- 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 an acclaimed sound engineer, producer, and musician whose innovative work in the 1980s helped define the sound of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Known for shaping legendary albums by Megadeth, Slayer, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and Van Halen, his legacy continues to inspire music lovers worldwide. Read Casey's Biography
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
|
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 |
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
|
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