- Canadian Release
Agent Steel's "Unstoppable Force" is a relentless assault of speed metal, forged in Florida's Morrisound Studios. John Cyriis' banshee wail rides atop intricate riffs and sci-fi lyrics, defying the glam metal trends of the 80s. Raw production and controversial artwork amplify the album's rebellious spirit, solidifying Agent Steel's place as speed metal pioneers.
In the molten heart of the 80s, when the Sunset Strip ruled and hairspray was king, a different beast was brewing on the East Coast. Agent Steel, with their sophomore album "Unstoppable Force," unleashed a sonic assault that defied the glam metal zeitgeist.
Recorded in the hallowed halls of Morrisound Studios (birthplace of death metal's nascent growl), "Unstoppable Force" was a relentless barrage of breakneck riffs and John Cyriis' banshee wail. It was a whirlwind of sci-fi lyrical themes, a stark contrast to the party anthems of their peers.
Agent Steel wasn't just pushing the tempo, they were pushing the genre's boundaries. Their sound was a precursor to the technical thrash that would later dominate. The album's intricate song structures and lightning-fast solos were a testament to their musicianship, even if it was sometimes lost in the mix.
The production, helmed by Dan Johnson, was raw and unpolished, a far cry from the slick sounds of LA. But that's what gave "Unstoppable Force" its visceral energy. It was a sonic middle finger to the establishment, a declaration that metal was more than just big hair and catchy choruses.
Of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing. The album's controversial cover art, featuring a nude woman riding a laser beam, raised some eyebrows. But Agent Steel never cared about appeasing the masses. They were here to make a statement, and "Unstoppable Force" was their sonic manifesto.
In the grand scheme of things, "Unstoppable Force" might not have achieved the commercial success of some of its contemporaries. But it cemented Agent Steel's place as pioneers of the speed metal movement, an album that continues to resonate with fans of aggressive, uncompromising music. It's a testament to the power of pushing boundaries and staying true to your artistic vision, even when it means defying the mainstream.
Speed Metal
Relativity Cobra Records CL 1019
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1987 Made in Canada
This album "Unstoppable Force" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos.
Dan Johnson - Producer
Agent Steel - Producer
Steve Sinclair - Executive Producer
Sound engineer: Randy Burns
Randy Burns is an American record producer and sound engineer who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of heavy metal music in the 1980s and 1990s. His collaborations with bands like Megadeth, Death, Kreator, and Possessed have left an indelible mark on the genre, and his contributions continue to be recognized and appreciated by metal fans worldwide.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Burns' career began in the late 1970s when he started working as a sound engineer in various studios in Los Angeles. His big break came in 1986 when he produced Megadeth's iconic album "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" . The album's raw energy, aggressive sound, and socially conscious lyrics resonated with audiences, and it became a landmark release in thrash metal history.
Shaping the Sound of Death Metal
In 1987, Burns produced Death's debut album "Scream Bloody Gore," which is widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in death metal. The album's combination of speed, technicality, and brutality set a new standard for the genre, and it inspired countless bands to follow in Death's footsteps. Burns' work on "Scream Bloody Gore" solidified his reputation as a producer who could capture the raw intensity of extreme metal.
Further Successes and Legacy
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Burns continued to work with a wide range of metal bands, including Kreator, Possessed, Dark Angel, and Nuclear Assault. His productions were known for their powerful sound, which often emphasized the aggression and energy of the music. Burns' contributions to the metal scene helped to define the sound of an era, and his work continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
Later Career and Continued Influence
In recent years, Burns has continued to work as a producer and sound engineer, contributing to projects in various genres. He has also been involved in remastering and reissuing classic albums from his catalog, ensuring that his legacy is preserved for future generations. Burns' influence on the metal scene remains undeniable, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.
Conclusion
Randy Burns' career as a record producer and sound engineer is a testament to his passion for music and his dedication to capturing the raw power of heavy metal. His collaborations with some of the most iconic bands in the genre have helped to shape the sound of metal music, and his contributions continue to be appreciated by fans around the world. As a pioneer of American metal, Randy Burns' legacy is secure, and his work will continue to inspire and influence musicians for years to come.
Bands he has worked with include: 3rd Stage Alert , Agent Steel , Aversion , Bitter End , Chris Poland (Band) , Crumbsuckers , Dark Age , Dark Angel , DBC , Dead End , Death , Excel , Helstar , Kreator , Leatherwolf , Lizzy Borden , Ludichrist , Megadeth , Morgoth , Mortal Sin , Nuclear Assault , Possessed , Suicidal Tendencies , Uncle Sam , Zoetrope.
Mixing Engineer: Tom Morris
Tom Morris an American Music Producer, Sound Engineer and Singer. Together with his brothers Jim Morris, Laurel Morris owner of the Morrisound Studio. Tom Morris is probable one of the most prductive Producers and Sound Engineers with regards to the Heavy Metal music genre. Some of the bands he worked with include:Amboog-A-Lard, Atrocity, Agent Steel, Coroner, Crimson Glory, Iced Earth, Morbid Angel, Savatage, Toxik.
Digital Mastering a Criterion Studios, Miami Florida on 23 July 1986
Mastering Engineer: Mike Fuller
Michael Fuller explore Mike's journey from aspiring engineer to acclaimed producer, shaping the soundscape of a generation. Discover the man behind the music!
Recorded at Morrisound Studios, Tampa, Florida, March and June 1986
Morrisound Recording Studio is a renowned recording facility located in Tampa, Florida. It was founded in 1981 by brothers Jim and Tom Morris, who are also notable record producers and engineers. Morrisound gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s as one of the premier studios for heavy metal and rock music.
The studio's reputation primarily stems from its association with the burgeoning death metal scene in Florida during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Many influential death metal bands, including Morbid Angel, Death, Obituary, and Cannibal Corpse, chose Morrisound as their recording destination. The studio's distinctive sound, characterized by its powerful and heavy production quality, became synonymous with the death metal genre.
Morrisound's success can be attributed to the expertise and technical prowess of the Morris brothers. Jim Morris, an accomplished guitarist, was responsible for producing and engineering most of the records that came out of the studio. His brother, Tom Morris, also played a significant role in shaping the studio's sound as an engineer and mixer.
The studio itself featured state-of-the-art equipment and a spacious recording area, allowing bands to achieve the desired sonic intensity in their recordings. Morrisound became known for its precise drum sound, tight guitar tones, and thunderous bass lines. The studio's engineering techniques, including the innovative use of triggers and layering, contributed to the distinct heaviness and clarity found in many of the albums recorded there.
Morrisound's influence on the death metal genre extended beyond its recording capabilities. The studio's association with the genre helped establish Tampa, Florida, as a mecca for death metal, attracting bands and musicians from around the world. Numerous iconic albums were recorded at Morrisound, solidifying its legacy and impact on the genre.
Over the years, Morrisound Recording Studio expanded its reach beyond death metal, hosting a wide range of artists from various genres. Its versatility and commitment to quality made it a popular choice for bands and musicians seeking professional recording services. However, the studio's association with death metal remained a significant part of its identity.
Front cover location: Atlantis Region, Bimini, Bahamas
Rick Frehsee, Media Tech , Miami Florida
John Cyriis is together with Chuck Profus the founding members of the "Agent Steel" band. John Cyriis name is mispelled as John Cyriss on the Agent Steel album Unstoppable Force. In the bands: "Black Reign" and "Lemegeton" , "John Cyriis" was using the pseudo: "Max Kobol". John Cyriis used the pseudo "Father Damien" while singing in the "Pontius Prophet" band. In the bands "Pontius Prophet" and "Black Reign" he continued to perform with his mate from "Agent Steel" Chuck Profus.
Juan Garcia, has played guitars in several Heavy Metal bands, including: Abattoir, Agent Steel, Evildead and others.
Bernie Versailles (real name: Bernie Versye )has played in Metal bands including: Agent Steel, Engine, Masters of Metal, Redemption.
Mike Zaputil (Full name: Michael Zaputil) has played in several Heavy Metal bands before joining "Agent Steel (1986-1987, 1998-1999)" in 1986. These bands include: "Malice (1981)", "Sexist (1983)", "Letchen Grey (1983-1985)", "The Mofo Homeboys (1986-1991)". Notes: Some websites may mention that "Mike Zaputil" has played in 1982 with "Armored Saint", however in 1982 "Joey Vera" was bass player with "Armored Saint"
The real name of Chuck Profus is Charles Profus. Chuck Profus started his career playing drums with Agent Steel and worked with Agent Steel from 1984 till 1988. After leaving Agent Steel he played in bands like Pontius Prophet, Black Reign, Sanctuary, The MOFO Homeboys. In the bands "Pontius Prophet" and "Black Reign" he continued to perform with his mate from "Agent Steel" John Cyriis.
Music For Nations 12 KUT 124 , 1986 , England
Agent Steel's "Mad Locust Rising" is a seminal 1986 EP, the band's second release, featuring three intense speed metal tracks: "The Swarm Is Upon Us," "Mad Locust Rising," and a cover of Judas Priest's "The Ripper." Originally released by Music For Nations, it gained significance in metal history. A 1999 reissue by Century Media introduced it to a new audience, adding further value to this classic vinyl release.
AGENT STEEL - Mad Locust Rising 12" Vinyl LP Album
RoadrunneR – RR 9759 , 1985 , Netherlands
"Skeptics Apocalypse," the inaugural testament by the American Speed/Power metal force Agent Steel, reverberates on a 12" Vinyl LP Album. This debut release, recorded "somewhere in Los Angeles" as cryptically mentioned on the album cover, solidifies Agent Steel's position in the metal
AGENT STEEL - Skeptics Apocalypse (Netherlands Release)
Music For Nations MFN 66 , 1986 , United Kingdom
"Unstoppable Force" is the second and final album by the Speed Metal band: "Agent Steel", after the recording of this album the band split up. This album "AGENT STEEL UNSTOPPABLE FORCE UK MFN " includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos. If you like "King Diamond's" high-pitched singing style, you will definitely like "John Cyriis's" singing on this album
AGENT STEEL - Unstoppable Force (UK Release)
Relativity Cobra Records CL 1019 , 1987 , Canada
The Canadian pressing of Agent Steel's "Unstoppable Force" delivers a sonic fury unlike anything north of the border. This sci-fi speed metal assault, packed with lightning riffs and John Cyriis' otherworldly vocals, explodes from the speakers with raw, unfiltered energy. I
AGENT STEEL - Unstoppable Force (Canadian Release)
Music for Nations MFN 66 / Combat Records , 1986 , USA
Agent Steel's "Unstoppable Force," a sonic blast from Florida's swamplands, melds sci-fi themes with relentless speed metal. Recorded at Morrisound Studios, the album's raw production and intricate riffs showcase the band's technical prowess.
AGENT STEEL - Unstoppable Force (USA Release)