Grave Digger Heavy Metal Breakdown Noise Records 12" Vinyl LP Album

  "Heavy Metal Breakdown" is the first official full-length (debut) recording, released by the Germany Heavy Metal band "Grave Digger", this album was originally released in 1984. It is considered a classic in the power metal genre and features fast-paced, heavy guitar riffs and driving drum beats, as well as high-pitched vocal delivery and fantasy-themed lyrics. The album has become a cult classic and is regarded as one of the early pioneers of power metal.

 

large album front cover photo of: Grave Digger's Heavy Metal Breakdown

Description / Collectors information: 

"Heavy Metal Breakdown" is the first official full-length recording, released by the Germany Heavy Metal band "Grave Digger", this album was originally released in 1984.

The "Grave Digger" band is from Gladbeck, Germany and was formed in 1980 by Chris Boltendahl, Peter Masson and Phillip Seibel.

Interactive Concept Map for GRAVE DIGGER - Heavy Metal Breakdown.

Music Genre:

German Heavy Power Speed Metal
Album  Production information:

The album: "Heavy Metal Breakdown" was produced by: Karl-Ulrich Walterbach, Grave Digger

Karl-Ulrich Walterbach: German music producer who transformed the heavy metal scene. Founder of the iconic Noise Records, he launched the careers of Helloween, Celtic Frost, and countless others. Learn more


Recorded at Music Lab Studio, Berlin
Sound engineer: Harris Johns

Harris Johns is a prominent European music producer renowned for his contributions to the heavy metal and punk genres. With a career spanning several decades, he has worked with numerous iconic bands, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Born in the late 1950s, Harris Johns developed a passion for music at an early age and pursued his dreams with unwavering determination.

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In the late 1970s, Harris Johns emerged as a key figure in the burgeoning heavy metal and punk scene. His unique talent and distinctive approach to music production quickly caught the attention of many prominent bands. With a desire to create powerful and impactful soundscapes, he became known for his ability to capture the raw energy and intensity of these genres.

Throughout his career, Harris Johns has collaborated with a plethora of big-name bands, solidifying his reputation as a go-to producer. His notable works include projects with Helloween, Coroner, Tankard, Sodom, Voivod, Kreator, Exumer, Ratos de Porão, Slime, Daily Terror, and many others. Each album he worked on showcased his exceptional skill in sculpting the sonic landscapes that defined the heavy metal and punk movements.

For over a decade, Harris Johns operated his studio, Music Lab Berlin Studio, which served as the creative hub for many of his productions. In an effort to further his artistic vision, he established Spiderhouse, a recording facility situated in a former guest house in the countryside near Berlin. For ten years, Spiderhouse became a sanctuary where he could channel his creativity and bring forth groundbreaking music.

In 2007, Harris Johns made the decision to reopen the Music Lab Berlin, reestablishing it as a prime destination for bands seeking his expertise in music production. The studio became a hub of creativity and collaboration, attracting both established acts and up-and-coming artists. However, in 2016, Harris Johns decided to step away from the studio, concluding a significant chapter in his illustrious career.

Despite stepping back from the day-to-day operations of Music Lab Berlin, Harris Johns continues to contribute to the music industry. He remains active as a producer and dedicates his time to teaching music production skills. His wealth of knowledge and experience has made him an invaluable resource for aspiring producers and musicians, as he imparts his expertise and nurtures the next generation of talent.

As we reflect upon the 1980s, it becomes evident that Harris Johns' discography during this era stands as a testament to his immense talent. Some of the notable albums he worked on include groundbreaking releases such as:

These albums showcase Harris Johns' ability to capture the essence and intensity of the heavy metal and punk genres, earning him a place in music history.

Harris Johns' impact on the heavy metal and punk scenes cannot be understated. His talent, dedication, and distinctive approach to music production have left an indelible mark on the industry. As he continues to produce and educate, Harris Johns remains a respected and influential figure, shaping the future of music for generations to come.

Album cover painting: Bernd Gansohr

Back cover photo: Jurgen Muller

 

Record Label Information:

Noise N 007 ( Silver Colour )

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 230 gram  
Country of Origin: 
1984 Made in Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: Grave Digger Heavy Metal Breakdown
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Chris Boltendahl - Vocals
  • Peter Masson - Guitars
  • Willi Lackman - Bass
  • Albert Eckardt - Drums

Chris Boltendahl is a singer, bass player, photographer and painter. He is one of the founding members of the German Speed metal band "Grave Digger".

Track Listing of: "Heavy Metal Breakdown"

The Songs/tracks on "Heavy Metal Breakdown" are

  • Headbanging Man - 3:37
  • Heavy Metal Breakdown - 3:42
  • Back From The War - 5:35
  • Yesterday - 5:07
  • We Wanna Rock You - 4:17
  • Legion Of The Lost - 4:54
  • Tyrant - 3:18
  • 2000 Light Years from Home (Mick Jagger/Keith Richards) - 2:54
  • Heart Attack - 3:17
Album cover photos of : Grave Digger Heavy Metal Breakdown
Photo of "Heavy Metal Breakdown" Album's Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo #1 grave digger heavy metal breakdown  

 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. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo of "Heavy Metal Breakdown" Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo #2 grave digger heavy metal breakdown  
Close-up Photo of "Heavy Metal Breakdown" Record Label 
High Resolution Photo #3 grave digger heavy metal breakdown  
Index of GRAVE DIGGER Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

Band Information:

 Grave Digger is a legendary heavy metal band from Germany that has been at the forefront of the genre for over four decades. The band has had a prolific career, releasing over twenty studio albums and playing countless live shows around the world. Grave Digger's sound is a unique blend of classic heavy metal, power metal, and speed metal, characterized by fast-paced guitar riffs, pounding drums, and powerful vocals.

 The band was formed in 1980 by frontman Chris Boltendahl, who remains the band's only constant member. The band's name was inspired by a Scottish legend about the grave digger who buried the dead after the Battle of Culloden. Grave Digger's debut album, "Heavy Metal Breakdown," was released in 1984, and quickly established the band as one of the leading lights of the German heavy metal scene.

 Over the years, Grave Digger has released a series of classic albums, including "Witch Hunter," "The Reaper," "Heart of Darkness," and "Excalibur." These albums featured some of the band's most iconic songs, such as "Heavy Metal Breakdown," "Witch Hunter," "The Reaper," and "Excalibur."

 Grave Digger's lyrics often deal with historical and mythological themes, and the band has explored subjects ranging from the Crusades and the Battle of Waterloo to the Arthurian legend and the story of Faust. The band's ability to tell compelling stories through their music has been a major factor in their enduring popularity.

 In addition to their studio albums, Grave Digger is known for their energetic live performances. The band has toured extensively throughout their career, and they have played at some of the world's most prestigious metal festivals, including Wacken Open Air and the Sweden Rock Festival. Their live shows are renowned for their intensity and power, and fans of the band have been known to travel long distances to see them play.

 Grave Digger's enduring popularity is a testament to their ability to stay true to their roots while also evolving and expanding their sound. The band has remained a major force in the heavy metal scene, and their influence can be heard in the work of many of today's up-and-coming metal bands.

GRAVE DIGGER - Heavy Metal Breakdown

Thumbnail Of  GRAVE DIGGER - Heavy Metal Breakdown album front cover

Noise N 007 , 1984 , Germany

  "Heavy Metal Breakdown" is the first official full-length recording, released by the Germany Heavy Metal band "Grave Digger", this album was originally released in 1984.

Learn more

GRAVE DIGGER - Shoot Her Down

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Noise N 0016 , 1984 , Germany

Grave Digger's "Shoot Her Down" 12" White Label LP, a rare gem on White Noise International Label, encapsulates the band's early heavy metal prowess. The track's anthemic energy and the exclusive white label format make it a coveted collector's item. With a rich history in the making, this vinyl release stands as a testament to Grave Digger's enduring legacy and a cherished piece of heavy metal history.

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GRAVE DIGGER - Witch Hunter

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Noise N0020 , 1985 , Germany

  This album "GRAVE DIGGER - Witch Hunter" is the second studio album of Grave Digger. It was released in May, 1985 by Noise Records. The song Schools Out" is an Alice Cooper cover that was originally released on the Schools Out album

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