- 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.
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) |
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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:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "BATTLEZONE - CHILDREN of Madness with Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden)" |
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. |