"Taken by Storm," Stormwind's 1984 debut, stands as a pinnacle in German Heavy Metal. Recorded with precision in German studios, it encapsulates the band's raw energy and lyrical depth. Though not globally recognized, its vinyl edition remains a cherished artifact, echoing Stormwind's enduring impact in the heart of the German metal realm.
In the turbulent world of German Heavy Metal during the mid-'80s, Stormwind emerged as a powerhouse, unleashing their inaugural sonic storm titled "Taken by Storm." Released in 1984 under Wishbone Records, the album remains a testament to the band's prowess in crafting metal anthems.
Inception of the Teutonic Tempest: Tracing Stormwind's Origins
Formed amidst the fervor of the German metal scene, Stormwind was a collective of skilled musicians driven by a shared passion for heavy metal. The band's formation marked a significant chapter in the evolution of German metal, a genre already renowned for its intensity and innovation.
The Epic Journey to "Taken by Storm": A Glimpse Behind the Curtains
The genesis of "Taken by Storm" saw Stormwind navigating the intricate landscape of recording studios in Germany. The album's birth was a meticulous process, each track sculpted to perfection to capture the essence of the band's dynamic energy and lyrical depth.
Recorded in 1984, the analog warmth of the studio enhanced the raw power of Stormwind's sound, creating an album that would resonate with metal enthusiasts for decades to come. From the galloping riffs to the soaring vocals, "Taken by Storm" became a sonic manifestation of the band's commitment to the metal artistry.
Legacy Woven in Vinyl: Unraveling the Impact of "Taken by Storm"
Stormwind's debut album, though not a household name on the global stage, earned a devoted fan base within the German metal community. "Taken by Storm" showcased the band's ability to blend melody with metal mayhem, establishing Stormwind as a force to be reckoned with.
Decades after its release, the album's vinyl edition remains a prized possession for collectors, a symbol of Stormwind's indomitable spirit in the face of metal's ever-changing landscape.
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Music Genre: Heavy Metal |
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Album
The album: "Taken by Storm" was produced by: Ferdinand Kother 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. 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.
DETLEF BRAUN (Album cover artwork) during the 1980s he has designed and painted the album cover artwork for a dozen of Heavy Metal albums. Some of the bands he has worked for are: Living Death, Mad Butcher, Steeltower, Brainfever and others.
Photography, Jurgen Schweikert. |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Wishbone records WBLP 5 |
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Packaging:
This album "Taken by Storm" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos. |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1984 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Stormwind Taken by Storm |
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Track Listing of: "Taken by Storm" |
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The Songs/tracks on "Taken by Storm" are
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. 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 ).
"Taken by Storm" Black Colour Record Label Details: Wishbone records WBLP 5
