RAGE - Reign of Fear 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Incl. OIS (Original Custom Inner Sleeve)

"Reign of Fear" is the first full-length album by the German Heavy Metal band "Rage". Previously the band has released two recordings using the band-name. "Avenger". Because there was already an English band called "Avenger" they decided to change their name in "Rage". "Reign of Fear" is the only album with the original Avenger/Lineup of band-members: Peter "Peavy" Wagner, Jochen Schroeder, Jörg Michael, Thomas 'Guiness' Grüning,

This album "RAGE - Reign of Fear" includes the original custom made inner sleeve (OIS) with photos of the Rage band on one side and the Noise catalog on the other side.

 

large album front cover photo of: Reign Of Fear  
RAGE - Reign of Fear: A Sonic Maelstrom for the Disaffected
Album Description:

Picture this: It's 1986. The Cold War casts a long, ominous shadow. Nuclear anxieties simmer. Thrash metal, in its youthful ferocity, provides the soundtrack to this unease. Amid this backdrop, a German trio named Rage unleashes their debut album, "Reign of Fear" - a sonic maelstrom that encapsulates the zeitgeist, leaving an indelible mark on the burgeoning European metal scene.

Historical Context and Musical Exploration:

"Reign of Fear" arrived during a pivotal moment for heavy metal. The 'Big Four' of thrash - Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax - had firmly established the genre's aggression and technicality. But Rage, hailing from Herne, Germany, offered a distinctly European flavor. Their music channeled the raw energy of their American counterparts, but with an added melodic sensibility and a touch of the epic, drawing inspiration from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

Music Genre and Controversies:

Rage's debut defied easy categorization. It was undeniably thrash, but with neoclassical flourishes and soaring vocals courtesy of frontman Peter "Peavy" Wagner. This eclecticism, while ultimately a strength, initially led to some confusion. Some critics, expecting a straightforward thrash assault, were taken aback by the band's willingness to experiment. This led to a degree of controversy, with some dismissing Rage as derivative, while others praised their ambition.

Production Team and Recording Studio:

"Reign of Fear" was recorded at Horus Sound Studio in Hannover, Germany, with producer Karl-Ulrich Walterbach at the helm. Walterbach, the founder of Noise Records, played a crucial role in shaping the album's sound. He captured the band's raw energy while ensuring the intricate arrangements didn't get lost in the mix. The result was a powerful, dynamic album that showcased Rage's technical prowess and melodic flair.

Reign of Fear's Impact:

Despite initial mixed reactions, "Reign of Fear" gradually gained recognition as a landmark release in European heavy metal. It showcased a band unafraid to push boundaries, blending aggression and melody in a way that few had attempted before. The album's influence can be heard in countless bands that followed, solidifying Rage's place as pioneers of German thrash.

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

Fred Baumgart photographed since the mid-1980's several German Heavy Metal bands, including: Warrant , Ballantinez , Kreator , Rage , Deathrow , Voivod , Tankard .

Jochen Schroeder started playing in 1983 the German Heavy Metal band "Avenger", in 1985 he moved to play in "Mekong Delta" and around 1986-1987 to play in "Rage".

Jörg Michae l has been playing drums in many different heavy metal bands, most notable he has played in "Avenger", "Axel Rudi Pell", "Grave Digger", "Headhunter", "Living Death", "Mekong Delta", "Rage", "Running Wild". "Saxon" and "Stratovarius". Together with "Peter Wagner" he also played in the "Der Riss" and "X-Mas Project" bands.

L+Z Grafik Design , a number of graphics artists have been working at "L+Z Grafik Design" and creating the album cover artwork for bands like: "Warrant", "Witch Hunter", Rage.

Peter "Peavey" Wagner started playing in 1983 the German Heavy Metal band "Avenger", in 1985 he moved to play in "Mekong Delta" and around 1986-1987 to play in "Rage". Together with Jorg Michael he also played in the "Der Riss" and "X-Mas Project" bands.

Phil Lawvere is an acclaimed artist and illustrator known for his iconic contributions to the world of metal album art. Through his distinct visual style, Lawvere has created some of the most recognizable and influential album covers in the history of heavy metal music. His dark, intricate, and often controversial artworks have left an indelible mark on the genre, solidifying his status as a legendary figure within the metal community.

more...

Phil Lawvere was born on 28 February 1960, in Stuttgart, Germany. From a young age, he demonstrated a keen interest in art, fueled by his passion for music and the burgeoning rock and metal scene. Lawvere drew inspiration from the works of artists like H.R. Giger and Salvador Dalí, as well as from the intense and raw energy of metal music itself. These influences would later become instrumental in shaping his unique artistic vision.

Lawvere's breakthrough in metal album art came in the late 1980s when he was commissioned to create the cover artwork for German thrash metal band Kreator's sophomore album, "Pleasure to Kill" (1986) . This gritty and macabre artwork, depicting a tortured corpse, perfectly captured the aggressive and visceral nature of the band's music. The cover quickly became iconic and set the stage for Lawvere's future contributions to the genre.

Lawvere's artistic contributions extend beyond album covers. He has also created logos and additional artwork for bands such as Helloween, Tankard, and Whiplash, further cementing his influence on the metal aesthetic. Additionally, Lawvere has worked as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer, showcasing his versatility and mastery of various artistic mediums.

Phil Lawvere's impact on metal album art cannot be overstated. His unique and evocative visual style has influenced subsequent generations of artists and has become synonymous with the genre itself. The dark and atmospheric worlds he creates through his artwork serve as a visual representation of the music's intensity and power. Lawvere's contributions have elevated album covers to the realm of art, making them an integral part of the metal experience. .

Ralph "Ralf" Hubert

In the world of heavy metal history, certain individuals emerge as true architects of the genre's sonic landscape. One such luminary is Ralph "Ralf" Hubert, a versatile talent whose impact on heavy metal, both as a producer and a musician, remains indelible. Known for his pivotal role in shaping the Teutonic Metal sound of the 1980s, Hubert's multifaceted career spans across production, sound engineering, bass playing, and co-founding a record label.

more...

Ralph Hubert's journey into the realm of heavy metal began as a producer, sound engineer, and sound mixer. His adept skills were employed in crafting the albums of numerous iconic bands, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the metal scene during the genre's golden era. Bands such as Brainfever, Steeler, Fact , Warlock , and Living Death , among others, bear the imprint of Hubert's production prowess. His influence extended to an extensive roster, including Atlain , Stormwind , Darxon, Hunter, Lions Breed, Metal Sword, Overdose, Breaker, Mad Butcher, Carrie , Invader, Holy Moses , Siren, Target, Kreator, and Sacred Chao.

It was during this era that Hubert's touch became synonymous with the Teutonic Metal sound, a subgenre characterized by its raw intensity, powerful riffing, and uncompromising attitude. As a producer and sound engineer, Hubert played a pivotal role in shaping the sonic identity of the 1980s metal scene, leaving an indelible mark that resonates to this day.

Beyond his contributions behind the mixing console, Ralph Hubert also showcased his musical prowess as a bass player. Under the alias "Björn Eklund," he held down the low end with the influential band "Mekong Delta" from 1985 onwards. This collaboration allowed him to express his musicality and contribute to the band's unique sound. His bass-playing finesse further extended to other projects, including Schwarzarbeit and X-Mas Project, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

Not content with merely influencing the musical landscape, Ralph Hubert ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship. In 1986, he co-founded "Aaarrg Records," a label that played a significant role in amplifying the voices of emerging metal acts. This endeavor solidified Hubert's status as not just a contributor to the metal scene but also as a catalyst for its growth and evolution.

 

Album Fact Sheet: RAGE - Reign of Fear

Music Genre:

 Speed/Thrash Metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "RAGE - Reign of Fear" was produced by: Ralf Hubert

Ralph "Ralf" Hubert

In the world of heavy metal history, certain individuals emerge as true architects of the genre's sonic landscape. One such luminary is Ralph "Ralf" Hubert, a versatile talent whose impact on heavy metal, both as a producer and a musician, remains indelible. Known for his pivotal role in shaping the Teutonic Metal sound of the 1980s, Hubert's multifaceted career spans across production, sound engineering, bass playing, and co-founding a record label.

more...

Ralph Hubert's journey into the realm of heavy metal began as a producer, sound engineer, and sound mixer. His adept skills were employed in crafting the albums of numerous iconic bands, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the metal scene during the genre's golden era. Bands such as Brainfever, Steeler, Fact , Warlock , and Living Death , among others, bear the imprint of Hubert's production prowess. His influence extended to an extensive roster, including Atlain , Stormwind , Darxon, Hunter, Lions Breed, Metal Sword, Overdose, Breaker, Mad Butcher, Carrie , Invader, Holy Moses , Siren, Target, Kreator, and Sacred Chao.

It was during this era that Hubert's touch became synonymous with the Teutonic Metal sound, a subgenre characterized by its raw intensity, powerful riffing, and uncompromising attitude. As a producer and sound engineer, Hubert played a pivotal role in shaping the sonic identity of the 1980s metal scene, leaving an indelible mark that resonates to this day.

Beyond his contributions behind the mixing console, Ralph Hubert also showcased his musical prowess as a bass player. Under the alias "Björn Eklund," he held down the low end with the influential band "Mekong Delta" from 1985 onwards. This collaboration allowed him to express his musicality and contribute to the band's unique sound. His bass-playing finesse further extended to other projects, including Schwarzarbeit and X-Mas Project, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

Not content with merely influencing the musical landscape, Ralph Hubert ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship. In 1986, he co-founded "Aaarrg Records," a label that played a significant role in amplifying the voices of emerging metal acts. This endeavor solidified Hubert's status as not just a contributor to the metal scene but also as a catalyst for its growth and evolution.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Def

This album was recorded at: Horus Sound Studio, February-March 1986

Album cover design: L+Z Grafik-Design

Album cover painting: Phil Lawvere

Album cover and inner sleeve photography: Fred Baumgart

Horus Sound Studio is located in Hannover, Germany and has been the recording and sound mix studio for sound engineers like: Tommy Hansen , Tommy Newton , Jan Nemec, . During the 1980s this studio has been used by bands like: Celtic Frost, Helloween, Rage, Sodom, Victory and many others

Phil Lawvere is an acclaimed artist and illustrator known for his iconic contributions to the world of metal album art. Through his distinct visual style, Lawvere has created some of the most recognizable and influential album covers in the history of heavy metal music. His dark, intricate, and often controversial artworks have left an indelible mark on the genre, solidifying his status as a legendary figure within the metal community.

more...

Phil Lawvere was born on 28 February 1960, in Stuttgart, Germany. From a young age, he demonstrated a keen interest in art, fueled by his passion for music and the burgeoning rock and metal scene. Lawvere drew inspiration from the works of artists like H.R. Giger and Salvador Dalí, as well as from the intense and raw energy of metal music itself. These influences would later become instrumental in shaping his unique artistic vision.

Lawvere's breakthrough in metal album art came in the late 1980s when he was commissioned to create the cover artwork for German thrash metal band Kreator's sophomore album, "Pleasure to Kill" (1986) . This gritty and macabre artwork, depicting a tortured corpse, perfectly captured the aggressive and visceral nature of the band's music. The cover quickly became iconic and set the stage for Lawvere's future contributions to the genre.

Lawvere's artistic contributions extend beyond album covers. He has also created logos and additional artwork for bands such as Helloween, Tankard, and Whiplash, further cementing his influence on the metal aesthetic. Additionally, Lawvere has worked as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer, showcasing his versatility and mastery of various artistic mediums.

Phil Lawvere's impact on metal album art cannot be overstated. His unique and evocative visual style has influenced subsequent generations of artists and has become synonymous with the genre itself. The dark and atmospheric worlds he creates through his artwork serve as a visual representation of the music's intensity and power. Lawvere's contributions have elevated album covers to the realm of art, making them an integral part of the metal experience. .

 

Record Label & Catalognr:

 Noise – N 0038

Record Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

  1986 Manufactured in West-Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: RAGE - Reign of Fear
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Peter 'Peavy' Wagner - Vocals, Bass, Acoustic Guitar
  • Jörg Michael - Drums
  • Jochen Schroeder - Guitar
  • Thomas 'Guiness' Grüning - Guitar

Peter "Peavey" Wagner started playing in 1983 the German Heavy Metal band "Avenger", in 1985 he moved to play in "Mekong Delta" and around 1986-1987 to play in "Rage". Together with Jorg Michael he also played in the "Der Riss" and "X-Mas Project" bands.

Jochen Schroeder started playing in 1983 the German Heavy Metal band "Avenger", in 1985 he moved to play in "Mekong Delta" and around 1986-1987 to play in "Rage".

Jörg Michael has been playing drums in many different heavy metal bands, most notable he has played in "Avenger", "Axel Rudi Pell", "Grave Digger", "Headhunter", "Living Death", "Mekong Delta", "Rage", "Running Wild". "Saxon" and "Stratovarius". Together with "Peter Wagner" he also played in the "Der Riss" and "X-Mas Project" bands.

Thomas 'Guiness' Grüning - Guitar player. Timeline: 1985 Avenger 1986-1987 Rage

Complete Track-listing of the album "RAGE - Reign of Fear"

The detailed tracklist of this record "RAGE - Reign of Fear" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Scared To Death
  2. Deceiver
  3. Reign Of Fear
  4. Hand Of Glory
  5. Raw Energy
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Echoes Of Evil
  2. Chaste Flesh
  3. Suicide
  4. Machinery
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "RAGE - Reign of Fear"
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Album Back Cover  Photo of "RAGE - Reign of Fear"
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Inner Sleeve   of "RAGE - Reign of Fear" Album
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Photo of "RAGE - Reign of Fear" Album's Inner Sleeve  
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Photo of "RAGE - Reign of Fear" 12" LP Record - Side One:
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Photo of "RAGE - Reign of Fear" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
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 Note: the pictures on this page are actual photos of the 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 ).

RAGE - Execution Guaranteed

 RAGE   - Execution Guaranteed

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RAGE's "Execution Guaranteed" 12" Vinyl LP Album is a relentless onslaught of thrash mastery. Released in 1987, it's a sonic barrage that blends aggressive riffs and explosive drumming, creating an intense atmosphere. With tracks like "Down By Law" and "Time Waits For Noone," the album is a metal manifesto, showcasing RAGE's prowess and cementing its place in thrash history

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RAGE - Perfect Man

RAGE - Perfect Man

Noise International N 0112-1 , 1988 , Germany

RAGE's "Perfect Man" 12" Vinyl LP Album, a 1988 release, is a dynamic journey through metal intricacies. The album balances melodic hooks with powerful guitar work, epitomizing RAGE's evolving sound. With tracks like "Don't Fear the Winter" and "Enough Is Enough", it's a blend of heaviness and melody that captures the essence of the era's metal scene, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts..

Perfect Man 12" Vinyl LP

RAGE - Reign of Fear

RAGE - Reign of Fear

Noise – N 0038 , 1986 , Germany

Released in 1986, RAGE's "Reign of Fear" 12" Vinyl LP Album is a raw and unbridled entry into the thrash metal realm. With furious tracks like "Hand of Glory" and "Execution Guaranteed", the album embodies the genre's primal energy. RAGE's unapologetic approach and intense instrumentals make this album a fierce declaration of their presence in the burgeoning metal landscape.

Reign of Fear 12" Vinyl LP

RAGE - Secrets in a Weird World 12" LP

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"Secrets in a Weird World," RAGE's 1989 masterpiece, forged in collaboration with producer Karl-Ulrich Walterbach, epitomizes German Heavy Metal's zenith. Meticulously crafted, its fusion of melodic intricacies and aggressive riffage showcased the band's prowess. The analog recording process on a 12" Vinyl LP format captured a raw, authentic energy. A timeless classic, the album's impact reverberates, etching its indelible mark on metal history.

Secrets in a Weird World 12" Vinyl LP