- Schmier's absence sparks sonic evolution, a unique chapter in thrash history.
"Cracked Brain," Destruction's distinctive album, defies norms with the absence of iconic vocalist Schmier. Released on a 12" vinyl LP, the record explores uncharted musical realms, showcasing resilience and experimentation. André Grieder's vocals bring a fresh perspective, contributing to a unique sonic identity. Despite commercial differences, the album, embedded in the vinyl resurgence, stands as a testament to Destruction's evolution and artistic exploration in the European metal scene.
This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
The album "Cracked Brain" by Destruction stands as a distinctive anomaly within the official discography of the renowned German thrash metal band. Released as a 12" vinyl LP album, it marks a departure from the band's typical sound, primarily due to the absence of Schmier, the iconic vocalist who had been a constant presence in their previous works.
The creation history of "Cracked Brain" is intriguing, as it navigates through the challenges posed by the absence of Schmier. His departure from the band led Destruction to venture into uncharted territories in search of a new vocal identity. This change sparked a transformation in the band's musical style, giving rise to a unique and somewhat experimental sound that sets "Cracked Brain" apart from the rest of Destruction's discography.
The decision to release the album on a 12" vinyl LP adds a layer of historical significance to its creation. During the period when "Cracked Brain" was conceived, vinyl records were still a prevalent medium for music consumption. The LP format allowed for a particular sonic richness and a tangible connection between the listener and the music. In the European metal scene, especially, vinyl held a special place, contributing to the overall experience of engaging with the music.
The absence of Schmier on vocals could have been perceived as a risky move, considering his integral role in shaping Destruction's sonic identity. However, this change also opened doors to exploration and experimentation. The band enlisted the vocal talents of André Grieder (Poltergeist Band) to fill the void, and the result was a different vocal approach that added a new dimension to Destruction's musical expression.
"Cracked Brain" was not only a departure in terms of vocals but also showcased a shift in the overall musical direction of the band. The album incorporated elements of traditional heavy metal and even ventured into melodic territories, showcasing Destruction's willingness to evolve and adapt.
Music Genre: Teutonic (German) Thrash Metal |
Album Production Information: Producers: Guy Bidmead, Sifringer, Wilkens, Kaiser Guy Bidmead, producer and sound engineer has worked on the vinyl albums of many Hard Rock/Heavy Metal bands during the 1980s.
Read his story
Album cover art/painting: Andreas Marschall Andreas Marschall is a renowned German album cover illustrator and graphic artist, widely recognized for his exceptional contributions to the world of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Read all about Andreas Günther Pauler - Mastering Engineer |
Record Label: Steamhammer SPV 008-76191 |
Packaging: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos. |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 230 gram |
Year and Country: 1990 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Destruction Cracked Brain |
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Complete Track Listing of: "Cracked Brain" |
The Songs/tracks on "Cracked Brain" are
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Album cover photos of : Destruction Cracked Brain |
Photo of "Cracked Brain" Album's Front Cover |
Photo of "Cracked Brain" Album's Back Cover |
The back cover of Destruction’s “Cracked Brain” features a green-toned design consistent with the eerie aesthetic of the front cover. The primary visual elements include three individual photographs of band members arranged in jagged, shard-like frames, suggesting fragmentation and chaos. Harry Wilkens is on the left, holding a guitar with a confident and intense expression, wearing a sleeveless top and a necklace. Mike Sifringer is in the centre, with his signature long, curly hair and a stoic, focused look, wearing a black shirt with the band’s logo. Oliver Kaiser is on the right, casually posed with sunglasses, his arms crossed while resting on a drum or similar object, exuding a relaxed yet cool vibe. Notably, André Grieder, the vocalist for this album, is absent from the back cover imagery, which highlights a curious omission given his role in the recording. The rest of the cover includes production credits and band acknowledgements. The absence of Grieder’s photo may hint at his status as a temporary member during this period. |
Photo of "Cracked Brain" Album's Inner Sleeve |
Close-up Photo of "Cracked Brain" 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 ). |
The album "Cracked Brain" by Destruction stands as a distinctive anomaly within the official discography of the renowned German thrash metal band. Released as a 12" vinyl LP album, it marks a departure from the band's typical sound, primarily due to the absence of Schmier, the iconic vocalist who had been a constant presence in their previous works.
Learn moreOne album stands as a testament to the raw and unbridled energy that defined the genre in its heyday—the 12" Vinyl LP Album, "Eternal Devastation," unleashed by the formidable band, Destruction. This second official full-length release not only solidified Destruction's place in the thrash metal pantheon
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Learn moreThe release of Destruction's "Live Without Sense" on 12" Vinyl LP stands as a testament to the band's prowess in the thrash metal genre during the late 1980s. This iconic album not only encapsulates the raw energy of Destruction's live performances but also reflects the creative and artistic decisions made
Learn moreReleased in 1987, amidst the peak of thrash metal's global dominance, Destruction's "Mad Butcher" EP served as a bridge between their earlier raw aggression and their evolving sound. While not a full-length album, this 12" vinyl release cemented the band's position in the Teutonic thrash scen
Learn moreThe creation history of Destruction's "Release From Agony" is a fascinating journey that marks a pivotal moment in the band's career. Released as a 12" vinyl LP album, this iconic record stands as the third full-length offering from the German thrash metal pioneers.
Learn moreIn the world of thrash metal history, one cannot overlook the seminal release that marked the advent of a formidable force in the genre – Destruction's "Sentence Of Death." This 12" Vinyl LP Album, cataloged as Steamhammer SH 0020, holds a paramount position in the archives of thrash metal,
- Sentence of Death ( Blue / Green Label, 1984 Germany ) - Sentence of Death Blue/White Label (1984, Germany)