ATLAIN - G.O.E. Earthshaker 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Releasd on: Earth Shaker Records

Atlain G.O.E. album cover featuring a mystical temple with a glowing humanoid figure emitting beams of light, surrounded by Mesoamerican-style carvings, ceremonial flames, cloaked figures, and a starry background

"ATLAIN's "G.O.E." 12" LP vinyl album represents the pinnacle of the German Heavy Metal band's brief yet impactful existence. Formerly known as Destroyer, ATLAIN thrived from 1983 to 1985, leaving an indelible mark with this, their second and final record. "G.O.E. Earthshaker" showcases the band's prowess, serving as a testament to their contribution to the German Heavy Metal scene during their fleeting but significant tenure."

Atlain's "G.O.E." (Guardians of Eternity): A Speed Metal Testament from 1980s Germany
Album Description:

Released in 1985 on Earthshaker Records, "G.O.E." (Guardians of Eternity) is the second and final studio album from the German heavy metal band Atlain, formerly known as Destroyer. This album stands as a testament to the band's evolution and their contribution to the thriving German metal scene of the mid-1980s.

Historical Context and Genre

"G.O.E." emerged during a period when speed metal and power metal were gaining momentum in Germany. Bands like Helloween, Running Wild, and Grave Digger were pushing the boundaries of heavy metal, incorporating elements of classical music, fantasy themes, and lightning-fast tempos. Atlain's music embraced these trends while maintaining a distinct sound rooted in traditional heavy metal.

The album's music is a powerful blend of speed metal and traditional heavy metal, with soaring vocals, intricate guitar riffs, and thunderous drumming. The band's sound is characterized by its fast tempos, aggressive energy, and melodic sensibilities.

Musical Exploration

"G.O.E." showcases Atlain's songwriting prowess and their ability to craft memorable heavy metal anthems. Tracks like "Waste," "Guardians of Eternity," and "Break Down Your Neck" are full of adrenaline-fueled energy, while "Brainstorm" and "Out On The Streets" delve into more melodic and atmospheric territory. The album's diversity reflects the band's willingness to experiment within the metal framework, creating a sound that was both familiar and distinctive.

Lyrically, the album explores themes of fantasy, mythology, and social commentary. The lyrics are often poetic and evocative, creating a sense of epic storytelling that complements the music's grandeur.

Production and Recording

The album was recorded and mixed at Y.U.P. Studio 1 in Germany, a well-known facility for metal bands. The production team, led by Ralph Hubert, captured the band's raw energy while ensuring a polished sound that met the standards of the time.

Music Genre:

Power / Speed Metal 

Album Production information: 

The album: "ATLAIN - G.O.E." was produced by: Ralph Hubert for Y.U.P. Music

Ralph "Ralf" Hubert Ralph "Ralf" Hubert, a versatile talent whose impact on heavy metal, both as a producer and a musician, remains indelible. Learn all about him.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Ralph Hubert

This album was recorded at: Y.U.P. Studio, 1st December 1985

Record Label & Catalognr:

Earth Shaker ES 4015 / LC 8558

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1985 Made in Germany

Band-members/Musicians:

Band-members, Musicians:
Complete Track-listing of the album "ATLAIN - G.O.E."

The detailed tracklist of this record "ATLAIN - G.O.E." is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Waste 4:07
  2. Guardians Of Eternity 3:39
  3. Break Down Your Neck 4:13
  4. Brainstorm 4:36
  5. Out On The Streets 4:09
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Fast Attack 4:32
  2. Space & Time 3:43
  3. Demon's Feast 3:51
  4. Break That Wall 6:02
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "ATLAIN - G.O.E."
High Resolution Photo Album Front Cover of ATLAIN - G.O.E. https://vinyl-records.nl

The album cover art features a striking and dramatic depiction of a temple-like structure with an ancient, mystical design. At the center sits a large, metallic, humanoid figure resembling a god or ruler, glowing with power and emitting beams of light from its eyes or chest, emphasizing its supernatural aura. The name of the band, Atlain, is prominently displayed in bold red letters at the top, styled in a sharp, angular font.

The architectural elements on either side of the figure draw inspiration from Mesoamerican motifs, including intricate carvings and statues reminiscent of ancient temples. Flames burn in ceremonial bowls lining the stairs leading to the figure, enhancing the ritualistic atmosphere. Cloaked figures stand solemnly along the sides, adding an air of mystery and reverence.

At the base of the stairs, the letters G.O.E. are engraved, presumably referencing the album title. The entire scene is set against a starry black background, creating a cosmic and otherworldly feel. The artwork conveys a blend of power, mysticism, and heavy metal energy, perfectly aligning with the themes often associated with the genre.

Album Back Cover  Photo of "ATLAIN - G.O.E."
High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover of ATLAIN - G.O.E. https://vinyl-records.nl
 
Photo of "ATLAIN - G.O.E." 12" LP Record Label - Side One:
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's label ATLAIN - G.O.E. https://vinyl-records.nl
Photo of "ATLAIN - G.O.E." 12" LP Record Label - Side Two:
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's label ATLAIN - G.O.E. https://vinyl-records.nl

The record label is a white circular label with black text, featuring the logo Earth Shaker prominently displayed at the top in a bold red font with a wave-like design, reflecting the brand’s identity. The label contains information about Side B of the album Atlain - G.O.E. and the specific details of the tracks, but the tracks are omitted in this description.

Additional details include:

  • Catalog number: ES 4015
  • Total time: 17:58
  • Playback and Technical Details:
  • Gema 33 UpM Stereo
  • LC code: 8558
  • Production and Recording Information:
  • Produced and engineered by Ralph Hubert for Y.U.P. Music GmbH.
  • Recorded and mixed at Y.U.P. Studio 1, December 1985.
  • All songs published by Y.U.P. Music.
  • Perimeter Text:
  • The outer edge features German copyright text: ‘Alle Urheber- und Leistungsschutzrechte vorbehalten. Keine unerlaubte Vervielfältigung, Vermietung, Aufführung, Sendung!’

This label provides essential details about the production, licensing, and technical aspects of the record.

Atlain: A Brief History of the German Metal Pioneers
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In the early 1980s, amidst the flourishing German heavy metal scene, a group of ambitious musicians united under the name Destroyer. It was 1983, and the genre was witnessing a surge in creativity and experimentation. However, it wasn’t long before Destroyer transformed into Atlain, a name that would go on to leave its mark on the Power and Speed Metal genres. Though their tenure was brief, the band produced two studio albums that stand as powerful testaments to their talent and vision.

The Formation and Evolution of Atlain

Initially known as Destroyer, the band rebranded as Atlain in 1983 to carve a distinct identity in the competitive German metal scene. Their sound blended the aggression of Thrash Metal with the melodic elements of Power Metal, capturing the essence of a genre on the rise.

The core members of Atlain were:

Peter Müller (Vocals): Müller’s journey began with Destroyer in 1983. His powerful vocals became the defining feature of Atlain’s sound during their active years from 1983 to 1986.

Andreas Büttner (Guitars): Büttner joined Destroyer in 1983 and seamlessly transitioned into Atlain, contributing intricate guitar work and dynamic riffs.

Jörg Pryztarski (Guitars): Pryztarski, another Destroyer alumnus, brought a blend of technical skill and raw energy to Atlain’s guitar sections.

André Chapelier (Bass): Chapelier’s thunderous bass lines laid the foundation for Atlain’s heavy sound. Post-Atlain, he joined Holy Moses in 1986, further cementing his place in the metal community.

Chris Efthimiadis (Drums): Efthimiadis’s driving rhythms gave Atlain their intense, energetic backbone. After Atlain disbanded, he joined Rage, where he gained even greater recognition.

Living in the Dark (1984)

Atlain’s debut album, Living in the Dark, released in 1984, marked a powerful entry into the Power/Thrash Metal scene. Produced by Axel Thubeauville for Metallian Music and recorded at Studio Wahn in Bochum, Germany, the album showcased a raw yet polished sound.

G.O.E. (Guardians of Eternity) (1985)

The following year, Atlain released their second and final album, G.O.E. (Guardians of Eternity), under Earthshaker Records. This album built on the foundation laid by Living in the Dark, embracing the speed metal influences that were gaining momentum in Germany.

Recorded at Y.U.P. Studio and produced by Ralph Hubert , G.O.E. represented Atlain’s evolution and maturity as musicians. The record’s polished production and diverse tracklist highlighted their growth and experimentation within the metal framework.

Legacy of Atlain

Despite their brief career, Atlain’s contribution to the German metal scene remains noteworthy. Their two albums, Living in the Dark and G.O.E., capture a moment in time when Power and Speed Metal were flourishing, and bands like Helloween and Grave Digger were gaining prominence.

Atlain’s music reflected the energy and innovation of the era, and while they disbanded after G.O.E., the band’s members continued to leave their mark on the metal world through other projects. Chris Efthimiadis’s long tenure with Rage and André Chapelier’s stint with Holy Moses are testaments to the talent within Atlain’s ranks.

ATLAIN - G.O.E 12" Vinyl LP
ATLAIN - G.O.E album front cover vinyl record

Atlain’s G.O.E. (Guardians of Eternity), released in 1985, is a hallmark of German speed and power metal. With blistering riffs, soaring vocals, and epic themes of fantasy and mythology, the album showcases the band’s evolving sound. Produced by Ralph Hubert, G.O.E. blends aggression and melody, solidifying its place as a must-have for fans of 1980s metal excellence.

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ATLAIN - Living In The Dark 12" Vinyl LP
ATLAIN - Living In The Dark album front cover vinyl record

Living in the Dark marks Atlain’s explosive 1984 debut, blending the aggression of Thrash with the melody of Power Metal. Produced by Axel Thubeauville and engineered by Ralph “Ralf” Hubert, this album captures the raw energy of Germany’s metal surge in the ’80s. With intricate instrumentals, dark themes, and iconic artwork, it stands as a landmark in Power/Thrash Metal history.

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