record "KICK AXE Vices" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Heavy Metal Shuffle
  2. Vices
  3. Stay on top
  4. Dreamin' About You
  5. Maneater
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. On the Road to Rock
  2. Cause for Alarm
  3. Alive & Kickin'
  4. All the Right Moves
  5. Just Passin' Through
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "KICK AXE Vices"
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "KICK AXE Vices"
Album Back Cover  Photo of "KICK AXE Vices"
Album Back Cover  Photo of "KICK AXE Vices"  
Photo of "KICK AXE Vices" 12" LP Record - Side One:
Photo of "KICK AXE Vices" 12" LP Record - Side One:  
Photo of "KICK AXE Vices" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
Photo of "KICK AXE Vices" 12" LP Record - Side Two:  

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.

Band Information:

  Kick Axe is a Canadian heavy metal band that was formed in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1976. The band was formed by brothers Larry and Victor Langen, and they were joined by guitarist Raymond Harvey, drummer Brian Gillstrom, and lead vocalist George Criston. The band gained popularity in the 1980s with their unique blend of hard rock and heavy metal. They released four albums during their active years and went through several line-up changes before disbanding in 1988.

 History

 Kick Axe was formed in 1976 by the Langen brothers, who had previously played in a band called Hobbit. The band played covers of popular rock songs and built up a local following. They released their debut album, "Vices," in 1984, which was produced by Spencer Proffer, known for his work with Quiet Riot and WASP. The album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching number 97 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album featured the hit single "On the Road to Rock," which became a staple of the band's live shows.

 The band's second album, "Welcome to the Club," was released in 1985 and was also produced by Spencer Proffer. The album featured the hit singles "Heavy Metal Shuffle" and "Stay on Top," and reached number 88 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album showcased the band's ability to blend heavy metal with pop sensibilities, and they were often compared to bands like Van Halen and Def Leppard.

 In 1986, the band contributed a cover of "With a Little Help from My Friends" to the soundtrack of the movie "Transformers: The Movie." The same year, they released their third album, "Rock the World," which was produced by Eddie Kramer, known for his work with Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. The album featured the hit singles "Rock the World" and "Dreamin' About You," and showcased the band's more melodic side.

 The band's final album, "Kick Axe IV," was released in 1988, and marked a departure from their previous sound. The album was more experimental and showcased the band's progressive rock influences. However, the album was not a commercial success, and the band went on hiatus shortly after its release.

 Music

 Kick Axe's music is a blend of hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from progressive rock and pop music. The band's sound is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and catchy melodies. Their music often deals with themes of rebellion, love, and the rock and roll lifestyle.

 One of the band's strengths is their ability to blend heavy metal with pop sensibilities. They were able to create anthemic choruses that were catchy and easy to sing along to, while still maintaining a heavy sound. This was particularly evident on their second album, "Welcome to the Club," which features several classic hard rock songs.

 Impact

 Kick Axe had a significant impact on the Canadian heavy metal scene and influenced several other bands in the genre. Their unique blend of heavy metal and pop sensibilities helped to make their music accessible to a wider audience, and they were often compared to other successful bands like Van Halen and Def Leppard.

 The band's music has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, including "Transformers: The Movie" and "Miami Vice." Their song "On the Road to Rock" was used as the theme song for the Canadian TV show "The New Music" for several years.

KICK AXE - Rock The World

Thumbnail Of  KICK AXE - Rock The World album front cover

RoadRunner RR 9611 , 1987 , Netherlands

Recorded and mixed at Inside Trak Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia

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KICK AXE - Vices
KICK AXE - Vices

Epic EPC 26051 , 1984 , Netherlands

Vices is the debut album by this Canadian Heavy Metal band

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KICK AXE - Welcome To The Club

Thumbnail Of  KICK AXE - Welcome To The Club album front cover

PASHA PSH 26697 , 1986 , Netherlands

This album was recorded in 1985. This album was released on Pasha Records

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  VARIOUS ARTISTS - New Gladiators Heavy Metal Compilation

Picture Of  VARIOUS ARTISTS - New Gladiators Heavy Metal Compilation album front cover

EPIC 26283 , 1985 , Netherlands

This album "NEW GLADIATORS" is a compilation album of various new heavy metal bands from the early 80s.

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