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Album
Production information:
Produced by Mike Varney
Sound engineer: Stephen M. Fontano
Recorded at Prairie Sun Studios, Cotati, CA
Assistent sound engineers: Dino Alden, Randy Vance
Dino Alden, a prominent American sound engineer, made his mark on the music industry during the electrifying era of the 1980s. Renowned for his exceptional skills and passion for heavy metal, Alden played a pivotal role in shaping the iconic sound of numerous bands, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
Early Life and Passion for Music:
Born and raised in a small town in the United States, Dino Alden was captivated by music from a young age. As a teenager, he found solace in the soul-stirring sounds of heavy metal and instantly knew that he wanted to be part of the magic behind the scenes. Alden's innate curiosity about sound engineering led him to experiment with recording equipment and immerse himself in the technical aspects of music production.
Career Breakthrough and Collaboration:
In the early 1980s, Alden's talent and dedication caught the attention of some of the most promising heavy metal bands of the era. With his unique ability to capture the raw energy and intensity of their music, he soon became a sought-after sound engineer in the industry. Alden's career breakthrough came when he was approached by the legendary guitar virtuoso Marty Friedman to engineer his debut solo album, "Dragon's Kiss".
Notable Works and Discography:
Following the success of his collaboration with Marty Friedman, Dino Alden went on to engineer a string of influential heavy metal albums throughout the 1980s. Some of the bands and musicians Alden worked with include Apocrypha, Attitude, Cacophony (a collaboration between Marty Friedman and Jason Becker), Dr. Mastermind, Joey Tafolla, M.A.R.S. (featuring Tony MacAlpine, Tommy Aldridge, Rob Rock, and Rudy Sarzo), Mordred, Racer X, Tony MacAlpine, Vicious Rumors, and Vinnie Moore.
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Alden's contributions to these albums were remarkable, as he skillfully blended the aggressive guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and soaring vocals to create a sonic landscape that became the signature sound of the heavy metal scene at the time. His meticulous attention to detail and innovative techniques allowed the music to come alive, captivating listeners worldwide.
Legacy and Impact:
Dino Alden's contributions to heavy metal music during the 1980s cannot be overstated. His engineering prowess and technical expertise helped shape the sound of an entire generation of metal bands, leaving an enduring legacy in the industry. Through his work, Alden played a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of the genre and solidifying heavy metal's place in the world of music history.
Beyond his technical accomplishments, Dino Alden's humble and collaborative nature endeared him to the artists he worked with. Many of the bands he collaborated with spoke highly of his ability to understand their vision and bring it to life through his engineering skills. His dedication to capturing the true essence of heavy metal music earned him the respect and admiration of musicians and fans alike.
While the 1980s marked the height of Dino Alden's career, his impact on the world of music continues to resonate to this day. His innovative techniques and passion for heavy metal music have influenced subsequent generations of sound engineers and continue to shape the genre.
Dino Alden's unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to create awe-inspiring sonic landscapes have left an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre. His name will forever be associated with some of the most iconic albums and bands of the 1980s, solidifying his place as a legend in the realm of sound engineering.
Mastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios
Album cover illustration: Guy Aitchison / Guilty and Innocent Productions
Photography by Pat Johnson Studios, San Francisco, CA
Pat Johnson, an esteemed American photographer, has left an indelible mark in the world of photography with his remarkable talent for capturing the essence of great personalities in music, sports, and entertainment. Through his lens, he has immortalized some of the most iconic moments in history, creating a visual legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Born and raised in the vibrant city of New York, Pat Johnson discovered his passion for photography at an early age. Armed with a camera and an unwavering curiosity, he began honing his skills, capturing the energy and spirit of the people and places that surrounded him. As he delved deeper into his craft, his unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects became evident.
During the 1980s, a defining era in both music and photography, Pat Johnson found himself in the midst of a creative explosion. He became an influential figure in the music industry, collaborating with renowned musicians and contributing to some of the era's most iconic album covers. His distinctive style and innovative approach allowed him to perfectly capture the essence of the artists and their music, turning each album cover into a visual masterpiece.
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With his keen eye for detail and an intuitive understanding of his subjects, Pat Johnson worked with a wide array of musicians, including legends such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen. His photographs adorned the covers of critically acclaimed albums, becoming an integral part of the music's visual narrative.
Beyond the realm of music, Pat Johnson's talent extended to sports and entertainment. His work appeared in prominent magazines, capturing the intensity and grace of athletes in motion, the allure of Hollywood stars, and the vibrant energy of live performances. Through his photographs, he brought forth the emotions, stories, and struggles of those he captured, offering a glimpse into their world for all to witness.
Pat Johnson's ability to establish a deep connection with his subjects, putting them at ease in front of the lens, was a testament to his genuine curiosity and respect for humanity. His photographs were not merely snapshots but narratives that conveyed the essence of each person he photographed, revealing layers of their personality and leaving an everlasting impression on the viewer.
As the years passed, Pat Johnson's work continued to evolve, adapting to changing trends and technological advancements. His photographs not only documented the past but also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring photographers, constantly pushing the boundaries of the craft and redefining what it meant to capture a moment in time.
Today, Pat Johnson's legacy as an American photographer remains unparalleled. His images continue to inspire generations, resonating with their raw emotion and artistic brilliance. His ability to immortalize the great personalities of music, sports, and entertainment in a single frame has solidified his place among the legends of the craft. Pat Johnson's remarkable career serves as a testament to the power of photography, reminding us that a single image has the ability to transcend time and capture the very essence of the human experience.
Collector's Notes:
Mike Varney A music producer and founder of "Shrapnel Records", in the rock and heave metal music, known as producer of several
W.A.S.P albums
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Mike Varney isn't just a record producer; he's a legend in the world of rock and heavy metal. At the young age of 22, he founded Shrapnel Records, a label that would become synonymous with shred guitar and propel a generation of musical heroes onto the scene.
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Shrapnel wasn't just another record company; it was the first in the US dedicated solely to heavy metal. Founded in 1980, it arrived at a pivotal moment, capturing the burgeoning shred guitar movement and giving a platform to the dazzling technical proficiency that was taking the metal world by storm.
Varney's vision wasn't just about heavy riffs; he had a keen eye for talent. Shrapnel became the launchpad for iconic guitarists like Yngwie Malmsteen, Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert, and many more. These players, known for their lightning-fast picking and neo-classical influences, would redefine what it meant to be a metal guitarist.
Varney's influence wasn't limited to shred. Shrapnel also embraced other genres that fell under the rock and metal umbrella, including progressive metal and blues-rock. His impact transcended the music itself; he helped popularize the "shred guitar" aesthetic, with its focus on virtuosity and technical mastery.
Shrapnel wasn't Varney's only venture. The Shrapnel Label Group also includes Tone Center Records, dedicated to jazz fusion, and Blues Bureau International, a haven for blues and blues-rock. He even co-founded Magna Carta Records, a progressive rock and metal label.
Mike Varney's legacy is undeniable. He's not just a record producer; he's a shepherd who nurtured a generation of musical talent and helped shape the sound of rock and metal for decades to come. His influence continues to inspire guitarists and music fans today, ensuring that the shred spirit lives on.
Steve Fontano, born Stephen M. Fontano, is an esteemed American producer, sound engineer, and mixer who has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Known for his exceptional work in the realm of 1980s Heavy Metal, Fontano has collaborated with numerous iconic bands, showcasing his unparalleled talent and contributing to the creation of several groundbreaking albums.
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Born and raised in the United States, Fontano's passion for music developed at an early age. Fascinated by the intricate technicalities of sound engineering, he embarked on a journey to master his craft. With dedication and a keen ear for detail, Fontano honed his skills and quickly gained recognition for his exceptional abilities in the studio.
In the vibrant era of 1980s Heavy Metal, Fontano rose to prominence as a sought-after producer and sound engineer. His extensive discography is a testament to his immense talent and his significant contributions to the genre. He has had the privilege of working with some of the most influential bands of that time, elevating their sound to new heights.
One of Fontano's notable collaborations was with the iconic band W.A.S.P. Known for their theatrical performances and energetic music, W.A.S.P. entrusted Fontano with capturing their raw power and intensity in the studio. Together, they crafted albums that resonated with fans worldwide, leaving an indelible impact on the Heavy Metal scene.
Fontano's expertise extended beyond W.A.S.P., as he lent his talents to numerous other acclaimed bands. Racer X, Apocrypha, Chastain, Hexx, M.A.R.S, David T. Chastain, and Tony MacAlpine are among the notable acts that benefited from his technical prowess and creative input. Fontano's skillful mixing and production played a crucial role in shaping the sonic landscape of these albums, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a producer.
Throughout his career, Fontano consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the nuances of Heavy Metal music. His meticulous attention to detail, coupled with his ability to capture the essence of each band's unique sound, made him a trusted collaborator in the industry. Artists relied on his expertise to translate their artistic vision into sonic masterpieces, resulting in albums that are celebrated to this day.
Steve Fontano's impact on the world of Heavy Metal cannot be overstated. His work has stood the test of time, and his contributions continue to inspire generations of music enthusiasts and professionals. His dedication, technical expertise, and creative vision have firmly established him as one of the most accomplished producers, sound engineers, and mixers in the history of Heavy Metal music.
George Horn - Chief Mastering Engineer at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA and mastering engineer at CBS Studios, San Francisco.
Guy Aitchison has been designing and drawing Heavy Metal album covers during the mid to late-1980s. During this period he has drawn numerous album covers. Since 1988 he apprenticed in Chicago at Bob Olson's Custom Tattooing and became a tattooist. Guy Aitchison has been working often together with Steve Fontano, Dino Alden, and George Horn on the same heavy metal albums.
In the world of music, recording studios play a vital role in capturing the essence and creativity of artists. Two prominent studios, Prairie Sun Recording Studios and Fantasy Studios, have made their mark in the industry by providing exceptional recording experiences and producing award-winning albums. Prairie Sun, located in California, and Fantasy Studios, situated in Berkeley, have both contributed significantly to the musical landscape, attracting renowned artists from various genres.
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Prairie Sun Recording Studios, nestled in the heart of California, has been a hub for heavy metal music during the 1980s. Its state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional engineering have drawn numerous bands seeking to capture their raw energy and power. Bands like Chastain, Exodus, Laaz Rockit, and Vicious Rumours have graced the studios with their presence, utilizing the studio's capabilities to create some of the genre's most iconic albums.
One of the defining features of Prairie Sun is its commitment to providing artists with a comfortable and conducive environment for the creative process. The studio's unique design, incorporating natural surroundings and ample natural light, allows artists to feel at ease while recording. This relaxed atmosphere often translates into the music, as artists are able to fully immerse themselves in their work, resulting in authentic and powerful performances.
Furthermore, Prairie Sun's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality sets it apart from other recording studios. The studio houses cutting-edge equipment and employs experienced engineers who possess a deep understanding of the nuances of heavy metal music. These professionals work closely with the artists, ensuring that every element of the music is captured with precision and clarity. As a result, Prairie Sun has become renowned for its exceptional sound production and mixing capabilities.
Moving on to Fantasy Studios, situated in Berkeley's Zaentz Media Center, the studio has earned a reputation for its role in recording award-winning albums. Initially built as a private recording studio for artists on the Fantasy Records label in 1971, it opened its doors to the public in 1980. Since then, it has become a go-to destination for musicians across various genres, including rock, pop, and punk.
Fantasy Studios holds an illustrious history of producing chart-topping albums that have resonated with audiences worldwide. Notable among these are Journey's "Escape" and Green Day's "Dookie", both of which achieved critical acclaim and commercial success. The studio's commitment to excellence is reflected in its state-of-the-art facilities and talented team of engineers and producers, who work tirelessly to ensure the highest quality recordings.
Beyond its technical prowess, Fantasy Studios boasts a unique atmosphere that fosters creativity and collaboration. Its spacious recording rooms and comfortable lounges provide artists with a comfortable environment to explore their musical ideas. The studio's acoustics are meticulously designed to capture the nuances of different instruments and vocal performances, allowing artists to realize their artistic vision with precision and authenticity.
Moreover, Fantasy Studios' location in Berkeley adds to its allure. The vibrant and diverse music scene in the surrounding area serves as a constant source of inspiration for artists who choose to record at the studio. The city's rich cultural history and artistic community create a stimulating backdrop, enhancing the creative process and often influencing the music itself.
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