"Release From Agony" Album Description:
The 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.
The year was 1987, and the thrash metal scene was flourishing with bands pushing the boundaries of speed, aggression, and musical complexity. Destruction, formed in 1982, had already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the thrash metal landscape. However, it was with "Release From Agony" that the band truly solidified their place among the genre's elite.
The album marked a significant milestone for Destruction as it was their first full-length release to feature four members. The lineup consisted of Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer on vocals and bass, Mike Sifringer on guitars, Harry Wilkens on guitars, and Oliver "Olly" Kaiser on drums. This expanded lineup allowed for a richer and more dynamic sound, contributing to the album's overall sonic intensity.
The recording process for "Release From Agony" took place at the legendary Karo Musikstudio in Germany, a renowned facility that has hosted numerous iconic metal recordings. The band collaborated with producer Kalle Trapp, known for his work with other prominent thrash metal acts of the time. The combination of Destruction's raw energy and Trapp's production expertise resulted in an album that captured the essence of the burgeoning thrash metal movement.
One of the album's standout features is the cover art, which was designed by artist Joachim Luetke. The artwork perfectly encapsulates the apocalyptic and chaotic themes present in the music. The vivid imagery, featuring a demonic figure surrounded by eyes on hands, complements the aggressive and intense nature of the album.
|
Album Fact Sheet: DESTRUCTION Release From Agony
|
|
Music Genre: Thrash Metal
|
|
Album Production Information:
The album: "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony" was produced by: Kalle Trapp
Kalle Trapp, a legendary German producer and musician, revolutionized heavy metal production with his iconic Karo Studio. Renowned for shaping the sound of Blind Guardian, Destruction, Iron Angel, and many more, his innovative engineering techniques defined the power and aggression of 80s & 90s European metal. Discover more about his groundbreaking work at Kalle Trapp’s Biography.
Album cover design: Guido Glöckler
Joachim Luetke – Album cover artworkI love cover artists who make a 12-inch square feel like a whole horror film. Read more... Joachim Luetke is a German cross-media artist (born 1957) who makes album art feel like a miniature movie poster. I like that he actually trained in the late 1970s - graphic design in Switzerland, then Vienna's Academy of Fine Arts under Rudolf Hausner - so the craft is real, not just screen-glow. His work is often compared to
H. R. Giger
. In metal, his longest run is with Dimmu Borgir (2003-2010: "Death Cult Armageddon", "In Sorte Diaboli", "Abrahadabra"); he also rebooted Kreator's look (2005-2009: "Enemy of God", "Hordes of Chaos"), and stamped Arch Enemy's "Doomsday Machine" (2005) and Meshuggah's "obZen" (2008). He even published "Posthuman" (2000), which tells you he thinks beyond the sleeve. |
|
Record Company / Catalog number / Label:
Steamhammer SH 0076
|
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
|
|
Year & Country: 1987 Made in Germany
|
