- 1985 RoadrunneR Records
"Total Death" is an EP (Extended Play) record from the NWOBHM Metal band "Warfare". The band-members at the time of the recording include EVO, Falken and Gunner. "Algy Ward" was responsible for the production. It has been recorded at the "Impulse 24 Studio". Keith Nichol was responsible for the sound engineering. Album cover artwork was by Elky-Fritz-Otch-Apple.
If 1985 was a sonic warzone, then Warfare's "Total Death" EP was a grenade lobbed right into the heart of it. This wasn't some dainty collection of love ballads or radio-friendly anthems; it was a four-track assault on the senses, a declaration of sonic warfare against the mundane and the mediocre.
By this point, Warfare had already established themselves as key players in the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) movement. But with "Total Death," they weren't just playing the game; they were rewriting the rules. It was a raw, visceral blast of energy, a middle finger raised to the polished and the pretentious.
This EP wasn't about technical prowess or musical complexity; it was about pure, unadulterated aggression. Imagine Motörhead on a bad day, Venom with a chip on their shoulder, and you're getting close. The title track, "Total Death," is a relentless onslaught of distorted guitars and pummeling drums. Vocalist Paul Evo snarls his lyrics with a venomous intensity, painting a bleak picture of a world on the brink of destruction.
Musically, Warfare weren't reinventing the wheel. They were rooted in the classic heavy metal tradition, but they injected it with a punk rock energy and a streetwise swagger. Songs like "Burn Down the King" and "Nuclear Attack" are stripped-down and brutal, with no time for solos or frills. The production, handled by the band themselves, is rough and raw, capturing the intensity of their live shows.
"Total Death" wasn't without its controversies. The EP's lyrics, with their references to violence and apocalyptic imagery, raised eyebrows in some quarters. But Warfare weren't afraid to push boundaries, to challenge the status quo. They weren't looking for approval; they were looking to make a statement.
Roadrunner Records, the label that released "Total Death," was known for its roster of cutting-edge metal bands. They weren't concerned with commercial success; they were about giving a platform to the underground. Warfare fit perfectly into this ethos, and the EP became a cult classic among fans of the heavier side of metal.
Looking back, "Total Death" stands as a testament to Warfare's uncompromising spirit. It's not an easy listen, but it's a powerful one. It's a reminder that heavy metal can be more than just entertainment; it can be a weapon of rebellion and a channel for raw emotion. In a world of polished pop metal and manufactured angst, Warfare were the real deal.
Transcript of the liner notes on the album back:And so the Noise, Filth and Fury, Metal Noise Mix, and Pure Filth, thundered forth into the desolate night, like a gargantuan engine of death an immense mechanical annihilator which blazed out of the darkness, shattering all auditory barriers within its path, and imposing a state of lawless cacophony upon the minds of all those it encountered. Its black, guttural sound rolled forth across the barren heavens, enshrouded the metropolises of the world with its dark abandon, raping the innocence of mankind, and enchanting all and sundry with a promise of even greater achievements to come, proclaiming future deeds of a magnitude and immensity hitherto unrealised in the world of history. The new age of total warfare marches on, uncontrollable, irrepressible, invincible .. . come on turn it up. |
| Album Fact Sheet: WARFARE Total Death |
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Music Genre: NWOBHM, Heavy Metal |
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Album Production Information: The album: "WARFARE Total Death" was produced by: Algy Ward, Keith Nicho Algy Ward, born as Albert William Ward, is a renowned British musician, vocalist, bassist, and music record producer who has been active in the music industry since the late 1970s. Throughout his career, Ward has made significant contributions to the genres of punk rock, heavy metal, and hard rock, establishing himself as a respected figure in the British music scene. Born on 16 August 1959, in London, England, Ward developed a deep passion for music from a young age. Inspired by the energy and rebelliousness of punk rock, he began his musical journey as a member of various local bands in the late 1970s. Ward's distinctive bass playing and powerful vocals quickly caught the attention of fellow musicians and audiences alike, paving the way for his future success. In 1980, Ward joined the iconic British punk rock band "The Damned" as their bassist. His time with the band was short-lived but impactful, contributing to their album "The Black Album" before departing to pursue other musical endeavors. Ward's desire to explore new musical territories led him to form his own bands, where he could experiment with different sounds and push boundaries. In 1982, Ward founded the influential heavy metal band "Tank" alongside guitarist Peter Brabbs. Serving as the band's lead vocalist and bassist, Ward became synonymous with their raw, energetic sound. "Tank" garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase with their debut album, "Filth Hounds of Hades" (1982), which is regarded as a classic in the genre. Ward continued to be an integral part of "Tank" throughout the 1980s, contributing to several more albums and solidifying his reputation as a skilled musician. Following his tenure with "Tank," Ward embarked on a new musical venture and formed the band "Warfare" in 1983. With "Warfare," he explored a more aggressive and thrash-infused style of music. The band's debut album, "Pure Filth" (1984), received positive reviews and further showcased Ward's versatility as a musician and songwriter. Throughout his career, Ward's contributions extended beyond his roles as a performer. He also ventured into music production, showcasing his expertise in the studio. His production credits include albums for various artists and bands, further solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted musician. Algy Ward's influence and impact on the punk rock, heavy metal, and hard rock genres cannot be overstated. His powerful bass playing, distinctive vocals, and songwriting prowess have left an indelible mark on the music scene. His contributions with "Tank" and "Warfare" continue to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy. l Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Keith Nichol Keith Nichol, Producer, Sound Engineer, ( Guest ) musician has been in-house producer for the NEAT Record label. He has been responsible for the production and sound engineering of many NWOBHM bands during the 1980s. Most notable these bands include: Atomkraft, Blitzkrieg, Fist, Raven, Venom, Warfare, and many others. On Warfare's album "A Conflict of Hatred", Keith Nichol takes care of the production, sound engineering and as guest musician playing violin and keyboards. This album was recorded at: Impulse 24 Track Album cover design: Elky-Fritz-Otch-Apple |
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Record Label & Catalognr: RoadrunneR Records – RR 125499 |
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Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1985 Netherlands |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: WARFARE Total Death |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "WARFARE Total Death" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "WARFARE Total Death" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "WARFARE Total Death" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "WARFARE Total Death" |
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Enlarged & Zoomed photo of "WARFARE Total Death" Record's LabelUsing the marked/"highlighted" rectangles below , you will be able to correctly identify this release of the album. |
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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. |
Neat Records RR 9556, 1988, Netherlands
Warfare's 'A Conflict of Hatred' (1988) unchains a sonic assault through thrashing riffs and fierce rhythms. This 12" vinyl LP encapsulates the band's raw energy, exploring themes of chaos and aggression. A testament to the heavy metal underground, the album's thunderous sound reverberates
A Conflict of Hatred 12" Vinyl LP
RoadrunneR RR 9747, 1985, Netherlands
Released in 1985, Warfare's 'Metal Anarchy' 12" vinyl LP epitomizes the raw essence of early thrash metal. With blistering guitar work, pounding drums, and rebellious spirit, the album delivers a chaotic and exhilarating experience. A cornerstone of the UK's burgeoning metal scene,
Metal Anarchy 12" Vinyl LP
RoadrunneR Records RR125499, 1985, Netherlands
WARFARE's 'Total Death' (1985) on 12" vinyl is a sonic onslaught of extreme metal. This album thrusts listeners into a maelstrom of aggressive riffs, thunderous drums, and gritty vocals. With a no-holds-barred attitude, 'Total Death' embodies chaos and rebellion, solidifying its place in the world
Total Death 12" Vinyl EP
Neat Records Neat 45, 1984, England
"WARFARE's 'Two Tribes' 12" vinyl album, released in 1984, delivers a fusion of punk and metal, epitomizing the band's distinctive style. With a barrage of gritty riffs and hard-hitting rhythms, the album carries a confrontational energy. This release captures the fervor of its era
Two Tribes 12" Vinyl EP