CELTIC FROST - Vanity Nemesis 12" Vinyl LP Album

Vanity/Nemesis is the 1990 album by Celtic Frost. It can be seen as a return-to-form compared to the band's previous album, "Cold Lak"e. This album shows the band heading in a thrash metal direction instead of the black metal sound of the first 2 albums, or the avant-garde metal of Into the Pandemonium.

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Album Description:

In the world of music history, certain albums stand out not only for their sonic brilliance but also for their profound impact on the musical landscape of their time. One such gem that graced the music scene is Celtic Frost's "Vanity Nemesis," a 12" vinyl LP album that left an indelible mark on the realms of extreme metal during its release period.

Hailing from Switzerland, Celtic Frost emerged as pioneers in the metal genre, pushing boundaries and redefining conventions. "Vanity Nemesis," released 1990, marked a pivotal moment in the band's career and the broader metal scene. This album, laden with a dark and atmospheric sound, showcased Celtic Frost's evolution and experimentation, setting them apart from their contemporaries.

During its release period, "Vanity Nemesis" garnered widespread attention for its audacious blend of doom, gothic, and thrash metal elements. The album's tracks, characterized by haunting melodies, thunderous riffs, and thought-provoking lyrics, captivated listeners and critics alike. Celtic Frost's willingness to traverse uncharted musical territories distinguished them as trailblazers in the metal scene.

Commercially, "Vanity Nemesis" achieved significant success, solidifying Celtic Frost's position as a force to be reckoned with in the metal world. The album's compelling and diverse compositions resonated with a broad audience, transcending the niche confines of extreme metal. It climbed the charts and earned the band a devoted fan base, further establishing their influence on subsequent generations of musicians.

What truly sets "Vanity Nemesis" apart is its fearless departure from conventional metal norms. Celtic Frost exhibited a willingness to experiment with their sound, incorporating unconventional elements that pushed the boundaries of the genre. The album's sonic diversity, coupled with the band's enigmatic stage presence, contributed to the creation of a unique musical experience.

As the European music scene witnessed the emergence of various sub-genres, "Vanity Nemesis" served as a bridge between the traditional and avant-garde. Celtic Frost's ability to seamlessly blend different musical elements showcased their artistic prowess, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire musicians to this day.

Music Genre:

Swiss Black Thrash Metal 
Album Production information: 

The album: "CELTIC FROST Vanity Nemesis" was produced by: Roli Mosimann , Karl-Ulrich Walterbach

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Voco Fauxpas, Brian Martin

This album was recorded at: Sky Trak Studio and Hansa Studios, Berlin - fall/winter 1989
Mastered at Masterdisk by Howie Weinberg

Howie Weinberg is a highly renowned and respected mastering engineer in the music industry. With a career spanning over four decades, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the sound and quality of numerous iconic albums. Born on 14 September 14, 1953, in New York City, Howie's passion for music began at a young age.

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In the early 1970s, Weinberg embarked on his journey into the music industry, starting as an assistant engineer at Masterdisk, a leading mastering studio in New York City. Under the guidance of accomplished engineers like Bob Ludwig and Greg Calbi, Howie honed his skills and gained invaluable experience working with a diverse range of artists and genres.

Throughout the 1980s, Weinberg emerged as a prominent figure in the industry, known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to mastering. His ability to enhance the sonic qualities of recordings and optimize their playback on various formats made him highly sought after by both established and emerging artists.

One of the pivotal moments in Howie Weinberg's career came when he collaborated with renowned producer Rick Rubin on the Beastie Boys' groundbreaking album "Licensed to Ill" in 1986. The success of the album further solidified Howie's reputation as an exceptional mastering engineer. This led to a fruitful partnership with Rubin, and they worked together on a string of influential albums, including releases by Slayer, Public Enemy, and Johnny Cash.

Weinberg's remarkable talent for mastering became evident in his ability to capture the essence of an artist's vision while adding his expertise to create a polished and dynamic final product. His work on Nirvana's iconic album "Nevermind" in 1991 is a testament to his ability to bring out the best in a recording, with his mastering contributing to the album's raw energy and sonic impact.

Over the years, Howie Weinberg has collaborated with a wide array of artists and bands from various genres, including U2, The White Stripes, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many others. His discography boasts an extensive list of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, solidifying his position as one of the most influential mastering engineers of his time.

In 1995, Howie Weinberg opened his own mastering studio, Howie Weinberg Mastering, in Los Angeles. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a deep understanding of the mastering process, the studio became a go-to destination for artists seeking the highest level of audio quality for their projects.

Throughout his career, Weinberg has been recognized with numerous accolades, including several Grammy nominations and wins for his exceptional contributions to the music industry. He is highly respected by his peers and has been a mentor to many aspiring mastering engineers, passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation.

Howie Weinberg's unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to elevate the sonic experience of countless albums have solidified his position as a true master of his art. His meticulous attention to detail, technical expertise, and passion for music continue to shape the industry and inspire generations of mastering engineers to strive for excellence.

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

Record Label Information:

EMI Electrola EMI Noise 1C 064-7 94070

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1990 Made in Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: CELTIC FROST Vanity Nemesis
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Tom Gabriel Fischer "Warrior" - Guitars, Vocals
  • Martin Eric Ain - Bass
  • Curt Victor Bryant - Guitar
  • Stephen Priestly - Drums
Complete Track-listing of the album "CELTIC FROST Vanity Nemesis"

The Song/tracks on "Celtic Frost Vanity Nemesis" are

  • The Heart Beneath
  • Wine in My Hand (Third from the Sun)
  • Wings of Solitude
  • The Name of My Bride
  • This Island Earth
  • The Restless Seas
  • Phallic Tantrum
  • A Kiss or a Whisper
  • Vanity
  • Nemesis
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "CELTIC FROST Vanity Nemesis"
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Album Back Cover  Photo of "CELTIC FROST Vanity Nemesis"

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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 ).

Index of CELTIC FROST ( Switzerland ) Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery
CELTIC FROST - Cold Lake (1988, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
CELTIC FROST - Cold Lake (1988, Germany) album front cover vinyl record

  Noise International N 0125-1 , 1988 , Germany

This album's reception was polarized, to say the least. Longtime fans of Celtic Frost were taken aback by the drastic change in style, feeling disconnected from the band they had come to know.

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CELTIC FROST - Into the Pandemonium (First Pressing) 12" Vinyl LP
CELTIC FROST - Into the Pandemonium (First German Pressing) album front cover vinyl record

  NOISE International N 0065 , 1987 , Germany

The 12" vinyl LP, adorned with Hieronymus Bosch's "Garden of Delights," blends diverse influences. Recorded in Berlin in 1987, it defies norms, incorporating classical and industrial elements.

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CELTIC FROST - Into the Pandemonium (1987, France) 12" Vinyl LP
CELTIC FROST - Into the Pandemonium (1987, France)  album front cover vinyl record

Accord 130094 , 1987 , France

This album cover, derived from Hieronymus Bosch's masterpiece, added a visual dimension. A sonic journey, it stands timeless, a groundbreaking fusion that reshaped metal's landscape

Learn more
CELTIC FROST - To Mega Therion 12" Vinyl LP
CELTIC FROST - To Mega Therion album front cover vinyl record

  Black Noise N 0031 , 1985 , Germany

The iconic album cover, a surreal masterpiece by Swiss artist H.R. Giger, added a visual dimension to the band's unorthodox sound.

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CELTIC FROST - Vanity Nemesis 12" LP
Thumbnail of CELTIC FROST - Vanity Nemesis album front cover

EMI Electrola EMI Noise 1C 064-7 94070 , 1990 , Germany

This album shows the band heading in a thrash metal direction instead of the black metal sound of the first 2 albums, or the avant-garde metal of Into the Pandemonium.

Learn more