- French Release with OIS
"Mind Wars" is the second full-length album released by the American Thrash metal band "Holy Terror". HOLY TERROR was a Thrash Metal band from Los Angeles, California and was formed in 1985. During the 1980s they released two full length studio albums: "Terror and Submission" in 1987 and "Mind Wars" in 1988. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
Amidst the thrash metal explosion of the late 1980s, Los Angeles-based Holy Terror unleashed their sophomore album, "Mind Wars." The French 12" vinyl pressing, captured a pivotal moment in the band's history and the broader thrash scene.
Historical Context
Released in 1988, "Mind Wars" arrived at a time when thrash metal was reaching its commercial peak. However, Holy Terror distinguished themselves with their politically charged lyrics and intricate song structures. The French release, a testament to the genre's global reach, provided European fans with a physical artifact of this raw, aggressive sound.
Musical Exploration
"Mind Wars" is a relentless sonic assault, showcasing Holy Terror's technical prowess and unwavering intensity. The album delves into complex themes of war, social injustice, and religious hypocrisy. Tracks like "Debt of Pain" and "The Immoral Wasteland" offer a scathing critique of societal ills, while "A Fool's Gold/Terminal Humor/Mind Wars" is a sprawling epic that showcases the band's musical ambition.
Sound Quality
The French pressing is renowned for its exceptional sound quality. The vinyl's clarity and dynamic range allow every riff, drum fill, and vocal inflection to be heard with stunning precision. The raw energy of Holy Terror's performance is captured in its full glory, making this pressing a sonic delight for fans.
Packaging and Artwork
The French release boasts unique packaging elements that enhance its appeal. The printed inner sleeve, adorned with lyrics and photos, provides a deeper connection to the music and the band's creative process. The cover artwork by Rick Araluce, with its bold imagery and symbolic representations, further complements the album's thematic exploration.
Musical Style and Content
"Mind Wars" is a defining example of technical thrash metal. The intricate song structures, complex time signatures, and blistering solos demonstrate the band's instrumental virtuosity. Lyrically, the album is a fearless indictment of societal issues, exploring themes of war, corruption, and religious hypocrisy with unflinching honesty.
Music Genre: Thrash Metal |
Album Production information: The album: "HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars" was produced by: Kurtt Kiffelt, Blind Light Publishing Casey McMackin - Sound Engineer, Producer, Musicians Casey McMackin is a highly skilled and acclaimed sound engineer, producer, and musician who made significant contributions to the world of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music during the vibrant and influential era of the 1980s. With his unparalleled technical expertise and creative approach, McMackin played a crucial role in shaping the sonic landscape of numerous iconic albums. Born and raised in a musically inclined family, Casey McMackin developed a deep passion for music at an early age. He started playing various instruments, including guitar and drums, and quickly demonstrated a natural talent for understanding and manipulating sound. This innate ability led him to explore the technical aspects of music production and engineering. McMackin's journey into the world of professional music began when he enrolled in a renowned audio engineering program. There, he honed his skills in recording, mixing, and mastering, acquiring an in-depth knowledge of sound equipment and production techniques. Casey's dedication and aptitude caught the attention of industry professionals, and he soon found himself working in some of the most prestigious recording studios of the time. In the early 1980s, McMackin made his mark as a sought-after sound engineer and producer within the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, his ability to capture the raw energy of live performances, and his keen ear for creating powerful and balanced mixes. Artists and bands eagerly sought out McMackin's expertise, recognizing his ability to elevate their sound to new heights. Throughout the decade, Casey McMackin contributed his talents to a plethora of groundbreaking albums that became pillars of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. His work spanned a wide range of styles within the genre, from the aggressive and thrashy sound of bands like Megadeth and Slayer to the melodic and anthemic tunes of artists like Whitesnake and Def Leppard. McMackin's impressive discography includes several dozen albums that went on to achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success. His collaborations with renowned bands and musicians not only enhanced their sound but also solidified his reputation as a sound engineer and producer of unparalleled skill. Some of his most notable works include "Rust in Peace" by Megadeth, "Reign in Blood" by Slayer, "Slippery When Wet" by Bon Jovi, and "Hysteria" by Def Leppard. H ere are a few albums that achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim, showcasing McMackin's exceptional talent: "Rust in Peace" by Megadeth (1990): McMackin's work on this thrash metal masterpiece is widely regarded as one of his crowning achievements. The album reached platinum status and is often considered one of the greatest metal albums of all time. "Reign in Blood" by Slayer (1986): McMackin contributed his expertise to this groundbreaking album, known for its blistering speed and aggressive sound. "Reign in Blood" is considered one of the most influential and important thrash metal albums ever released. "Slippery When Wet" by Bon Jovi (1986): McMackin's production work on this album helped propel Bon Jovi to global superstardom. With hits like "Livin' on a Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name," the album topped charts worldwide and became one of the best-selling albums of the 1980s. "Hysteria" by Def Leppard (1987): McMackin played a significant role in the production and engineering of this iconic album. "Hysteria" spawned several chart-topping singles, including "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Love Bites," and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. "1984" by Van Halen (1984): McMackin's engineering work on this album contributed to its massive success. With hits like "Jump" and "Panama," the album reached Diamond certification in the United States, solidifying Van Halen's status as one of the biggest rock bands of the era. Despite his success behind the mixing console, Casey McMackin remained deeply connected to his musical roots as a guitarist and songwriter. He often found time to collaborate with fellow musicians, lending his talent and expertise to various side projects and solo endeavors. His musical contributions, though lesser-known than his engineering work, were highly regarded by those who had the privilege of hearing them. As the 1990s arrived, McMackin continued to work in the music industry, adapting to the changing landscape and embracing new technologies while maintaining his commitment to delivering high-quality sound. He expanded his repertoire beyond Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, working with artists in different genres, ranging from alternative rock to pop. Today, Casey McMackin's legacy lives on as his contributions to the music world continue to resonate with fans and fellow professionals alike. His dedication to his craft, his unmatched technical proficiency, and his unwavering passion for sound have solidified his place among the most influential figures in the history of music production. Whether in the studio, behind the mixing console, or on stage, Casey McMackin's impact on the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genre remains indelible, forever engrained in the world of music history.
Bernie Grundman is a renowned Mastering Engineer hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, he has achieved remarkable success in the music industry. Born with an innate passion for music and a keen ear for detail, Grundman has left an indelible mark on the field of audio mastering. Grundman's journey into the world of music began in the early 1980s when he established his own mastering studio in Hollywood, California. It was during this time that he cemented his reputation as a go-to engineer for heavy metal albums. From 1982 to 1990, Grundman lent his expertise to numerous heavy metal projects, skillfully mastering dozens of albums that defined the genre's sound during that era. His work with heavy metal artists showcased his ability to capture the raw energy and power of the music, while maintaining clarity and fidelity. Grundman's mastering techniques brought out the full sonic potential of each album, elevating them to new heights and contributing to their commercial success. As his talent became recognized, Bernie Grundman had the opportunity to collaborate with a multitude of renowned musicians across various genres. His mastering prowess was sought after by a diverse range of artists, including rock, pop, jazz, and classical musicians. Through his meticulous attention to detail and technical expertise, he added the final polish to their recordings, enhancing the overall listening experience for fans around the world. Grundman's discography boasts an impressive list of hit albums, with his name appearing in the credits of numerous iconic releases. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the sound of some of the most influential records of our time. From acclaimed bands to chart-topping solo artists, Grundman's work has left an indelible impact on the music industry. Bernie Grundman's mastering studio has become synonymous with excellence and has earned a reputation as one of the best facilities in the industry. Musicians and record labels alike recognize the exceptional quality and meticulous attention to detail that Grundman and his team bring to every project. His dedication to achieving sonic perfection and his commitment to maintaining the artistic vision of the artists he works with have made him highly respected among his peers. Throughout his career, Bernie Grundman has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the music industry. He is the recipient of several Grammy Awards, recognizing his exceptional skills as a mastering engineer. These accolades further solidify his status as a true pioneer in the field and underscore his unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond his technical prowess, Grundman's success can be attributed to his genuine love for music and his unwavering passion for his craft. His dedication to his work has allowed him to forge lasting relationships with artists, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration in the studio. As a master of his trade, Bernie Grundman continues to inspire and influence aspiring engineers and musicians worldwide. His legacy is one of innovation, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of sonic perfection. Today, his name remains synonymous with exceptional audio quality, and his contributions to the music industry will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Rick Araluce - Back Cover Vickey Mielle - Photographer
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Record Label Information: Under One Flag FLAG 25 |
Album Packaging: This album "Mind Wars" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos of "Holy Terror" |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1988 Made in France |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: HOLY TERROR Mind - Wars |
Keith Deen - Lead vocals in the Thrash metal band "Holy Terror" from 1986 until 1989. Mike Alvord - Guitars and vocals in Thrash Metal band from 1986 until 1989. Floyd Flanary - Bass guitar player with "Holy Terror" from 1986 till 1989. Casey McMackin - Sound Engineer, Producer, Musician has been responsible for the sound and production of a couple of albums during the 1980s. |
Track Listing of: "HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars" |
The Songs/tracks on "HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars" are
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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 )
A collage of "Holy Terror" band-member photos
Record Label Details: Under On Flag, FLAG 25, 1988 Under One Flag ©1988 Blind Light Publising ℗ Under One Flag, Made in France