Destruction - Cracked Brain - 12" Vinyl LP Album

- chmier'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.

High Resolution Photo #1 DESTRUCTION Cracked Brain  

"Cracked Brain" Album Description:

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 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:

The album: "Cracked Brain" was produced by: Guy Bidmead, Sifringer, Wilkens, Kaiser
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 during the 1980s. Born on October 10, 1961, in Munich, Germany, Marschall discovered his passion for art at a young age and nurtured his creative talents throughout his life.

In his early years, Marschall displayed an inclination towards visual arts and began honing his skills through various mediums. Inspired by the rebellious and energetic nature of Rock and Metal music, he found his artistic voice in the realm of album cover artwork. Combining his love for music and art, Marschall embarked on a journey that would shape the visual identities of numerous iconic bands.

During the 1980s, Marschall's work gained immense popularity within the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene. His distinctive style blended vivid imagery, intricate details, and a dark aesthetic, capturing the essence of the music and captivating audiences worldwide. Bands such as Destruction, Kreator, and Running Wild, among many others, sought out Marschall's artistic vision to bring their music to life visually.

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Marschall's collaborations with these bands resulted in a series of iconic album covers that became emblematic of the era. His artwork adorned record sleeves, posters, and merchandise, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Rock and Metal. Marschall's visuals evoked a sense of intensity, aggression, and imagination, resonating with fans who connected deeply with the music he portrayed.

Beyond his contributions to album artwork, Marschall's talent extended to other artistic realms. He lent his skills to creating stage designs, concert backdrops, and even ventured into directing music videos. This multidimensional approach further solidified his position as a creative force within the industry.

As the 1990s unfolded, Marschall continued to explore different avenues of artistic expression. He expanded his portfolio to include cover designs for books, movie posters, and even ventured into the world of filmmaking. His debut as a director came with the German horror film "Todesking" in 1990, showcasing his ability to seamlessly transition his visual storytelling from static imagery to moving pictures.

In the years that followed, Marschall maintained an active presence in the world of art and continued to collaborate with various musicians, filmmakers, and authors. His work continued to evolve, embracing new technologies while staying true to his signature style. Through his prolific career, Marschall left an enduring impact on the artistry and aesthetics of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal.

Andreas Marschall a German illustrator and graphics artist having worked on the album covers of dozens Heavy Metal albums.

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 Record
Album weight: 230 gram  

Year and Country:

  1990 Made in Germany  
Band Members and Musicians on: Destruction Cracked Brain
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • André Grieder - Lead Vocals
  • Mike Sifringer - Guitars, Bass
  • Harry Wilkens- Guitars, Bass
  • Oliver Kaiser - Drums
Track Listing of: "Cracked Brain"

The Songs/tracks on "Cracked Brain" are

    Side One:
  • Cracked Brain
  • Frustrated
  • S E D
  • Time Must End
  • My Sharona
    Side Two:
  • Rippin You Off Blind
  • Die a Day Before You Are Born
  • No Need To Justify
  • When Your Mind was Free
Album cover photos of : Destruction Cracked Brain
Photo of "Cracked Brain" Album's Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo #1 DESTRUCTION Cracked Brain  
Photo of "Cracked Brain" Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo #2 DESTRUCTION Cracked Brain  
Photo of "Cracked Brain" Album's Inner Sleeve  
High Resolution Photo #3 DESTRUCTION Cracked Brain  
Close-up Photo of "Cracked Brain" Record Label 
High Resolution Photo #4 DESTRUCTION Cracked Brain  

 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 ).
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Destruction Band Description

  Destruction a German thrash metal band that was formed in 1982 in Weil am Rhein, Germany. The band is known for its fast and aggressive style of music that incorporates elements of heavy metal, punk rock, and hardcore. Over the years, Destruction has become one of the most influential and respected thrash metal bands in the world, with a loyal fan base and a reputation for delivering intense and energetic live performances.

  The band was formed by three teenagers: Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer on bass and vocals, Mike Sifringer on guitar, and Tommy Sandmann on drums. They quickly gained a following in the local metal scene and released their debut album "Sentence of Death" in 1984. The album was a success, and it helped establish Destruction as one of the leading thrash metal bands in Europe.

  Over the next few years, Destruction released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including "Infernal Overkill" (1985), "Eternal Devastation" (1986), and "Release from Agony" (1988). These albums showcased the band's technical skills and songwriting abilities, and they helped solidify Destruction's reputation as one of the most important bands in the thrash metal genre.

  However, despite their success, the band went through a period of turmoil in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Schmier left the band in 1989, and Destruction struggled to find a replacement vocalist. They eventually hired André Grieder, but the lineup changes and personal conflicts took a toll on the band's momentum and popularity.

  In 1994, Destruction disbanded, but they reformed in 1999 with their classic lineup of Schmier, Sifringer, and Sandmann. Since then, they have released a series of well-received albums, including "The Antichrist" (2001), "Metal Discharge" (2003), and "Day of Reckoning" (2011).

  Throughout their career, Destruction has been a major influence on the thrash metal genre. Their fast, aggressive style of music has inspired countless bands, and their commitment to the genre has earned them a loyal fan base. In addition, their lyrics often deal with political and social issues, making them one of the few thrash metal bands that are known for their political activism and social consciousness.

Destruction Vinyl Discography