- Tales of Terror - A Thrash Metal Debut
"Tales of Terror," the inaugural onslaught by the American Thrash Metal maestros Hallow's Eve, manifests on a 12" Vinyl LP Album. Released in 1985 and produced by Brian Slagel, this debut album is a thunderous proclamation of Hallow's Eve's arrival in the thrash metal realm. With relentless energy and a haunting atmosphere, "Tales of Terror" stands as a milestone in the band's discography, marking the genesis of their contribution to the dynamic landscape of American thrash metal.
Emerging in 1985, Hallow's Eve's "Tales of Terror" marked a pivotal entry into the burgeoning thrash metal scene. With its raw energy and aggressive sound, the album solidified the band's place as a formidable force in the genre's formative years.
Historical Context
Thrash metal was in its ascendance during the mid-1980s, with bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax pushing the boundaries of speed and aggression. Hallow's Eve, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, found themselves in a scene dominated by West Coast thrash acts, yet they managed to carve their own niche with their distinct sound and lyrical themes.
Musical Exploration
"Tales of Terror" is an unrelenting sonic assault. The album is characterized by fast tempos, intricate guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and vocalist Stacy Andersen's distinctive high-pitched shrieks. The band's musical exploration delved into dark and often controversial themes, with lyrics that touched on horror, violence, and social commentary. Songs like "Hallow's Eve," "Plunging to Megadeath," and "Outer Limits" showcased the band's raw energy and lyrical intensity.
Controversies
The album's dark and violent imagery sparked some controversy, with some critics accusing the band of promoting Satanism and violence. However, Hallow's Eve defended their lyrics as artistic expression and a reflection of the darker aspects of society.
Production and Personnel
"Tales of Terror" was produced by the renowned team of Brian Slagel and Bill Metoyer, who had a track record of working with influential metal bands. The album was recorded at Track Record Studios in Los Angeles, California, and captured the raw energy and intensity of Hallow's Eve's live performances.
The band's lineup on "Tales of Terror" consisted of Stacy Andersen on vocals, Skellator and Tommy Stewart on guitars, Rob Clayton on drums, and David Stuart on bass. Each member contributed to the album's unique sound, with Skellator's and Stewart's intricate guitar work and Andersen's distinctive vocals being particularly noteworthy.
Music Genre: Thrash Metal Music |
Album description Produced by Hallow's Eve and Brian Slagel Brian Slagel is an influential figure in the world of heavy metal music. Born on 17 February 1961, in Los Angeles, California, Slagel developed a deep passion for music at an early age. Growing up in the music scene of the 1970s and 1980s, he played an instrumental role in shaping the landscape of heavy metal as we know it today. In his teenage years, Slagel immersed himself in the thriving metal scene of Los Angeles. He attended numerous concerts and built a vast network of connections with musicians, fans, and industry professionals. Recognizing the immense talent around him, Slagel decided to channel his passion into something more substantial. In 1982, at the age of 21, Slagel founded Metal Blade Records in his small apartment. The label began as a means to support and promote local metal bands who were struggling to secure record deals. Slagel's vision was to create a platform where these talented artists could showcase their music and gain wider recognition. Metal Blade Records released its first compilation album, "Metal Massacre", in 1982. The album featured now-legendary bands such as Metallica, Ratt, and Slayer, among others. This groundbreaking release played a significant role in catapulting Metal Blade Records and its roster of artists into the spotlight. As the label continued to grow, Slagel nurtured and signed a multitude of influential bands, including Mercyful Fate , Cannibal Corpse, Gwar, and Armored Saint , to name just a few. His keen ear for talent and unwavering support for the genre helped Metal Blade Records become one of the most successful independent labels in the music industry. Throughout his career, Slagel remained committed to preserving the authenticity and integrity of heavy metal music. While other labels veered towards more commercial sounds, Slagel stayed true to his roots, signing and promoting bands that embodied the spirit of the genre. He played a crucial role in the rise of the thrash metal movement, which had a profound impact on the music industry and inspired countless musicians. In addition to his work as a label owner, Slagel has also served as a producer, working on albums for bands like Flotsam and Jetsam, Exciter, and Trouble. His deep understanding of the genre and his ability to bring out the best in artists allowed him to make significant contributions to their musical journeys. Over the years, Brian Slagel's contributions to heavy metal have been widely recognized and celebrated. In 2010, he received the "Lifetime Achievement" award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods ceremony. His dedication to the genre has left an indelible mark on the music world, influencing generations of metal musicians and fans alike. Today, Metal Blade Records continues to thrive under Slagel's guidance. His passion, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the power of heavy metal have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the genre. Brian Slagel's story is a testament to the transformative power of music and the immense impact that one person can have on an entire cultural movement. In 1982, Slagel organized the release of a compilation album, featuring all local Los Angeles metal bands, called The New Heavy Metal Revue Presents Metal Massacre. The album featured the first recordings of Ratt, Steeler, Black 'n Blue, Malice, Avatar, Cirith Ungol, Bitch and Metallica. Cover Concept: Stacy Anderson Eddy Schreyer - Mastering, Sound Engineer Eddy Schreyer, a highly skilled mastering engineer and the proud owner of Oasis Mastering, located in Studio City, California, has garnered a remarkable reputation in the music industry over the course of his illustrious career. With over 30 years of experience under his belt, Schreyer has mastered thousands of music albums, leaving an indelible mark on the sound of numerous artists across various genres. Born and raised with a deep passion for music, Eddy Schreyer's journey into the world of audio engineering began at a young age. He discovered his love for the technical aspects of sound while tinkering with recording equipment and exploring the nuances of music production. Fascinated by the transformative power of mastering, Schreyer dedicated himself to honing his skills and embarked on a path that would lead him to become one of the most sought-after mastering engineers in the industry. After completing his formal education in audio engineering, Eddy Schreyer's career took off when he joined the renowned Capitol Studios in Hollywood. Working at Capitol Studios provided him with invaluable opportunities to collaborate with esteemed artists and refine his craft. During his time there, Schreyer developed a keen ear for detail and an intuitive understanding of how to enhance the sonic qualities of each recording he encountered. In 1996, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to create his own artistic haven, Eddy Schreyer established Oasis Mastering. His vision was to create a space where artists could achieve the sonic excellence they envisioned for their music. With his technical expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering superior sound quality, Schreyer quickly gained recognition as a trusted and respected mastering engineer. Oasis Mastering, under Schreyer's guidance, became a destination for musicians and record labels seeking the finest quality in audio post-production. Schreyer's mastery of the delicate art of mastering allowed him to breathe new life into countless albums, helping artists achieve greater clarity, depth, and emotional impact in their music. His dedication to preserving the artist's vision while elevating the overall sound has made him an invaluable collaborator for both established acts and emerging talents. Eddy Schreyer's extensive discography boasts an impressive array of acclaimed projects spanning multiple genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, and classical music. Some of the notable artists and bands he has worked with include Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead, Mary J. Blige, and many more. His contributions to these projects have earned him numerous accolades and the admiration of peers in the music industry. Beyond his mastering work, Eddy Schreyer is known for his commitment to sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring audio engineers. He has conducted workshops and seminars, mentoring the next generation of professionals, and sharing insights into the art and science of mastering. With an unwavering dedication to his craft and a relentless pursuit of sonic perfection, Eddy Schreyer continues to shape the music industry with his unparalleled expertise and artistic sensibilities. His legacy as a revered mastering engineer and the owner of Oasis Mastering remains firmly etched in the world of music history, leaving an indelible mark on the soundscape of countless albums and artists.
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Record Label & Catalognr: Roadrunner Records RR 9772 |
Album Packaging: This album includes the original t custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Hallow's Eve |
Media Format: 12 " Vinyl LP Record |
Year & Country: 1985 Made in Holland |
Band Members and Musicians on: Hallow's Eve - Tales of Terror |
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Complete Track Listing of: Hallow's Eve - Tales of Terror |
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Photo of Hallow's Eve Band Members |
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Learn moreEmerging in 1985, Hallow's Eve's "Tales of Terror" marked a pivotal entry into the burgeoning thrash metal scene. With its raw energy and aggressive sound, the album solidified the band's place as a formidable force in the genre's formative years.
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