KICK AXE Welcome to the Club 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Welcome to the Club" is the second studio album by the Canadian heavy metal band Kick Axe, released in 1985. The album was produced by Spencer Proffer, who also produced the band's debut album "Vices".

The album features the singles "On the Road to Rock" and "Heavy Metal Shuffle". It received positive reviews upon its release and was considered a commercial success for the band, reaching #147 on the US Billboard 200 chart.

Musically, the album is considered to be in the vein of traditional heavy metal and hard rock, with elements of power metal. The songs feature strong guitar riffs, catchy hooks, and powerful vocals.

The band is considered as one of the most underrated bands of the 80s and "Welcome to the Club" is considered as their best work by the band's fans.

A0476 KICK AXE Welcome to the club

Collector's notes ( detailed background information on the persons working on this album)

Dimo Safari has been photographing many music artists, performers and bands for their album covers. Some well-known names include: Rush, Kick Axe, Lee Aaron, Triumph, Helix, Billy Idol, Pink Floyd, Jeff Healey Band, Celine Dion, Fates Warning, Rolling Stones and many others.

Ed Stone is a highly respected figure in the world of music production and sound engineering, particularly within the realm of Heavy Metal. Born and raised in the 1960s, Stone's passion for music ignited at an early age, eventually leading him to make a significant impact on the metal scene during the 1980s.

Stone's journey into the music industry began when he developed a keen interest in sound engineering. As he honed his skills, he quickly realized his affinity for the hard-hitting, raw energy of Heavy Metal music. He set out to work with bands that shared his passion for this genre, and it wasn't long before he made a name for himself in the industry.

Read more...

Throughout the 1980s, Stone's expertise was sought after by several prominent Heavy Metal bands. One of his early collaborations was with the Canadian thrash metal band Razor. Stone's production and engineering skills helped shape the band's sound, contributing to their success and earning him recognition within the metal community.

Following his work with Razor, Stone continued to forge strong partnerships with other notable bands of the era. He lent his talents to Kick Axe, a Canadian heavy metal band known for their powerful vocals and anthemic sound. Stone's contributions helped bring out the band's intensity and added depth to their recordings.

Stone's reputation as a skilled producer and sound engineer continued to grow, and his services were soon in high demand. He worked with the Canadian heavy metal band Warriors, ensuring their recordings captured the band's aggressive and dynamic live performances. Stone's meticulous attention to detail and technical expertise were evident in the band's albums, establishing him as a trusted collaborator.

In addition to his work with Razor, Kick Axe, and Warriors, Stone also made significant contributions to the careers of other bands during the 1980s Heavy Metal scene. His production and engineering work enhanced the sound of bands such as Deaf Dealer, Exciter, Hanover Fist, and Reckless, elevating their music and helping them gain recognition.

Stone's impact on the Heavy Metal genre during the 1980s cannot be overstated. His expertise and dedication to capturing the essence of the bands he worked with were crucial in shaping their sound and cementing their place in music history. His contributions were highly regarded, and his name became synonymous with high-quality production within the metal community.

Beyond the 1980s, Ed Stone's career continued to flourish. He expanded his portfolio, working with a diverse range of artists across different genres. His versatility and ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes made him a sought-after producer and sound engineer.

Ed Stone's passion for music, particularly Heavy Metal, and his dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the industry. His work with bands such as Razor, Kick Axe, Warriors, Deaf Dealer, Exciter, Hanover Fist, and Reckless showcased his exceptional talent and solidified his reputation as a master of his trade.

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

Hugh Syme is a Canadian Juno Award-winning graphic artist and member of the Premier Artists Collection (PAC) who is best known for his artwork and cover concepts for rock and metal bands. He is also a musician and has appeared in some Rush songs as a keyboard player. Syme is notably responsible for all of Rush's album cover art since 1975's Caress of Steel as well as creating Rush's famous Starman logo.

 Iron Maiden fans remember him best as the designer of The X Factor cover, which shows the band's mascot Eddie the Head dissected. It is remembered for its gritty realism. Whereas all previous Maiden albums were oil paintings, the X Factor Eddie was a puppet with some digital touch-ups to enhance its look. In some countries the cover was considered so gruesome that a less gory alternative was offered (the alternative cover is actually the back of the original CD booklet)

Collectors may wish to collect his complete oeuvre of album covers.

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.

 

Album Fact Sheet: KICK AXE Welcome to the Club

Music Genre:

 Heavy Metal / Glam Metal  / Hard Rock 

Album Production Information:

 

The album: "KICK AXE - Welcome to the Club" was produced by: Randy Bishop, Spencer Proffer

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Hans-Peter Huber, Ed Stone

This album was recorded at: Metal Works, Toronto, Canada

Album cover design: Hugh Syme

Album cover photography: Dimo Safari

Record Label Information:

 PASHA PSH 26697

Record Format:

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

Year & Country:

 1986 Made in Holland (Note: on record's label near 9' o'clock)
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "KICK AXE Welcome to the Club"
A0476 KICK AXE Welcome to the club
Album Back Cover  Photo of "KICK AXE Welcome to the Club"
A0476 KICK AXE Welcome to the club  
Photo of "KICK AXE Welcome to the Club" 12" LP Record - Side One:
A0476 KICK AXE Welcome to the club  
Photo of "KICK AXE Welcome to the Club" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
A0476 KICK AXE Welcome to the club  

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.

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: KICK AXE Welcome to the Club
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • George Criston - lead vocals
  • Larry Gillstrom - guitars, keyboards
  • Raymond Harvey - guitars, backing vocals
  • Victor Langen - bass guitar, keyboards
  • Brian Gillstrom - drums
Complete Track-listing of the album "KICK AXE Welcome to the Club"

The detailed tracklist of this record "KICK AXE Welcome to the Club" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Welcome To The Club
  2. Feels Good - Don't Stop
  3. Comin' After You
  4. Make Your Move
  5. Never Let Go
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Hellraisers
  2. Can't Take It With You
  3. Too Loud... To Old
  4. Feel The Power
  5. With A Little Help From My Friends

Collector's Notes:

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.

Randy Bishop - during the 1980's he has produced the Kick Axe albums: "Comin' after you", "Welcome to the Club".

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

 

Ed Stone is a highly respected figure in the world of music production and sound engineering, particularly within the realm of Heavy Metal. Born and raised in the 1960s, Stone's passion for music ignited at an early age, eventually leading him to make a significant impact on the metal scene during the 1980s.

Stone's journey into the music industry began when he developed a keen interest in sound engineering. As he honed his skills, he quickly realized his affinity for the hard-hitting, raw energy of Heavy Metal music. He set out to work with bands that shared his passion for this genre, and it wasn't long before he made a name for himself in the industry.

Read more...

Throughout the 1980s, Stone's expertise was sought after by several prominent Heavy Metal bands. One of his early collaborations was with the Canadian thrash metal band Razor. Stone's production and engineering skills helped shape the band's sound, contributing to their success and earning him recognition within the metal community.

Following his work with Razor, Stone continued to forge strong partnerships with other notable bands of the era. He lent his talents to Kick Axe, a Canadian heavy metal band known for their powerful vocals and anthemic sound. Stone's contributions helped bring out the band's intensity and added depth to their recordings.

Stone's reputation as a skilled producer and sound engineer continued to grow, and his services were soon in high demand. He worked with the Canadian heavy metal band Warriors, ensuring their recordings captured the band's aggressive and dynamic live performances. Stone's meticulous attention to detail and technical expertise were evident in the band's albums, establishing him as a trusted collaborator.

In addition to his work with Razor, Kick Axe, and Warriors, Stone also made significant contributions to the careers of other bands during the 1980s Heavy Metal scene. His production and engineering work enhanced the sound of bands such as Deaf Dealer, Exciter, Hanover Fist, and Reckless, elevating their music and helping them gain recognition.

Stone's impact on the Heavy Metal genre during the 1980s cannot be overstated. His expertise and dedication to capturing the essence of the bands he worked with were crucial in shaping their sound and cementing their place in music history. His contributions were highly regarded, and his name became synonymous with high-quality production within the metal community.

Beyond the 1980s, Ed Stone's career continued to flourish. He expanded his portfolio, working with a diverse range of artists across different genres. His versatility and ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes made him a sought-after producer and sound engineer.

Ed Stone's passion for music, particularly Heavy Metal, and his dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the industry. His work with bands such as Razor, Kick Axe, Warriors, Deaf Dealer, Exciter, Hanover Fist, and Reckless showcased his exceptional talent and solidified his reputation as a master of his trade.

 

Dimo Safari is a highly acclaimed and accomplished photographer renowned for his iconic album cover shots of music artists, performers, and bands. With an extraordinary talent for capturing the essence of the artists he works with, Dimo has left an indelible mark on the music industry through his breathtaking imagery. His portfolio boasts a plethora of influential names, including Rush, Kick Axe, Lee Aaron, Triumph, Helix, Billy Idol, Pink Floyd, Jeff Healey Band, Celine Dion, Fates Warning, Rolling Stones, and many more.

Born with a deep passion for both music and visual arts, Dimo Safari developed an early fascination for the intersection of these two realms. Growing up, he found himself drawn to the captivating album covers that adorned his favorite records, igniting a desire within him to create similarly compelling visuals for musicians. This sparked his journey into the world of photography, where he would eventually become a pioneer and trailblazer in the field of music album cover art.

Read more...

Dimo's journey began with humble beginnings. He honed his skills behind the lens, experimenting with various techniques and immersing himself in the art of photography. He sought to create images that not only visually appealed to viewers but also conveyed the spirit and energy of the music they represented.

As Dimo's talent grew, so did his reputation within the music industry. Artists and bands began to take notice of his unique vision and ability to translate their music into captivating visual narratives. One of his breakthrough moments came when he collaborated with the legendary band Rush on their critically acclaimed album cover for "Moving Pictures". The iconic image he captured perfectly encapsulated the essence of the band's music, becoming an instant classic and solidifying Dimo's status as a go-to photographer for musicians seeking remarkable album cover art.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dimo Safari has continued to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms. His distinctive style blends elements of storytelling, symbolism, and meticulous attention to detail, resulting in album covers that not only adorn record shelves but also transcend time, becoming iconic symbols of the music they represent.

In addition to his work with prominent rock bands, Dimo has also collaborated with a diverse range of artists from various genres. From the dynamic energy of Billy Idol's punk rock to the ethereal beauty of Celine Dion's ballads, Dimo's versatility shines through in each and every project he undertakes. His ability to capture the essence of an artist's sound and translate it into a single image has made him highly sought after in the industry.

Dimo Safari's contributions to the music world extend far beyond his photography. His keen understanding of the artist's vision and his dedication to bringing it to life has established him as a trusted collaborator. His photographs are not mere images but rather windows into the soul of the music they represent, allowing fans to connect with the artists on a deeper level.

Today, Dimo Safari continues to capture the magic and essence of music through his lens. His remarkable body of work stands as a testament to his unwavering passion, unwavering dedication, and unparalleled talent. With each album cover he creates, Dimo leaves an indelible mark on the music industry, immortalizing artists and their music in visual form.

Hugh Syme is a Canadian Juno Award-winning graphic artist and member of the Premier Artists Collection (PAC) who is best known for his artwork and cover concepts for rock and metal bands. He is also a musician and has appeared in some Rush songs as a keyboard player. Syme is notably responsible for all of Rush's album cover art since 1975's Caress of Steel as well as creating Rush's famous Starman logo.

 Iron Maiden fans remember him best as the designer of The X Factor cover, which shows the band's mascot Eddie the Head dissected. It is remembered for its gritty realism. Whereas all previous Maiden albums were oil paintings, the X Factor Eddie was a puppet with some digital touch-ups to enhance its look. In some countries the cover was considered so gruesome that a less gory alternative was offered (the alternative cover is actually the back of the original CD booklet)

Collectors may wish to collect his complete oeuvre of album covers.

 

 

FEATURED "KICK AXE" VINYL RECORDS

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.

Learn more