SHOK PARIS - STEEL AND STARLIGHT - 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Second full-length LP by US metal band Shok Paris featuring high-energy riffs, melodic hooks, and rare guest drummer appearance. Released in 1987 on IRS Records.

"Steel and Starlight" is the powerful second full-length album by American heavy metal band Shok Paris, released in 1987. Building on the raw energy of their debut, this album showcases their growth in songwriting, performance, and production. With fierce guitar riffs, melodic hooks, and commanding vocals, tracks like “Go Down Fighting” and the title song “Steel and Starlight” exemplify the band’s classic U.S. metal sound. Produced by Denny Nowak and Bill Peters, and released through I.R.S. Records, this LP remains a fan favorite and a prime example of 1980s melodic heavy metal with a passionate, high-energy delivery.

Steel and Starlight by Shok Paris Album Description:

Shok Paris's "Steel and Starlight" is a remarkable 12" vinyl LP album that showcases the raw power and talent of the American Heavy Metal band. Released as their second official full-length album, "Steel and Starlight" arrived on the scene three years after their debut album, "Go for the Throat". Produced by Denny Nowak and Bill Peters, this album continues to captivate listeners with its intense energy and impressive songwriting.

The album opens with the thunderous track "Go Down Fighting", setting the stage for what's to come. The band's signature heavy riffs and electrifying guitar solos immediately grab the listener's attention. The title track, "Steel and Starlight", follows, enveloping the audience in a sonic assault of pure Heavy Metal. The powerful vocals soar over the crushing instrumentation, leaving an indelible mark on the listener.

Moving forward, "Tokyo Rose" showcases the band's ability to create infectious hooks and memorable melodies. The track's dynamic shifts and blistering guitar work further contribute to its allure. "Rocked Outta Love" follows suit, delivering a punchy and high-octane anthem that is guaranteed to get heads banging.

As we delve into the second half of the album, "Castle Walls" stands out as a slower, more atmospheric track. It demonstrates the band's versatility, exploring a melodic side while still maintaining their heavy sound. The emotion-laden lyrics and captivating guitar solos create a captivating experience for the listener.

"On Your Feet" kicks off the second side with a burst of energy, fueled by relentless guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section. The band's performance on this track is incredibly tight and showcases their technical proficiency. "Falling for You" follows suit, with its catchy hooks and infectious energy leaving a lasting impression.

"Exhibit A" takes the listener on a musical journey, featuring intricate arrangements and a diverse range of musical influences. This track demonstrates Shok Paris's ability to incorporate progressive elements into their music, further elevating their sound. "Lost Queen" captivates with its haunting atmosphere, drawing the listener in with its dark and mysterious undertones.

The album concludes with "Hot on Your Heels", leaving the listener craving for more. This high-energy track is a perfect ending, highlighting the band's fierce determination and unrelenting passion for their craft.

"Steel and Starlight" is a testament to Shok Paris's musical prowess and their ability to create powerful and memorable Heavy Metal anthems. The album showcases their impressive songwriting skills, dynamic performances, and a sound that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of classic Heavy Metal. Each track is a testament to the band's dedication and talent, leaving a lasting impact on fans of the genre.

Shok Paris – Band Biography

Shok Paris is a heavy metal band from Cleveland, Ohio, formed in the early 1980s. Known for their energetic blend of traditional heavy metal and U.S. power metal, the band built a loyal following during the golden age of 1980s metal.

Their sound is often compared to classic acts like Dio, Judas Priest, and Armored Saint, featuring powerful vocals, melodic guitar riffs, and strong songcraft. Their second album, "Steel and Starlight" (1987), remains their most iconic release, combining melodic hooks with high-energy performances.

Originally signed to Auburn Records, they later gained wider exposure through I.R.S. Records. Shok Paris's discography includes:

  • "Go for the Throat" (1984)
  • "Steel and Starlight" (1987)
  • "Concrete Killers" (1989)
  • "Full Metal Jacket" (2019)

The band reunited in the 2000s, performing at festivals like Keep It True in Germany, and continued their legacy with new material. Their music remains a staple among collectors and fans of classic 1980s American metal.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal

Label & Catalognr:

International Record Syndicate I.R.S ILP 4604521

Album Packaging

Original custom inner sleeve with album details, lyrics and photos. Includes I.R.S Company Insert

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Record

Year & Country:

1987 – Made in Holland

Producers:
  • Denny Nowak – Producer for Denwa Productions
  • Bill Peters – Producer (Founder of Auburn Records, worked with Breaker, Destructor and Shok Paris)
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Eric Apel – Front Cover Design

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Members, Musicians:
  • Vic Hix – Lead Vocals
  • Keb Erb – Guitar
  • Erik Marderwald – Guitar
  • Kel Berkshire – Bass
  • Jan Roll – Drums
  • Bill Sabo – Guest Drummer

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Go Down Fighting
  2. Steel and Starlight
  3. Tokyo Rose
  4. Rocked Outta Love
  5. Castle Walls
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. On Your Feet
  2. Falling for You
  3. Exhibit A
  4. Lost Queen
  5. Hot on Your Heels
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of Shok Paris's Steel and Starlight vinyl album, showing a stylized futuristic woman in metallic armor, seated and playing an energy guitar amid a cosmic background of stars and glowing light

Front cover artwork of the 1987 album "Steel and Starlight" by Shok Paris. The image features a striking, hand-painted sci-fi fantasy illustration.

Centered in the composition is a stylized female figure, depicted as an armored cosmic warrior. She has silver-blue skin, golden-yellow highlights, and wears a metallic bodysuit with reinforced boots and shoulder pads. Her elaborate helmet features elegant, wing-like golden extensions over curled blonde hair.

She sits floating in space, deeply focused, and appears to strum an abstract glowing guitar made of yellow energy strands. Bright starbursts emanate from the strings and instrument, radiating outwards and blending into a black galactic background sprinkled with stars. The cosmic effect suggests power, serenity, and mysticism.

The band's name "Shok Paris" is painted in jagged white, flame-like script near the top left corner, while the album title "steel and starlight" appears directly below in a chrome-like futuristic font. Both float in the galactic void, adding to the high-concept space-metal aesthetic typical of 1980s fantasy album covers.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of Shok Paris's Steel and Starlight LP showing individual band photos, track listing for both sides, production credits, and a cosmic background with bright stars

Back cover of the 1987 album "Steel and Starlight" by Shok Paris. The layout combines energetic live images of the band members with space-themed design elements.

At the top, the band logo appears again, styled in the same jagged metallic white font as the front cover. The background is a swirling galaxy of reddish-pink nebula clouds and bright star clusters. This cosmic motif ties into the album’s title and concept.

Across the upper portion are five tilted photo frames outlined in hot pink, each featuring an individual band member in mid-performance. From left to right: Jan Roll (drums), Ken Erb (guitar), Vic Hix (vocals, center), Erik Marderwald (guitar), and Kel Berkshire (bass).

The track listing is split into two sections: "Side One" on the left and "Side Two" on the right, in all caps white font. Each list contains five songs, consistent with the classic LP format.

Near the bottom is a group band photo bordered in pink, featuring the five members in casual 1980s attire posing in front of a metallic curtain backdrop. Below that are production credits: the album was produced by Denny Nowak for Denwa Productions and Bill Peters, with Peters also serving as executive producer.

Fine print includes licensing and distribution details, barcode (upper right), catalog numbers, and the I.R.S. Records and Auburn logos, confirming this pressing as the Dutch release from 1987.

First Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Inner sleeve of Shok Paris's Steel and Starlight album showing detailed thank-you notes, production credits, band member roles, and six black and white concert photos of the band performing live

Inner sleeve from the 1987 Shok Paris LP "Steel and Starlight". This side of the custom sleeve features dense liner notes and a collage of live concert photos in black and white.

The upper portion is filled with production credits, recording details, acknowledgments, and an extensive list of thank-you names from both the band and the label. Notable mentions include fellow musicians, Cleveland metal supporters, and industry contacts, reflecting the band's deep connection to the 1980s Midwest metal scene.

On the right, the band lineup is listed with roles: Ken Erb (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Erik Marderwald (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Vic Hix (Lead Vocals), Kel Berkshire (Bass, Backing Vocals), and Jan Roll (Drums, Backing Vocals). Guest drummer Bill Sabo is credited for playing on “Exhibit A.”

The text also includes studio information—recorded at Beechwood Recording Studios, engineered by Jim DeMain—and details on the album’s art, photography, and layout by Eric Apel and Bill Peters.

The lower half of the sleeve is a six-photo collage of the band in high-energy live performances. Members are shown mid-shout, strumming guitars, drumming, or sharing mics in expressive and gritty stage moments. The photos convey intensity, charisma, and camaraderie—hallmarks of 1980s underground metal performances.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of the Side One record label from Shok Paris's Steel and Starlight album, showing track titles, songwriting credits, production notes, and the red I.R.S. Records logo with the man in a hat

Side One vinyl label of the 1987 Shok Paris album "Steel and Starlight", pressed in Holland for I.R.S. Records under catalog number ILP 460452 1.

The label is off-white with deep burgundy text and features the iconic I.R.S. Records logo at the bottom left corner—a shadowed silhouette of a man in a suit and fedora, representing the label's mysterious branding. Just above the logo is the bold, all-caps album title "SHOK PARIS – STEEL AND STARLIGHT."

Side One lists five tracks with their durations and songwriting credits:
1. Go Down Fighting – 4:47 (Erb)
2. Steel and Starlight – 3:41 (Erb)
3. Tokyo Rose – 4:36 (Erb - Hix - Marderwald)
4. Rocked Outta Love – 2:55 (Erb - Hix)
5. Castle Walls – 5:49 (Erb - Hix)

Production credits note that the album was produced by Denny Nowak and Bill Peters, and arranged by Shok Paris. Rights are attributed to Auburn Music / I.R.S. Music Inc. with reference to "Illegal Music Ltd." The record speed is noted as 33⅓ RPM in stereo format.

The perimeter of the label reads legal text prohibiting unauthorized copying or broadcasting, while the bottom edge confirms distribution by CBS Records and origin as "Made in Holland."