RAVEN - STAY HARD - NWOBHM 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Stay Hard" is the fourth full-length album by the British heavy metal band Raven, released in 1985. It is the first album recorded in the United States for the major label Atlantic Records, after the British band had passed under American management. Source: wikipedia

High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "RAVEN - STAY HARD"

RAVEN - STAY HARD NWOBHM 12" LP ALBUM VINYL

 

Album Description & Collectors information:

 

"Stay Hard" is the fourth full-length album by the British heavy metal band Raven, released in 1985. It is the first album recorded in the United States for the major label Atlantic Records, after the British band had passed under American management. Source: wikipedia

Collector's notes ( detailed background information on the persons working on this album)

John Gallagher (GBR) - during the 1980s "John Gallagher" has been playing bass and singing with the "Raven (GBR) band, during this period they recorded 7 full-length albums. John Gallagher is the brother of "Mark Gallagher" who is also a band-member of the Raven band. Both John and Mark Gallagher have spent their entire musical career (since 1974) with the Raven band.

Mark Gallagher (GBR) - during the 1980s "Mark Gallagher" has been playing guitars and occasionally singing with the "Raven (GBR) band, during this period they recorded 7 full-length albums. Mark Gallagher is the brother of "John Gallagher" who is also a band-member of the Raven band. Both Mark and JOhn Gallagher have spent their entire musical career (since 1974) with the Raven band.

Michael Wagener is a renowned music producer, mixer, and engineer hailing from Hamburg, Germany. He is highly recognized for his work with numerous prominent hard rock and heavy metal bands, particularly during the late 1980s, when he achieved considerable success and acclaim for his production contributions.

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.

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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.

Norman Dunn a sound engineer and in the 1980s responsible for the recording of several metal albums for bands like Anthrax, Carnivore, Crumbsuckers, Raven, Whiplash.

Alex Perialas is an American Producer and sound engineer, and owner of the "Pyramid Sound Recording Studios" in Ithaca, and has been responsible for the production and engineering of dozens of Heavy Metal albums during the 1980s. Perialas is a well-known music producer and engineer who has been active in the industry for over three decades. He has worked with a wide range of musical artists, including heavy metal bands like Anthrax, Slayer, and Overkill, as well as pop artists like Taylor Dayne and New Kids on the Block. Throughout his career, Perialas has become known for his technical expertise, creative vision, and ability to bring out the best in his artists.

Perialas was born in Greece and grew up surrounded by music. His father was a classical guitarist and his mother was a singer, so it was only natural that he would develop an early love for music. He began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and quickly became interested in recording and producing music. He moved to the United States in the 1970s to study music engineering and quickly began working in the industry, first as an assistant engineer and then as a producer.

One of Perialas' earliest successes came with the release of the album "Among the Living" by Anthrax in 1987. This album marked a departure from the traditional sound of heavy metal and helped to establish Perialas as a major player in the genre. He went on to produce several more albums for the band, including "State of Euphoria" and "Persistence of Time". He also worked with other heavy metal acts like Slayer, Overkill, and Testament, helping to shape the sound of the genre and establish it as one of the dominant forces in popular music.

Read more...

In addition to his work in heavy metal, Perialas has also produced and engineered albums in a wide range of other genres. He has worked with pop artists like Taylor Dayne and New Kids on the Block, helping to create some of their biggest hits. He has also worked with hip-hop artists like MC Lyte and jazz musicians like Grover Washington Jr. This versatility and ability to work with a wide range of artists is one of the reasons why Perialas has been so successful throughout his career.

Throughout his career, Perialas has been dedicated to the art of music production and engineering. He has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of recording and a keen ear for what makes a song sound great. He is also a creative visionary who is able to bring out the best in his artists, helping them to create music that is both innovative and commercial. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations and wins.

In conclusion, Alex Perialas is a music producer and engineer who has made a significant impact on the industry. His work has helped to shape the sound of heavy metal and establish it as one of the dominant genres in popular music. He has also worked with a wide range of other artists, bringing out the best in them and helping them to create innovative and commercially successful music

Bob Defrin, a prominent figure in the world of graphic design and album cover art, is best known for his significant contributions as the director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records. Born on April 13, 1946, Defrin's creative journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed a passion for art from an early age.

Defrin's career in the music industry took off in the 1980s, a pivotal era for Heavy Metal music. His unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound through visual imagery made him a sought-after figure among musicians and record labels. As a director and graphic designer at Atlantic Records, Defrin played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identities of numerous Heavy Metal bands during this period.

One of Defrin's notable accomplishments was his work on album covers. He understood the power of album artwork in conveying the spirit and energy of a band's music. Defrin's ability to translate the raw power and intensity of Heavy Metal into captivating visuals earned him widespread recognition and accolades. His designs often featured bold, eye-catching imagery, intricate details, and striking typography, perfectly complementing the music within.

Read more...

Defrin's portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic album covers. Among his most renowned works are the covers for AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979), "Back in Black" (1980), and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You" (1981). These covers captured the band's energy, attitude, and electrifying sound, becoming iconic symbols of Heavy Metal culture.

Additionally, Defrin's artistic contributions extended beyond AC/DC. He collaborated with numerous other influential bands, including Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Krokus, and Skid Row, among others. Each album cover he designed encapsulated the essence of the respective band's music, making a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Heavy Metal.

Bob Defrin's expertise in graphic design and his ability to understand and interpret the musical vision of Heavy Metal bands made him an invaluable asset to Atlantic Records. He left an indelible mark on the music industry, helping to shape the visual identities of some of the most influential Heavy Metal acts of the 1980s.

Beyond his work with Atlantic Records, Defrin's influence continued to resonate in the field of graphic design. His unique style and contributions left a lasting impression on album cover art, inspiring generations of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Bob Defrin's legacy as a director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records endures as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the Heavy Metal genre. His ability to merge music and visual artistry has forever left an indelible mark on the history of album cover design.

Album Fact Sheet: RAVEN - STAY HARD
Music Genre: Heavy Metal / Hard Rock 
Album Production information:

The album: "RAVEN - STAY HARD" was produced by: Michael Wagener and Raven

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Norman Dunn

Assistent sound engineers: Alex Perialas, Peter Bombar

Alex Perialas is an American Producer and sound engineer, and owner of the "Pyramid Sound Recording Studios" in Ithaca, and has been responsible for the production and engineering of dozens of Heavy Metal albums during the 1980s. Perialas is a well-known music producer and engineer who has been active in the industry for over three decades. He has worked with a wide range of musical artists, including heavy metal bands like Anthrax, Slayer, and Overkill, as well as pop artists like Taylor Dayne and New Kids on the Block. Throughout his career, Perialas has become known for his technical expertise, creative vision, and ability to bring out the best in his artists.

Perialas was born in Greece and grew up surrounded by music. His father was a classical guitarist and his mother was a singer, so it was only natural that he would develop an early love for music. He began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and quickly became interested in recording and producing music. He moved to the United States in the 1970s to study music engineering and quickly began working in the industry, first as an assistant engineer and then as a producer.

One of Perialas' earliest successes came with the release of the album "Among the Living" by Anthrax in 1987. This album marked a departure from the traditional sound of heavy metal and helped to establish Perialas as a major player in the genre. He went on to produce several more albums for the band, including "State of Euphoria" and "Persistence of Time". He also worked with other heavy metal acts like Slayer, Overkill, and Testament, helping to shape the sound of the genre and establish it as one of the dominant forces in popular music.

Read more...

In addition to his work in heavy metal, Perialas has also produced and engineered albums in a wide range of other genres. He has worked with pop artists like Taylor Dayne and New Kids on the Block, helping to create some of their biggest hits. He has also worked with hip-hop artists like MC Lyte and jazz musicians like Grover Washington Jr. This versatility and ability to work with a wide range of artists is one of the reasons why Perialas has been so successful throughout his career.

Throughout his career, Perialas has been dedicated to the art of music production and engineering. He has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of recording and a keen ear for what makes a song sound great. He is also a creative visionary who is able to bring out the best in his artists, helping them to create music that is both innovative and commercial. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations and wins.

In conclusion, Alex Perialas is a music producer and engineer who has made a significant impact on the industry. His work has helped to shape the sound of heavy metal and establish it as one of the dominant genres in popular music. He has also worked with a wide range of other artists, bringing out the best in them and helping them to create innovative and commercially successful music

  Peter Bombar a sound engineer who has been working together with Alex Perialas, Norman Dunn, Jon Zazula. During the 1980s he has been responsible for the sound recording for albums of the Heavy Metal bands: Attila, Raven, Thrasher, T.T. Quick and others.

 

This album was recorded at: Pyramid Sound Studio, New York

Mastered by George Marino, at Sterling Sound, New York City.

George Marino was a highly acclaimed Senior Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound in New York City. Born on 15 April 1947, in the Bronx, New York, he became one of the most experienced and influential sound mastering engineers in the world. With his unparalleled expertise, Marino played a significant role in shaping the sound of countless albums across various music genres.

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:

Read more...

  • 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.

Album art direction: Bob Defrin

Bob Defrin, a prominent figure in the world of graphic design and album cover art, is best known for his significant contributions as the director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records. Born on April 13, 1946, Defrin's creative journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed a passion for art from an early age.

Defrin's career in the music industry took off in the 1980s, a pivotal era for Heavy Metal music. His unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound through visual imagery made him a sought-after figure among musicians and record labels. As a director and graphic designer at Atlantic Records, Defrin played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identities of numerous Heavy Metal bands during this period.

One of Defrin's notable accomplishments was his work on album covers. He understood the power of album artwork in conveying the spirit and energy of a band's music. Defrin's ability to translate the raw power and intensity of Heavy Metal into captivating visuals earned him widespread recognition and accolades. His designs often featured bold, eye-catching imagery, intricate details, and striking typography, perfectly complementing the music within.

Read more...

Defrin's portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic album covers. Among his most renowned works are the covers for AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979), "Back in Black" (1980), and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You" (1981). These covers captured the band's energy, attitude, and electrifying sound, becoming iconic symbols of Heavy Metal culture.

Additionally, Defrin's artistic contributions extended beyond AC/DC. He collaborated with numerous other influential bands, including Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Krokus, and Skid Row, among others. Each album cover he designed encapsulated the essence of the respective band's music, making a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Heavy Metal.

Bob Defrin's expertise in graphic design and his ability to understand and interpret the musical vision of Heavy Metal bands made him an invaluable asset to Atlantic Records. He left an indelible mark on the music industry, helping to shape the visual identities of some of the most influential Heavy Metal acts of the 1980s.

Beyond his work with Atlantic Records, Defrin's influence continued to resonate in the field of graphic design. His unique style and contributions left a lasting impression on album cover art, inspiring generations of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Bob Defrin's legacy as a director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records endures as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the Heavy Metal genre. His ability to merge music and visual artistry has forever left an indelible mark on the history of album cover design.

Record Company / Catalog number / Label:  Atlantic 781 241-1
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  
Year & Country:  1985 Made in Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: RAVEN - STAY HARD
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • John Gallagher - Lead vocals, Bass
  • Mark Gallagher - Lead Guitar
  • Rob "WACKO!" Hunter - Drums
Complete Track-listing of the album "RAVEN - STAY HARD"

The detailed tracklist of this record "RAVEN - STAY HARD" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Stay Hard (Gallagher, Hunter) 2:59
  2. When the Going Gets Tough (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:34
  3. On and On (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:54
  4. Get it Right (Gallagher, Hunter) 4:49
  5. Restless Child (Gallagher, Hunter) 2:45
  6. The Power and the Glory (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:37
  7. Pray for the Sun (Gallagher, Hunter) 4:22
  8. Hard Ride (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:15
  9. Extract the Action (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:04
  10. The Bottom Line (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:37
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "RAVEN - STAY HARD"
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "RAVEN - STAY HARD"
Album Back Cover  Photo of "RAVEN - STAY HARD"
Album Back Cover  Photo of "RAVEN - STAY HARD"  
Photo of "RAVEN - STAY HARD" 12" LP Record - Side One:
Photo of "RAVEN - STAY HARD" 12" LP Record - Side One:  
Photo of "RAVEN - STAY HARD" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
Photo of "RAVEN - STAY HARD" 12" LP Record - Side Two:  

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.

The Ultimate Gallery and Discography of RAVEN's Vinyl LP Albums in the NWOBHM Genre

Band Description:

RAVEN is a British heavy metal band that emerged in the late 1970s during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. The band consists of brothers John Gallagher (bass, lead vocals) and Mark Gallagher (guitar), as well as Joe Hasselvander (drums). Raven is known for their energetic live performances and their unique blend of heavy metal and punk rock influences.

History: 

Raven was formed in Newcastle, England in 1974 by brothers John and Mark Gallagher. Originally called "Copperhead," the band changed their name to Raven in 1976 after the release of the classic horror film of the same name. In the late 1970s, Raven began to gain a following in the UK thanks to their high-energy live performances and their unique blend of heavy metal and punk rock influences. 

Raven released their debut album "Rock Until You Drop" in 1981, which featured the hit single "Don't Need Your Money." The album was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish Raven as one of the leading bands in the NWOBHM movement. Raven followed up with a string of successful albums in the early to mid-1980s, including "Wiped Out" (1982), "All for One" (1983), and "Stay Hard" (1985). 

Despite their success, Raven was never able to break through to mainstream success in the US. The band continued to tour and record throughout the 1990s and 2000s, releasing a number of albums on independent labels. Raven continues to tour and record to this day, and is considered one of the pioneers of the NWOBHM movement. 

Musical Style:

Raven's musical style is characterized by a unique blend of heavy metal and punk rock influences. The band's early material was heavily influenced by bands like Judas Priest and AC/DC, as well as punk rock bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols. Raven's music is characterized by fast, aggressive guitar riffs, thunderous bass lines, and hard-hitting drumming. 

Raven's music also incorporates elements of humor and satire, with songs like "Faster Than the Speed of Light" and "Crash Bang Wallop" featuring tongue-in-cheek lyrics and playful instrumentation. Despite this, Raven's music is also known for its powerful and anthemic choruses, with songs like "Rock Until You Drop" and "Break the Chain" featuring sing-along choruses that have become fan favorites. 

Impact: 

Raven is considered one of the most influential bands of the NWOBHM movement. The band's unique blend of heavy metal and punk rock influences helped to define the sound of the movement, and influenced countless other bands in the genre. Raven's energetic live performances and powerful, anthemic music also helped to establish the band as one of the leading acts of the movement. 

Raven's influence can be heard in the music of countless other bands, including Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer. Metallica's Lars Ulrich has cited Raven as one of his favorite bands, and the influence of Raven's music can be heard in Metallica's early material. Anthrax's Scott Ian has also cited Raven as a major influence, and the band has covered Raven's song "Live at the Inferno" on several occasions.  

RAVEN - All For One ( 1983, Italy ) 12" LP
RAVEN - All For One 12" LP
Base Record / BEAT Records, NEAT 1011 , 1983 , Italy

This is the Italian release of "All For One", which is the third full length album of Raven and is their first album to be recorded in the USA.

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  RAVEN - All For One ( 1983, France ) 12" LP
   RAVEN - All For One ( 1983, France ) 12" LP
Neat / Bernett Records SB 18004 , 1983 , France

This is the French release of "All For One", which is the third full length album of Raven and is their first album to be recorded in the USA.

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  RAVEN - Live at the Inferno ( 1984, Netherlands ) 12" LP
RAVEN - Live at the Inferno ( 1984, Netherlands ) 12" LP
Roadrunner RR 9808 , 1984 , Netherlands

"Live at the Inferno" is the first live album by the heavy metal band Raven. It was released in 1984.

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RAVEN - The Pack is Back 12" LP
 RAVEN - The Pack is Back   12" LP
ATLANTIC 781 629 , 1988/1989 , Germany

This album "The Pack is Back" is the fifth full-length album by the English heavy metal band Raven, released in 1986

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RAVEN - Stay Hard ( 1985, Germany ) 12" LP
 RAVEN - Stay Hard ( 1985, Germany ) 12" LP
Atlantic 781 241-1 , 1985 , Germany

"Stay Hard" is the fourth full-length album by the British heavy metal band Raven, released in 1985.

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  RAVEN - Life's a Bitch ( 1987 ) 12" LP
RAVEN - Life's a Bitch ( 1987 ) 12" LP
Atlantic 781 734-1 , 1987 , Germany

"Life's a Bitch" is the sixth full-length album by the English heavy metal band Raven, released in 1987   

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  RAVEN - Wiped Out ( 1982, Italy ) 12" LP
RAVEN - Wiped Out ( 1982, Italy ) 12" LP
NEAT 1004 , 1982 , Italy

"RAVEN - Wiped Out" this the hard to find Italian pressing of Raven's second full-length album on the NEAT Records label. It is their last album on NEAT records, after which they signed up with the Megaforce record company.

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