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.
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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 designer and illustrator known for his iconic contributions to the world of metal album art. Learn more about Phil Lawvere Ralph "Ralf" Hubert Ralph "Ralf" Hubert, a versatile talent whose impact on heavy metal, both as a producer and a musician, remains indelible. Learn all about him. |
| 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 Ralph "Ralf" Hubert, a versatile talent whose impact on heavy metal, both as a producer and a musician, remains indelible. Learn all about him.
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 designer and illustrator known for his iconic contributions to the world of metal album art. Learn more about Phil Lawvere
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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 |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "RAGE - Reign of Fear" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "RAGE - Reign of Fear" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "RAGE - Reign of Fear" |
The front cover of Rage's album "Reign of Fear" features a striking and intense visual. Dominating the design is a close-up of a masked face, peering out with a piercing, steely gaze. The face is painted in a blue-grey hue, giving it an almost spectral appearance, which is further emphasized by the dark shadows surrounding it. The eyes are sharp, alert, and almost threatening, creating an atmosphere of tension and mystery. The top of the cover displays the band's name, "RAGE," in bold, red lettering, with a chain graphic integrated into the design, symbolizing strength and aggression. A small circular sticker in the top right corner reads "ex-Avenger," referencing the band's previous name before rebranding as Rage. At the bottom, the album title "Reign of Fear" is printed in a clean, white font, contrasting against the dark background and reinforcing the ominous tone of the artwork. |
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 ). |
Appendix:
The custom inner sleeve features a single page showcasing promotional content for NOISE's Vinyl LP releases from the same period. It highlights a curated selection of albums, each with cover art and brief descriptions, offering fans a glimpse into the label’s diverse lineup, including heavy metal and thrash icons. This inner sleeve serves as both a collector’s piece and a marketing tool, capturing the essence of NOISE’s catalog at the time.
Death Metal
Sampler LP - No 0080 66-8546 SPV-GmbH
With HELLHAMMER, RUNNING WILD, DARK AVENGER, HELLOWEEN, NOISEHUNTER
Boundless power...for wild headbangers & true avengers!
Celtic Frost
Mini LP - No 0017 60-1673 SPV-GmbH
Black rose sorceries are...
Hellhammer
LP - No 0031 60-1688 SPV-GmbH
More than ever before...the darkest aggregation of black metal!
Running Wild
LP - No 0043 60-1695 SPV-GmbH
The fellow-men better beware...
Warrant
Mini LP - No 0019 60-1681 SPV-GmbH
Speed Metal...First Strike!
Warlock
LP - No 0038 60-1683 SPV-GmbH
A giant step forward!
The Rods
LP - No 0016 60-1671 SPV-GmbH
The bitches, Priests of the Devils...
Grave Digger
LP - No 0067 60-1709 SPV-GmbH
Heavy Metal Breakdown - The semi-legendary firm...
Grave Digger
LP - No 0088 60-4579 SPV-GmbH
WITCH HUNTER - Bands beware...
Exciter
LP - No 0055 66-1648 SPV-GmbH
Long Live Metal - Pure Metal
Helloween
Mini LP - No 0011 60-1670 SPV-GmbH
Power Metal - For young, immortal souls!
Helloween
LP - No 0032 66-1679 SPV-GmbH
Walls of Jericho - Powerful new heavy release!
Rage
LP - No 0081 60-1697 SPV-GmbH
Reign of Fear - The inquisition demands the truth...unbelievable metal...
Sinner
LP - No 0045 66-1675 SPV-GmbH
How guitar can kill more than a thousand men - Thrash and power metal...
RAGE - Execution Guaranteed
Noise International N 0073 08-4416 , 1987 , Germany
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
Execution Guaranteed 12" Vinyl LPRAGE - Perfect Man
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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 LPRAGE - 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 LPRAGE - Secrets in a Weird World 12" LP
Noise International 0137 / NUK 137 , 1989 , Germany
"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