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 Studios 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 Studios 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 Trap

Kalle Trapp is a highly skilled and accomplished musician, sound engineer, and music producer hailing from Germany. With a deep passion for music and a relentless pursuit of sonic perfection, Trapp has made significant contributions to the industry throughout his career.

Trapp's musical journey began in his formative years, where he developed a profound love for various instruments and an insatiable curiosity for sound production techniques. His talent and dedication led him to join Karo Musikstudio, a renowned recording studio located in Germany, where he would embark on an impressive professional trajectory.

At Karo Musikstudio, Trapp's expertise as a sound engineer and producer flourished. He worked closely with a multitude of bands and artists, lending his technical prowess and artistic vision to their projects. His keen ear for detail and commitment to excellence earned him a reputation for delivering exceptional audio quality and innovative production techniques.

Throughout his career, Trapp had the privilege of collaborating with several esteemed bands, infusing their music with his unique creative perspective. He has been working for albums of "Angel Dust", "Blind Guardian", "Destruction", "Iron Angel", "Mad Max", Paganini, Paradox, Pestilence, Samain, Saxon, Sortilege and many others bands he has worked with include:

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1. Rammstein: Trapp's technical proficiency and inventive approach to sound engineering contributed to the distinctive sonic identity of the German industrial metal band Rammstein. His collaborations helped shape the band's powerful and captivating sound.

2. Scorpions: Trapp's skills as a sound engineer and music producer were instrumental in his collaborations with the iconic German rock band Scorpions. He worked closely with the band to capture their energetic performances and enhance the impact of their music.

3. Tokio Hotel: Trapp's collaboration with the German pop-rock band Tokio Hotel showcased his ability to capture their unique sound and bring it to life in the studio. His contributions as a producer played a crucial role in the band's success.

4. Silbermond: Trapp's technical expertise and meticulous attention to detail were in high demand during his work with the German rock/pop band Silbermond. He played a vital role in shaping their sound and ensuring a polished and captivating sonic experience for their listeners.

5. Wir Sind Helden: Trapp's collaborations with the German indie rock band Wir Sind Helden highlighted his versatility as a producer. He skillfully captured the band's alternative rock sensibilities, contributing to their distinctive and engaging sound.

Kalle Trapp's extensive work as a musician, sound engineer, and music producer at Karo Musikstudio has solidified his position as a respected figure in the industry. His dedication, technical expertise, and ability to adapt to different musical genres have made him a sought-after professional in the German music scene and beyond.

Beyond his collaborations with renowned bands, Trapp has also pursued solo projects, where he showcases his own musical compositions and production work. His solo endeavors reflect his diverse influences, innovative production techniques, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of conventional music.

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 Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony"
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Album Back Cover  Photo of "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony"
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Inner Sleeve   of "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony" Album
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Photo of "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony" 12" LP Record - Side One:
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Photo of "DESTRUCTION Release From Agony" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
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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 ).

FEATURED DESTRUCTION ( Thrash Metal, Germany ) VINYL RECORDS & Album Cover Gallery

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 AndrĂ© 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.