HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars - F12" Vinyl LP Album

- 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.

Front Cover Photo Of HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars

Holy Terror's "Mind Wars": An Aggressive Sonic Assault on French Soil
Album 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 – Sound Engineer, Producer & Musician

    The Music Grinder kid who made thrash readable without sanding off the danger.

    Casey McMackin is an acclaimed sound engineer, producer, and musician who learned the hard way at Hollywood's Music Grinder—starting as the gofer and listening his way into the chair. I hear his fingerprints on Megadeth (1986) where he engineered "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?" and even tossed in backing vocals, then straight into Dark Angel (1986) on "Darkness Descends". He stayed in the pit with Nuclear Assault (1987–1989), jumped to Exodus as assistant engineer (1990), and helped steer Motörhead's grit on "1916" (1991) and "March ör Die" (1992). Later, he still popped up—producing/mixing C.I.A. (1990) and engineering a Lemmy solo cut (2006).


  • Bernie Grundman - Mastering Engineer

  • Bernie Grundman – Mastering Engineer

    I trust his work when the groove feels wide but the cymbals stay human.

    Bernie Grundman is the mastering engineer who taught half of Los Angeles how to make a lacquer breathe. No fairy dust, just physics and taste. He cut his teeth at Contemporary Records in 1966 before A&M came calling. I followed him from 1968 to 1984 running A&M's mastering department, where his cuts powered 70s staples by Earth, Wind & Fire (1973), the Carpenters (1974) and Steely Dan's "Aja" (1977). In the early 80s he helped shape Prince ("Dirty Mind" 1980; "Purple Rain" 1984) and Michael Jackson's "Thriller" (1982). Post-1984, at Bernie Grundman Mastering, he kept bridging vinyl and digital, even crossing into hip-hop with Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" (1992), and later opened a Tokyo studio in 1997.


  • Mark Mahoney - Logo & Tattoos

    Rick Araluce - Back Cover

    Vickey Mielle - Photographer

    Record Label & Catalognr:

      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
      Holy Terror Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • Floyd Flanary - Bass
    • Mike Alvord - Guitars and vocals
    • Keith Deen - Lead vocals
    • Joe Mitchell - Drums
    • Kurt Kilfelt - Guitar

    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.

    Complete Track Listing of: "HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars"

    The Songs/tracks on "HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars" are

    1. Judas Reward 04:30
    2. Debt of Pain 02:36
    3. The Immoral Wasteland 05:17
    4. A Fool's Gold/Terminal Humor/Mind Wars 07:53
    5. Damned by Judges 06:37
    6. Do unto Others 04:05
    7. No Resurrection 04:03
    8. Christian Resistance 04:38
    Front Cover Photo Of HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars
    Front Cover Photo Of HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars

     

    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 )

    Photo Of The Back Cover HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars
    Photo of album back cover HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars

     

    Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars
    Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars

    A collage of "Holy Terror" band-member photos

    Close up of Side One HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars record's label
    Close up of Side One HOLY TERROR - Mind Wars

    Record Label Details: Under On Flag, FLAG 25, 1988 Under One Flag ©1988 Blind Light Publising ℗ Under One Flag, Made in France