DESTRUCTION - Release From Agony 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Thrash Mastery Unleashed

Destruction's "Release From Agony," a 1987 thrash metal masterpiece, marked the band's transition to a four-member lineup. Recorded at Karo Musikstudio with producer Kalle Trapp, the album's intense sound and dynamic compositions solidified Destruction's prominence in the genre. Featuring striking cover art by Joachim Luetke, the LP, released on June 19, 1987, remains a classic, showcasing the band's evolution and influencing the thrash metal landscape. This album "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony" includes the original custom made inner sleeve (OIS) with album production details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

High Resolution Photo #1 DESTRUCTION Release From Agony
"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

Album Illustration: Joachim Luetke

Joachim Luetke a painter, sculptor from German origin and now living in Vienna, Austria. In the 1980s known for his album covers for Destruction, "Mekong Delta" and Rage. In later periods he did album covers for bands like "Dimmu Borgir" , "Kreator", etc.

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
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DESTRUCTION Release From Agony
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Schmier - Lead Vocals, Bass

    Schmier (real-name: Marcel Schirmer) vocals and bass player with the German Thrash Metal band "Destruction". He was one of the founding members of Destruction, which he left around 1989 to from the German Metal band "Headhunter" (not to be confused with Swiss band with the same name. Around 1999 he rejoined Destruction. Bands he has sung and played in are: Bassinvaders, Destruction, Headhunter (DEU), Pänzer (DEU).

  • Mike Sifringer - Guitars

    Mike (Michael) Sifringer, guitarist with the German Thrash Metal band "Destruction" since 1982.

  • Harry Wilkens - Guitars

    Harry Wilkens (full name: Harald Heinrich Wilkens) - Guitarist with Destruction from 1987 until 1990.

  • Oliver Kaiser - Drums

    Oliver Kaiser - Drums with Destruction from 1987 until 1999.

Complete Track-listing of the album "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony"

The detailed tracklist of this record "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony" is:

    Track-listing:
  1. Beyond Eternity
  2. Release From Agony
  3. Dissatisfied Existence
  4. Sign Of Fear
  5. Unconscious Ruins
  6. Incriminated
  7. Our Oppression
  8. Survive To Die
High Resolution Photo #1 DESTRUCTION Release From Agony
Album Back Cover  Photo of "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony"
High Resolution Photo #2 DESTRUCTION Release From Agony  
Inner Sleeve   of "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony" Album
High Resolution Photo #3 DESTRUCTION Release From Agony  
Photo of "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony" 12" LP Record - Side One:
High Resolution Photo #4 DESTRUCTION Release From Agony  
Photo of "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
High Resolution Photo #5 DESTRUCTION Release From Agony  

 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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