DARK ANGEL - LEAVE SCARS 12" Vinyl LP Album

- 1988 Rare French Pressing

Released in 1989, "Leave Scars" by Dark Angel is a thrash metal album with a more polished sound, featuring technical guitar work, powerful drumming, and dark lyrics exploring psychological themes of pain, suffering, and trauma.

This is the rare French release of "Leave Scars" the 1989 full-length studio album by the American Thrash Metal band "DARK ANGEL". This album includes the original light cardboard custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Dark Angel and band photos.
 
Rare French pressing  

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Dark Angel's 'Leave Scars': A Thrash Metal Masterpiece Carved in Blood and Sweat
Album Description:

Hold onto your leather jackets and denim vests, metal maniacs, because we're about to dive headfirst into the mosh pit of sonic destruction that is Dark Angel's "Leave Scars." This ain't no bubblegum pop or hair metal fluff; this is pure, unadulterated thrash metal fury forged in the fiery depths of the late '80s metal scene.

The Birth of a Monster

Released in 1989 on Combat Records, "Leave Scars" emerged during a time when thrash metal was reaching its razor-sharp peak. Bands like Slayer, Metallica, and Megadeth were already carving their names into the annals of metal history, and Dark Angel was ready to stake their claim. This French pressing, a rare gem for collectors, captures the raw energy and intensity of a band on the rise.

Musicianship That Shreds Expectations

From the opening riff of "The Death of Innocence," it's clear that Dark Angel wasn't messing around. Guitarists Eric Meyer and Jim Durkin unleash a barrage of lightning-fast riffs and intricate solos that would make even the most seasoned shredder's fingers bleed. Gene Hoglan's drumming is a force of nature, a relentless percussive assault that propels the music forward with the power of a runaway freight train. Ron Rinehart's vocals are a guttural howl of rage and defiance, perfectly complementing the band's aggressive sound.

Lyrical Themes That Cut Deep

Dark Angel's lyrics weren't about partying or chasing girls; they delved into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Songs like "Never to Rise Again" and "Immigrant Song" (a bone-crushing cover of Led Zeppelin's classic) tackled themes of social injustice, war, and the harsh realities of life. This wasn't music for the faint of heart; it was a soundtrack for those who dared to confront the darkness head-on.

Studio Sorcery

The album was recorded at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, a studio known for its work with other thrash metal giants like Death and Obituary. The production, while not as polished as some of their contemporaries, captures the raw energy and aggression of Dark Angel's live performances. It's a sonic assault that's meant to be felt as much as heard.

Music Genre:

Hardcore Punk Crossover Thrash Metal Music

Album Production Information: 

Produced by Dark Angel / High-Speed Death Music

Paul Shenker - Executive Producer

Bernie Grundman - Mastering Engineer

Bernie Grundman is a renowned Mastering Engineer hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, he has achieved remarkable success in the music industry. Born with an innate passion for music and a keen ear for detail, Grundman has left an indelible mark on the field of audio mastering.

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Grundman's journey into the world of music began in the early 1980s when he established his own mastering studio in Hollywood, California. It was during this time that he cemented his reputation as a go-to engineer for heavy metal albums. From 1982 to 1990, Grundman lent his expertise to numerous heavy metal projects, skillfully mastering dozens of albums that defined the genre's sound during that era.

His work with heavy metal artists showcased his ability to capture the raw energy and power of the music, while maintaining clarity and fidelity. Grundman's mastering techniques brought out the full sonic potential of each album, elevating them to new heights and contributing to their commercial success.

As his talent became recognized, Bernie Grundman had the opportunity to collaborate with a multitude of renowned musicians across various genres. His mastering prowess was sought after by a diverse range of artists, including rock, pop, jazz, and classical musicians. Through his meticulous attention to detail and technical expertise, he added the final polish to their recordings, enhancing the overall listening experience for fans around the world.

Grundman's discography boasts an impressive list of hit albums, with his name appearing in the credits of numerous iconic releases. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the sound of some of the most influential records of our time. From acclaimed bands to chart-topping solo artists, Grundman's work has left an indelible impact on the music industry.

Bernie Grundman's mastering studio has become synonymous with excellence and has earned a reputation as one of the best facilities in the industry. Musicians and record labels alike recognize the exceptional quality and meticulous attention to detail that Grundman and his team bring to every project. His dedication to achieving sonic perfection and his commitment to maintaining the artistic vision of the artists he works with have made him highly respected among his peers.

Throughout his career, Bernie Grundman has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the music industry. He is the recipient of several Grammy Awards, recognizing his exceptional skills as a mastering engineer. These accolades further solidify his status as a true pioneer in the field and underscore his unwavering commitment to excellence.

Beyond his technical prowess, Grundman's success can be attributed to his genuine love for music and his unwavering passion for his craft. His dedication to his work has allowed him to forge lasting relationships with artists, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration in the studio.

As a master of his trade, Bernie Grundman continues to inspire and influence aspiring engineers and musicians worldwide. His legacy is one of innovation, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of sonic perfection. Today, his name remains synonymous with exceptional audio quality, and his contributions to the music industry will continue to resonate for generations to come.


Michael Monarch - Sound Engineer, Producer

Paul Gordon - Sound Engineer

Earl West - Sound Engineer

Chip Simons - Photographer

David Bett - Art Direction

David Bett - Art Direction during the 1980s responsible for around two dozen of heavy metal album covers.

Ed Repka - Album artwor

Ed Repka: Master of Metal Artwork. Discover the twisted genius behind Megadeth's Vic Rattlehead, Death's iconic covers, and more. Read his Biography + career deep-dive


Patricia Lie - Design

Bob Vessells - Logo

Ed Colver - Photographer Ed Colver an American photographer who has photographed (during the 1980s) bands like: Nuclear Assault, Wasted Youth, Dark Angel, Wrath, Aversion.

Record Label & Catalog-nr:

Under One Flag FLAG 30

Album Packaging: 

This album includes the original light cardboard custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Dark Angel and band photos.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Gramophone

Year & Country:

1988 Made in France
Band Members and Musicians on: Dark Angel Leave Scars
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Jim Durkin - Guitars
  • Gene Hoglan - Drums
  • Eric Meyer - Guitars
  • Don Doty - Vocals
  • Mike Gonzalez - Bass

Donald Doty, James Durkin, Robert Yahn, Mike Andrade all four performed in the American Thrash Metal band " Shellshock ". In 1983 "Shellshock" was forced to change their name and renamed themselves into "Dark Angel".

Eric Meyer - Guitars, Producer. Guitarist with the American Crossover Metal band "Dark Angel" from 1983 until 1992, inbetween he was music producer for bands like Bloodlust and "Recipients of Death":

Complete Track Listing of: Dark Angel Leave Scars
    Side One:
  1. The Death of Innocence
  2. Never to Rise Again
  3. No One Answers
  4. Cauterization
  5. Immigrant Song
    Side Two:
  1. Older Than Time Itself
  2. Worms
  3. The Promise of Agony
  4. Leave Scars
Album cover photos of : Dark Angel Leave Scars
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Photo of Album's Back Cover  

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Dark Angel's 1980s Vinyl Album Cover Gallery and Discography

Selected Vinyl Albums
  Dark Angel - Darkness Descends 12" LP
Darkness Descends 12" LP

Under One Flag FLAG 6 , 1986 , UK

"Dark Angel's 'Darkness Descends' LP, a thrash metal masterpiece, embodies the genre's raw power. Released on Under One Flag in 1986, the vinyl edition enhances the sonic journey with analog warmth and tactile allure. Each track, from the relentless title opener to 'Hunger of the Undead,'

Learn more
  Dark Angel - Leave Scars 12" LP
Leave Scars 12" LP

Under One Flag FLAG 30 , 1988 , France

Released in 1989, Leave Scars by Dark Angel is a thrash metal album with a more polished sound, featuring technical guitar work, powerful drumming, and dark lyrics exploring psychological themes of pain, suffering, and trauma.

Learn more
Live Scars 12" LP
Live Scars 12" LP

Back On Black – BOBV239LP , 2009 , UK

Live Scars is a live album released in 1990 by Dark Angel, capturing the band's intense and chaotic energy during their 1989 tour. Featuring tracks from their previous albums, it is a must-listen for fans of their early thrash metal sound.

Learn more
  Dark Angel - We Have Arrived 12" LP
We Have Arrived 12" LP

AXE Killer Records 7006 , 1985 , France

We Have Arrived is the debut album by thrash metal band Dark Angel, released in 1985. It features raw and aggressive guitar riffs, fast-paced drumming, and lyrics exploring themes of violence and destruction, marking a strong entry into the thrash metal scene.

Learn more