- Gatefold Album Cover
"Grave New World" is perhaps the band's most controversial album, as it saw the band turn towards a heavy metal style, with slower tempos and a heavier, higher-quality sound in the recording. The band broke up shortly after its release. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
Released in 1986, "Grave New World" marked a significant turning point for the British hardcore punk band Discharge. While their previous work had been characterized by raw, aggressive punk, this album saw a drastic shift in their sound and style, sparking controversy among their dedicated fanbase.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
In the mid-1980s, the UK punk scene was evolving, with bands experimenting with different sounds and styles. Discharge, who had established themselves as pioneers of hardcore punk, chose to embrace a more commercially accessible sound on "Grave New World." The album's production was slicker, and the songs featured a greater emphasis on melody and structure, a departure from their earlier raw and chaotic style.
While the album still retained some elements of punk, such as distorted guitars and politically charged lyrics, it incorporated elements of heavy metal and hard rock, showcasing a more polished and refined sound. This musical exploration, while potentially opening doors to a wider audience, alienated many of their original fans who felt the band had betrayed their punk roots.
Genre and Controversies
The genre classification of "Grave New World" remains a subject of debate. Some consider it a glam metal album, while others argue it's more aligned with traditional heavy metal. Regardless of the label, the album's departure from Discharge's signature hardcore punk sound sparked significant controversy.
Many fans felt betrayed by the band's change in direction, accusing them of selling out and abandoning their punk ethos. The album's release was met with mixed reviews, with critics praising the band's musical evolution while others lamenting the loss of their raw energy and punk spirit.
Production Team and Recording Studio
"Grave New World" was produced by Mike Stone, a veteran producer known for his work with Queen, Journey, and Kiss. The album was recorded at Battery Studios in London, a state-of-the-art facility that had previously hosted iconic artists like The Rolling Stones and David Bowie. The album's high production value, while contributing to its polished sound, further alienated fans who preferred the band's earlier DIY aesthetic.
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Music Genre: Punk, Crossover, Heavy Metal |
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Album Production information: The album: "DISCHARGE - Grave New World" was produced by: Mike Stone for Cloth/Caap Songs:
Mike Stone (Full-name: Michael Richard Seth Stone, 1951-2002) an American record producer and engineer who has worked with a wide range of rock and metal bands. He was born on 21 December 1951, in New York City. Stone began his career as an engineer at Record Plant Studios in New York, where he worked on albums by artists such as KISS, Blue Öyster Cult, and Aerosmith. He later moved to Los Angeles and worked at Cherokee Studios, where he became known for his work with bands such as Queen, Van Halen, and Journey. He has produced all of Demon's records since 1981, many of Discharge's albums as well as producing several other bands. Stone is perhaps best known for his work with Queen on their albums "News of the World" and "The Game," which included hits such as "We Will Rock You," "We Are the Champions," and "Another One Bites the Dust." He also worked with Journey on their album "Escape," which included the hit singles "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms." In addition to his work as a producer and engineer, Stone has also served as a mixer, remixer, and mastering engineer on numerous albums. He has received several Grammy nominations for his work and has been recognized for his contributions to the field of audio engineering. Paul Sinkinson - Sound Engineer Denis Blackham - Sound Engineer Joanne Hansbury - Album artwork Kelvin Morris - Album artwork, Sound Engineer Brian Coles - Photography |
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Record Label Information: Roadrunner RR 9692 |
Album Packaging:
Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with lyrics of all the songs by Discharge on the inside cover pages. |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 290 gram |
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Year & Country: 1985 Made in Holland |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DISCHARGE - Grave New World |
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Track Listing of: "DISCHARGE - Grave New World" |
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The Songs/tracks on "DISCHARGE - Grave New World" are
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Album cover photos of : DISCHARGE - Grave New World |
| Front Cover Photo of "DISCHARGE - Grave New World" Album |
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| Back Cover Photo of "DISCHARGE - Grave New World" Album |
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| Inner Cover of "DISCHARGE - Grave New World" Album |
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Close-up Photo of "DISCHARGE - Grave New World" Record Label
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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. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |