Lääz Rockit - KNOW YOUR ENEMY 12" Vinyl LP Album

- ENIGMA Records Release

  "Know Your Enemy" is the third studio album from Californian thrash metal band, Lääz Rockit. It was released in 1987 on Roadrunner Records/Enigma Records and follows 1985's No Stranger to Danger.

 

Front Cover Photo of " Know Your Enemy" Album

Lääz Rockit's "Know Your Enemy": A Thrash Metal Maelstrom from the Bay Area's Gritty Depths
Album Description:

In the heart of 1987, when thrash metal was a maelstrom of snarling guitars and rebellious lyrics, Lääz Rockit unleashed "Know Your Enemy" onto a world hungry for sonic warfare. This wasn't just another album; it was a declaration of intent, a sonic middle finger to conformity, and a testament to the raw power of Bay Area thrash.

Formed in 1982, Lääz Rockit had already established themselves as formidable contenders in the thrash scene. "Know Your Enemy" was their third studio offering, a culmination of their musical evolution and a bold step into uncharted territory.

Thrash Metal's Golden Age: The late '80s was a pivotal moment for thrash metal. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Exodus were rewriting the rules of heavy music, and Lääz Rockit was right there in the trenches with them. "Know Your Enemy" was a product of its time, a reflection of the angst and frustration of a generation disillusioned with the status quo.

Musical Exploration and Evolution: "Know Your Enemy" showcased Lääz Rockit's growth as musicians. The album was a departure from their earlier work, incorporating more complex song structures, intricate guitar solos, and a broader range of vocal styles. This musical exploration was a testament to their ambition and refusal to be pigeonholed into a single genre.

A Sonic Assault on the Senses: From the opening riff of "The Nightmare" to the final notes of "The Executioner," "Know Your Enemy" was an unrelenting sonic assault. The guitars were razor-sharp, the drums thunderous, and the vocals a guttural howl of defiance. The album's production, helmed by Michael Rosen, captured the raw energy of the band's live performances, making it a visceral listening experience.

Controversies and Challenges: "Know Your Enemy" wasn't without its controversies. The album's lyrics tackled social and political issues head-on, often with a bluntness that ruffled feathers. Some critics accused the band of being overly simplistic in their message, while others praised their willingness to confront difficult topics.

The Bay Area's Sonic Legacy: Lääz Rockit was part of a vibrant Bay Area thrash scene that produced some of the most iconic bands in metal history. "Know Your Enemy" was a testament to the scene's creativity and rebellious spirit, a sonic snapshot of a time when metal was raw, dangerous, and unapologetically loud.

Recording Studio and Production Team: The album was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, a legendary studio known for its work with artists like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Journey. The production team, led by Michael Rosen, captured the raw energy of the band's live performances, making it a visceral listening experience.

Conclusion: Lääz Rockit's "Know Your Enemy" was more than just an album; it was a statement, a sonic manifesto that embodied the spirit of thrash metal. It was a testament to the power of music to challenge, provoke, and inspire. While the album may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of its peers, it remains a cult classic among thrash metal fans, a reminder of a time when metal was raw, dangerous, and unapologetically loud.

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal (USA)

Album Production Information:

The album: " Know Your Enemy" was produced by: Roy M. Rowland

Roy Rowland aka "Roy Macaroni" Rowland is a sound engineer, who during the 1980s engineered a dozen important heavy metal albums. Some of the bands he has worked for are: Kreator, Lääz


This album was recorded in 1987 at: Prairie Sun Recorders Cotati, California
Prairie Sun Recording Studios, located in Cotati, California, has been a pivotal force in rock and metal music, shaping legendary albums with its world-class facilities and expert engineering. Hosting iconic bands from the 1980s onward, it remains a creative hub for artists seeking top-tier sound production. Explore its history and album gallery here.

Eddy Schreyer - Mastering Engineer

Eddy Schreyer, a top-tier mastering engineer and founder of Oasis Mastering, has shaped the sonic intensity of heavy metal for decades. His expert touch has refined albums by Slayer, Korn, System of a Down, and Slipknot, ensuring powerful clarity and relentless aggression. With over 30 years in the industry, Schreyer remains a key figure in metal production. Read more about Eddy Schreyer.

Scott Singer - Sound Engineer

Neil Zlozower - Photography

Neil Zlozower is a legendary rock photographer whose raw, high-energy images defined the hard rock and heavy metal scenes of the 1970s and 1980s. From Van Halen to Mötley Crüe, his work captures the wild spirit of rock’s golden age. With a career spanning decades, Zloz remains one of the most respected names in music photography. Learn more about his legacy on Neil Zlozower - Photographer.

 

Record Label & Catalognr:

Enigma 3305-2

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1987 Made in Holland


Band Members and Musicians on: Lääz Rockit - Know Your Enemy
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Michael Coons - Vocals
  • Aaron Jellum - Guitars
  • Phil Kettner - Guitars
  • Willie Lange - Bass
  • Victor Agnello - Drums

Complete Track Listing of: " Know Your Enemy"

The Songs/tracks on " Know Your Enemy" are

  1. Demolition 1:16
  2. Last Breath 4:37
  3. Euroshima 3:58
  4. Most Dangerous Game 6:10
  5. Shot to Hell 3:55
  6. Say Goodbye M.F. 4:19
  7. Self Destruct 5:38
  8. Means To An End 4:50
  9. I'm Electric 3:03
  10. Mad Axe Attack 2:17
  11. Shit's Ugly 17:21

Front Cover Photo of " Know Your Enemy" Album
Front Cover Photo of " Know Your Enemy" Album
Back Cover  Photo of " Know Your Enemy" Album
Back Cover  Photo of " Know Your Enemy" Album  
Close-up Photo of " Know Your Enemy" ENIGMA Record Label 
Close-up Photo of " Know Your Enemy" ENIGMA Record Label   
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.
Through the Fire and Flames: An Illustrated Journey of Laaz Rockit's Vinyl Discography

Emerging from the fiery depths of the Bay Area thrash scene in the early 80s, Lääz Rockit carved their name in metal history with ferocious riffs and defiant lyrics. Their vinyl discography, a testament to their sonic evolution, spans from the raw energy of their debut "City's Gonna Burn" to the politically charged "Know Your Enemy," the experimental "Annihilation Principle," and the anthemic "Holiday in Cambodia" cover. Each record captures a snapshot of a band pushing boundaries and refusing to be silenced. For collectors and metalheads alike, their vinyl releases are coveted artifacts, a window into the golden age of thrash metal.

LÄÄZ ROCKIT - Annihilation Principle

Thumbnail Of  LÄÄZ ROCKIT - Annihilation Principle 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Enigma ENVLP 521 , 1989 , EEC

  "Annihilation Principle" is the fourth studio album by American thrash metal band Lȧȧz Rockit. This album was recorded August-September 1988 at: Prairie Sun Recording Studios, Cotati, California and was released in 1989 on Roadrunner Records/Enigma Records.

Annihilation Principle 12" Vinyl LP

LÄÄZ ROCKIT - Holiday in Cambodja

Thumbnail Of  LÄÄZ ROCKIT - Holiday in Cambodja 12" Vinyl EP album front cover

Restless Records – 72302-0 , 1989 , USA

"Holiday in Cambodja" was originally written and performed by the "Dead Kennedys" , this version is a cover performed by "Laaz Rockit"

Holiday in Cambodja 12" Vinyl EP

Lääz Rockit - Know Your Enemy

Thumbnail Of  Lääz Rockit - Know Your Enemy 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Enigma 3305-2 , 1987 , Netherlands

  "Know Your Enemy" is the third studio album from Californian thrash metal band, Lääz Rockit. It was released in 1987 on Roadrunner Records/Enigma Records and follows 1985's No Stranger to Danger.

Know Your Enemy 12" Vinyl LP