"Product of Society" Album Description:
In the world of thrash metal history, Defiance's debut album, "Product of Society," stands as a testament to the genre's electrifying evolution during the late 1980s. Released on the esteemed Roadracer Records in 1989, this iconic 12" vinyl LP not only showcased the raw power of Defiance's music but also marked a pivotal moment in the band's journey.
The Genesis of Defiance:
Defiance emerged from the thriving thrash metal scene of the San Francisco Bay Area, a hotbed of musical creativity that birthed legends like Metallica, Slayer, and Exodus. Formed in 1985, the band underwent several lineup changes before solidifying into the ensemble that would produce their groundbreaking debut album.
The lineup for "Product of Society" featured Ken Elkington on vocals, a distinctive element of the album's sonic identity. Elkington's vocal prowess added a unique dimension to Defiance's sound, contributing to the album's distinctiveness within the thrash metal landscape.
The Making of "Product of Society":
The recording sessions for "Product of Society" took place at a crucial juncture in the evolution of thrash metal. Defiance, eager to make their mark, collaborated with renowned producer to capture the intensity and energy that defined their live performances. The result was a sonic onslaught that resonated with fans and critics alike.
The album's production, spearheaded by a collaboration between the band and seasoned professionals, ensured a balanced and powerful sound. Each instrument, from the thunderous drums to the searing guitars, was meticulously crafted to create an auditory experience that mirrored the ferocity of Defiance's live shows.
The cover art, a visual representation of the album's title, was crafted by the
legendary Ed Repka. Known for his iconic work
with numerous thrash metal bands, Repka's artwork for "Product of Society" became synonymous with the album, adorning countless t-shirts and posters.
Impact and Legacy:
"Product of Society" was not just an album; it was a statement. Defiance's debut showcased their musical prowess, addressing societal issues with unbridled aggression. The intensity of tracks like [Omitted Track Names] resonated with fans, solidifying the album's place in the thrash metal pantheon.
While Defiance's lineup would undergo further changes in the years that followed, "Product of Society" remains a timeless artifact of an era when thrash metal was pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. Its influence can be heard in the work of subsequent generations of metal bands, ensuring that Defiance's legacy endures.
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Music Genre:
Thrash Metal
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Album Production information:
The album: "DEFIANCE - Product of Society" was produced by:
Jeff Waters, and Monte Connor
Jeff Waters has been guitarist with the Canadian Heavy Metal band Annihilator since 1984. He has been guest-guitarist in numerous recordings by other bands, as well as producer of many bands.
Monte Conner – Senior Vice President of A&R, Roadrunner RecordsThe Roadrunner A&R lifer who helped sign Sepultura, Type O Negative and Slipknot - and never apologized for the noise. Read more... Monte Conner is the longtime Roadrunner A&R boss who helped turn underground metal into a global export. From the late 1980s into the early 1990s I watched him bet on outsiders like Sepultura, Death, Deicide and Obituary, then steer Roadrunner's 90s boom with Type O Negative, Life of Agony and Machine Head. By the late 1990s and through the 2000s he was still swinging, helping break Slipknot (and later Stone Sour), plus newer waves like Trivium and Gojira. He stayed in that chair until 2012, then took his metal-radar to Nuclear Blast. And yes, he did it without polishing the edges for polite company. If you ever wondered who kept the label's compass pointing at "dangerous," it was usually him. Sound/Recording Engineer(s):
Paul Blake, Frank D'Onofrio
This album was recorded at:
Flasco Bros Studios, New Westminster, Canada, September - October 1988
Tom Coyne - Mastering Engineer Tom Coyne (1954-2017) was a highly respected mastering engineer known for shaping the sound of countless iconic albums. With a career spanning decades, he worked with legends like Madonna, U2, and The Rolling Stones. His mastery of both analog and digital techniques earned him multiple Grammy accolades. Learn more about his legacy here.
Album cover Illustration: Ed Repka
Ed Repka – Graphic Artist & Album Cover IllustratorHe turned Cold War paranoia and death-metal gore into bright, rotten pop art. Read more... Ed Repka is the American graphic artist who gave thrash and early death metal its lurid, comic-book bite. I remember seeing his work hit the racks with Megadeth’s Vic Rattlehead—"Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?" (1986) and the colder, geopolitics-soaked "Rust in Peace" (1990). In between, he painted Death’s first three nightmares: "Scream Bloody Gore" (1987), "Leprosy" (1988), and "Spiritual Healing" (1990). He also lit up Nuclear Assault and Possessed in 1986, then kept the torch burning on shirts and posters for decades. He draws like Mad magazine with a switchblade: bright color, nasty detail, and a punchline that still hurts. Every corner is packed with little jokes and rot. Album cover photography: Dee Lippingwell
Dee Lippingwell, born in 1925, is a renowned Canadian photographer celebrated for her contributions to the field of rock and roll photography. With a career spanning several decades, Lippingwell captured iconic moments in music history, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. Her portfolio includes striking images of legendary musicians, providing a visual chronicle of the dynamic and transformative era of rock music. Dee Lippingwell's work continues to be recognized for its artistic and historical significance in the realm of music photography.
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Record Label & Catalognr:
Roadracer RO 9504
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Media Format:
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
Matrix / Stamper codes / Runout (A Side): RO 9504-A LIC3 571857 Matrix / Stamper codes / Runout (B Side): RO 9504-B LIC3 871087
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Year & Country: |
1988 Made in Holland
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