METALLICA - Master of Puppets 12" Vinyl Picture Disc

Before his rise as a producer, Wagener had a musical career of his own. He was a guitarist and part of a German band called "Band X" in the pre-1970 era. Notably, Udo Dirkschneider, known for his involvement with the bands Accept and U.D.O., also performed alongside Wagener in Band X. This early collaboration between Wagener and Dirkschneider acted as a precursor to the formation of Accept, the influential German heavy metal band.

While Michael Wagener began as a guitarist for Accept, he eventually transitioned into the realm of music production, where he found his true calling. His talent, expertise, and meticulous approach to producing and mixing led him to work with some of the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal. Wagener became highly sought after for his ability to capture the energy and power of these genres in the studio.

In addition to his work as a music producer, mixer, and engineer, Michael Wagener is also the president of Double Trouble Productions. This production company, headed by Wagener, focuses on providing high-quality production services to various artists and bands in the music industry.

Over the years, Wagener's production credits have included collaborations with iconic bands such as Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row, Dokken, White Lion, and many others. His contributions to the sound and success of these bands have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of rock and metal production.

Michael Wagener's work is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, ability to capture powerful performances, and his knack for creating an impactful and polished sound. His contributions to the music industry, particularly in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, have left a lasting imprint and have helped shape the sonic landscape of numerous iconic albums.

From a young age, Marino displayed a deep passion for music and an innate talent for audio engineering. He began his career at Capitol Records in New York, where he worked as a mastering engineer and honed his skills in audio post-production. In 1973, Marino joined Sterling Sound, a renowned mastering facility founded by Lee Hulko. It was here that he would leave an indelible mark on the music industry.

Over the years, George Marino mastered an extensive catalog of albums for a wide range of artists and musical styles. His meticulous attention to detail and exceptional ear for sound allowed him to consistently deliver exceptional quality and clarity in his work. He possessed an intuitive understanding of how to enhance the dynamics, balance, and overall sonic experience of each record he touched.

During the 1980s, a pivotal era for heavy metal music, George Marino worked on numerous influential albums in the genre. His mastering contributions to these records played a crucial role in shaping the iconic sounds of heavy metal during that decade. Some notable albums he mastered include:

• 1. Metallica - "Master of Puppets" (1986)
• 2. Iron Maiden - "The Number of the Beast" (1982)
• 3. AC/DC - "Back in Black" (1980)
• 4. Judas Priest - "British Steel" (1980)
• 5. Slayer - "Reign in Blood" (1986)
• 6. Ozzy Osbourne - "Blizzard of Ozz" (1980)
• 7. Black Sabbath - "Heaven and Hell" (1980)
• 8. Megadeth - "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" (1986)
• 9. Motörhead - "Ace of Spades" (1980)
• 10. Dio - "Holy Diver" (1983)

These albums, among many others, showcase Marino's contribution to the heavy metal genre's sonic landscape during the 1980s. His meticulous mastering work ensured that these records had the power, clarity, and impact necessary to captivate listeners and establish their enduring legacies.

George Marino's career spanned over four decades, during which he received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. His expertise and mastery of sound engineering made him a highly sought-after professional, and he worked with a diverse range of artists, including AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Coldplay, and many more.

Tragically, George Marino passed away on 4 June 2012, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most skilled and respected mastering engineers of his time. His dedication to his craft, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled expertise continue to inspire and influence audio engineers and musicians worldwide. George Marino's contributions to the art of sound mastering remain an enduring testament to his extraordinary talent and passion for music.

Education played a crucial role in shaping Brautigam's artistic prowess. He attended the prestigious School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he honed his skills and developed a unique style that seamlessly blended realism with vivid imagination. Immersed in the bustling artistic scene of the city, he drew inspiration from various sources, including contemporary art movements and the thriving music industry.

In the late 1970s, Brautigam's talent caught the attention of record labels seeking captivating artwork for their album covers. It was during this period that he embarked on a remarkable journey that would define his career and solidify his status as one of the most sought-after album cover artists of his time.

Brautigam's breakthrough came when he was approached by renowned heavy metal band Anthrax to create the cover art for their debut album, "Fistful of Metal" . The collaboration proved to be a tremendous success, and Brautigam's distinct style resonated with both the band and its fans. His ability to capture the essence of the music and translate it into visually striking images made him a natural choice for other heavy metal acts.

Throughout the 1980s, Brautigam painted over 3000 book and record cover works, leaving an indelible mark on the visual landscape of the era. His iconic album covers became synonymous with the rise of heavy metal music and captured the rebellious and edgy spirit of the genre. Bands such as Axe , Metallica , Motley Crue , and Vicious Rumors sought out his talent, entrusting him with the task of translating their music into captivating visual narratives.

Brautigam's ability to infuse his paintings with energy and emotion, while maintaining a strong sense of realism, set him apart from his contemporaries. His covers featured intricate details, vibrant colors, and powerful compositions that perfectly complemented the intensity of the music within.

Beyond the world of heavy metal, Brautigam's artistic range extended to various other genres, including rock, punk, and even classical music. He worked with an array of artists and bands, each collaboration an opportunity to explore new artistic directions and push the boundaries of his own creativity.

In addition to his album cover work, Brautigam also ventured into other artistic endeavors. He created intricate and thought-provoking illustrations for magazines, book covers, and promotional materials. His ability to capture the essence of a story or concept through a single image made him a highly sought-after illustrator in the publishing industry.

Brautigam's career spanned 35 years, during which he continued to evolve as an artist while staying true to his distinctive style. His work not only left an indelible impact on the music industry but also inspired a generation of artists who followed in his footsteps.

Today, Don Brautigam's legacy lives on through his iconic album covers and his continued influence on the world of art and design. His ability to fuse music and visual art, capturing the essence of a sound through a single image, remains unparalleled. Brautigam's contributions to the art world solidify his place as a true master painter and graphic artist, forever remembered for his unparalleled creativity and unwavering passion for his craft.

Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Robert Ellis developed an early passion for photography and music. In the 1970s, he embarked on his professional journey as a photographer, immersing himself in the vibrant music scene of the era. Ellis quickly established himself as a talented and versatile photographer, capturing the energy, spirit, and raw emotion of live performances.

Ellis's keen eye and ability to capture the essence of musicians in their element soon caught the attention of leading music-related publications. His work became highly sought after, and he started receiving assignments from prestigious magazines, including NME, Melody Maker, Kerrang, and Sounds. These publications were instrumental in shaping the music culture and disseminating information about emerging and established artists, making Ellis's photographs an integral part of the narrative.

Throughout his career, Robert Ellis had the opportunity to photograph numerous influential musicians, bands, and artists. From capturing intimate portraits of legendary figures such as David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Mick Jagger to documenting the explosive energy of performances by bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and The Clash, Ellis consistently delivered stunning images that resonated with audiences worldwide.

One of Ellis's notable strengths as a photographer was his ability to establish a rapport with his subjects, putting them at ease and capturing their authentic selves. His photographs often reflected the deep connection he formed with the artists, revealing the vulnerability and passion behind their public personas. Whether in the chaos of a live concert or the stillness of a backstage moment, Ellis's images told stories that transcended the music itself, creating a visual legacy that would endure for years to come.

Halfin was born in London, England and got his start in photography as a young man, working as an assistant to legendary rock photographer Jorgen Angel. He quickly developed a style of his own and became known for his ability to capture the energy and excitement of live rock performances in his images.

Throughout his career, Halfin has worked with many of the biggest and most influential bands in the history of rock and heavy metal music, and has published several books of his work. He is widely regarded as one of the top rock photographers of his generation, and his images have been featured in numerous magazines, books, and exhibitions.

In addition to his photography work, Halfin is also known for his close relationships with many of the musicians he has worked with over the years, and he has been able to capture behind-the-scenes images and candid moments that provide unique insights into the lives of some of the most famous musicians in the world.

Overall, Ross Halfin is a talented and accomplished rock and roll photographer who has made a significant impact on the music industry through his iconic images of some of the biggest and most influential bands of all time.