KICK AXE's "Welcome to the Club": Canadian riff-mongers unleash a hard rock hurricane on your eardrums. Crank it up and get ready to party! #vinylrecords

KICK AXE's "Welcome to the Club": A Hair-Raising Hard Rock Hailstorm

Album Description:

Hold onto your leather pants and crank up the amps, because KICK AXE's "Welcome to the Club" is a wild ride through the glorious excesses of 1980s hard rock. This ain't no wimpy ballad-fest – it's a full-throttle assault on the senses, fueled by monstrous riffs, soaring vocals, and enough energy to power a small city.

Emerging from the Canadian rock scene in the mid-80s, KICK AXE was a band on a mission. They weren't trying to reinvent the wheel; they just wanted to give it a few extra spins and see how fast it could go. With their debut album, "Vices," they made a decent splash, but it was "Welcome to the Club" that truly solidified their status as hard rock heavyweights. The album's success was partly due to the music videos for "Welcome to the Club" and "On the Road to Rock" receiving regular airplay on MTV, exposing the band to a wider audience.

From the opening chords of "Welcome to the Club," it's clear that this album is all about having a good time. The song is a raucous anthem, complete with a sing-along chorus and a guitar solo that could peel the paint off your walls. It's the kind of track that makes you want to throw on your favorite band tee, grab a beer, and headbang until your neck hurts. The song's popularity also led to it being featured in the 1989 film "Road House," further cementing its status as a hard rock classic.

But "Welcome to the Club" isn't just a one-trick pony. The album is packed with killer tracks, each one showcasing a different side of the band's musical personality. "On the Road to Rock" is a high-octane rocker that celebrates the joys of life on the road, while "Hot as Hell" is a sleazy, blues-infused number that oozes with raw sexuality. And then there's "The Chain," a power ballad that proves that even hard rockers have a soft spot for a good love song. The album's diverse range of tracks helped it appeal to a wide audience, ensuring its commercial success.

The album was produced by Spencer Proffer, a man known for his work with other hard rock legends like Quiet Riot and Twisted Sister. Proffer's production gives "Welcome to the Club" a polished sound that perfectly captures the energy and excitement of the band's live performances. The album was recorded at the Record Plant in Los Angeles, a studio that has hosted countless rock royalty over the years. The choice of producer and recording studio further contributed to the album's high production value and sonic appeal.

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

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): Hans-Peter Huber, Ed Stone

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.

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.

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

Album cover design: Hugh Syme

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.

Album cover photography: Dimo Safari 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.

Record Label & Catalognr:

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)