BATTLEZONE - CHILDREN OF MADNESS 12" Vinyl LP Album

- with Paul Di'Anno, Scratch Records

Battlezone's "Children of Madness" is a 12" LP album released in 1987, featuring former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno. With a blend of heavy metal and hard rock, "Children of Madness" solidified Battlezone's place in the UK metal scene. Despite critical and commercial success, the album remains a cult favorite among fans of Di'Anno's work.

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Battlezone's "Children of Madness": A Heavier Turn with Paul Di'Anno
Album Description:

Released in 1987 on Scratch Records, "Children of Madness" marks a significant evolution in Battlezone's sound with the addition of former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno. This album showcases a heavier, more mature direction for the band, incorporating elements of thrash metal and hard rock into their established NWOBHM style.

Historical Context and Genre

By 1987, the NWOBHM wave had begun to evolve and diversify. Thrash metal was gaining momentum, and many bands were exploring heavier sounds. "Children of Madness" captures Battlezone at this crossroads, embracing a more aggressive sound while retaining their melodic sensibilities.

The album's music is a blend of heavy metal, hard rock, and thrash. Di'Anno's distinctive vocals, known for their raw power and aggressive delivery, are a perfect fit for the band's heavier direction. The guitar work is more technical and intricate, the rhythms are more intense, and the overall sound is darker and more brooding.

Musical Exploration

"Children of Madness" demonstrates Battlezone's willingness to experiment and push their musical boundaries. Tracks like "Rip It Up" and "Nuclear Breakdown" showcase the band's newfound aggression, while "I Don't Wanna Know" and "It's Love" retain a melodic sensibility. The album's title track, "Children of Madness," is a sprawling epic that demonstrates the band's songwriting and compositional skills.

Lyrically, the album explores themes of social unrest, political disillusionment, and personal struggles. The lyrics are often dark and introspective, reflecting the anxieties and frustrations of the era.

Production and Recording

The album was recorded at Village Recorders in Los Angeles, a renowned studio known for its work with various rock and metal bands. The production team, led by Ian Richardson, captured the band's raw energy while ensuring a polished sound that met the standards of the time.

Music Genre:

  Heavy Metal NWOBHM 
Album Production information: 

The album: "BATTLEZONE - CHILDREN of Madness with Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden)" was produced by: Ian Richardson

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Ian Richardson

This album was recorded at: Village Recorders, Dagenham, London, England

Album cover design: Nick Waters for Peter Black Design

Album cover photography: Ray Palmer

Mastered by Jack Adelman

Jack Adelman is a mastering engineer who has mastered duing the 1980s "See You in Hell (LP)" by "Grim Reaper", "Rolling Thunder" by "Attila", "Stricken by Might" by "E-X-E (USA)", and "Children of Madness" by "Battlezone".

Record Label & Catalognr:

Scratch Records SCRATCH 805465-938

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

  1987 Made in Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: BATTLEZONE - CHILDREN of Madness with Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden)
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Paul Di'Anno - lead vocals

    Follow the tumultuous journey of Paul Di'Anno (1958-2024), the fiery frontman who shaped Iron Maiden's early sound. From metal glory to personal struggles, his story is one of passion, rebellion, and resilience. Read it Here

  • Graham Bath - guitar
  • John Wiggins - guitar
  • Pete West - bass
  • Steve Hopgood - drums
Complete Track-listing of the album "BATTLEZONE - CHILDREN of Madness with Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden)"

The detailed tracklist of this record "BATTLEZONE - CHILDREN of Madness with Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden)" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. "Rip It Up" - 2:44
  2. "Overloaded" - 3:16
  3. "Nuclear Breakdown" - 4:48
  4. "Torch of Hate" - 2:58
  5. "Children of Madness" - 5:17
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. "I Don't Wanna Know" - 3:18
  2. "The Promise" - 3:36
  3. "It's Love" - 3:35
  4. "Metal Tears" - 5:57
  5. "Whispered Rage" - 4:38
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "BATTLEZONE - CHILDREN of Madness with Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden)"
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Album Back Cover  Photo of "BATTLEZONE - CHILDREN of Madness with Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden)"

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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.