LIVING DEATH - Metal Revolution 12" Vinyl LP Album

- EARTHSHAKER Records Release

Album cover of Living Death’s Metal Revolution featuring a skull-faced warrior in a spiked horned helmet, pointing ominously, with fiery clouds and a silhouetted mob wielding weapons in the background.

"Metal Revolution" by Living Death, a 1985 speed metal masterpiece on Earthshaker Records, encapsulates the essence of the mid-'80s metal revolution. Characterized by raw energy and intense production, the album's iconic cover art mirrors its apocalyptic sonic assault. The release stands as a testament to the global impact of German metal, inspiring a new wave of musicians and leaving an indelible mark on heavy metal history. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

"Metal Revolution" Album Description:

In the world of heavy metal history, few albums have left as indelible a mark as "Metal Revolution" by the German speed metal maestros, Living Death. Released in 1985, this opus stands as a testament to the thriving metal scene of the era and remains a cherished relic for aficionados of the genre.

Produced under the Earthshaker record label, "Metal Revolution" epitomizes the raw energy and unbridled aggression that characterized the burgeoning speed metal movement. The production quality of the album, despite the constraints of the time, is a striking feature that has contributed to its enduring appeal.

The Earthshaker record label, known for its commitment to the burgeoning heavy metal scene, played a pivotal role in bringing forth this auditory onslaught to the masses. The label, founded in the early 1980s, became a platform for emerging metal bands seeking to make their mark in the highly competitive music landscape. Living Death, with their blistering riffs and uncompromising sound, found a natural home under the Earthshaker banner.

The time period surrounding the release of "Metal Revolution" was a transformative one for the heavy metal genre. The mid-1980s witnessed a surge in popularity for speed and thrash metal, with bands pushing the boundaries of sonic intensity. Living Death, with their second full-length album, showcased a mastery of their craft and a willingness to explore the fringes of musical extremity.

The album's cover art, often an overlooked aspect of the overall presentation, encapsulates the spirit of the Metal Revolution era. A visual feast of apocalyptic imagery and metallic aesthetics, the cover serves as a fitting prelude to the sonic onslaught within. The artwork, much like the music, reflects the rebellious and rebellious spirit of the times.

From the relentless onslaught of tracks like "Killing Machine" to the anthemic title track "Screaming from a Chamber ," the album exudes a relentless intensity that resonated with fans and critics alike. The frenetic guitar work, thunderous drumming, and guttural vocals coalesce into a sonic maelstrom that defines the essence of speed metal.

"Metal Revolution" also represents a snapshot of the evolution of heavy metal as a global phenomenon. Hailing from Germany, Living Death contributed to the rich tapestry of metal emerging from different corners of the world. The album's impact reached beyond borders, influencing not only fans but also inspiring a new wave of metal musicians.

Collector’s Note: On the album’s back cover, Frank Fricke and Reiner Kelch are credited under their real names. In their later careers, they adopted the stage names Rolf Stein and Vincent St. Johns, respectively. 

Music Genre:

  Death Speed Thrash Metal

Album Production information:

The album: "Metal Revolution" was produced by: Axel Thubeauville, Metallian-Music

Axel Thubeauville is a pioneering music producer and record company owner who played a crucial role in shaping the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene. As the founder of Metallian Music, Earthshaker Records, Aaarrg Records, and Shark Records, he launched numerous legendary bands. His dedication to underground metal remains unmatched. Learn more in his biography.

Sound Engineer; Ralf Hubert

  • Ralph "Ralf" Hubert – Record Producer, Sound Engineer, Musician

    He is the guy who can make a mid-budget German metal band sound like it had a plan all along.

    Ralph "Ralf" Hubert is the kind of German studio hawk who makes a band sound sharper than they actually are (a compliment). Back in Sep-Nov 1984 I can place him behind the desk at Sound-Partner Studio in Kirchhellen, engineering Stormwind sessions with that clean, metallic bite. From 1985 onward he stepped out from the control room as bassist, writer and guiding hand in Mekong Delta, where precision riffing and surgical low-end are the whole religion. Across the late 1980s and beyond, his name keeps popping up in metal credits-usually where the drums are tight and the guitars stop flapping. Producer, engineer, musician: the link between sweaty rehearsal rooms and the cold, exacting final mix.


    • Recorded and mixed at Horus Sound Studio, Hannover, August 1985

    Front cover painting: La Nuit Foundation
    Back cover photos: Peter Larisch

  • Horus Sound Studio– Recording studio (Hannover, Germany)

    Horus Sound Studio is the Hannover birthplace of Teutonic thrash—founded in 1979, the room where that German riff-machine learned mayhem, and somehow always near the scene of the riff-crime.

    Horus Sound Studio doesn’t announce itself with fireworks; it just sits there in Hannover and keeps ending up on the back of records that sound like they were forged, not “produced.” The name starts showing up, then showing up again, until it’s basically living on my shelf rent-free.

    Frank Bornemann built the place in 1979, and that date matters because it tells you this wasn’t some latecomer cash-in. This was infrastructure. A real room with real walls that could take volume without flinching.

    Sleeves get flipped, credits get scanned, and suddenly there it is: Steeltower hammering out Night of the Dog (recorded and mixed Jan–Sept 1984), Living Death pushing Metal Revolution through the desk (recorded and mixed Aug 1985). Both of them sound like the amps were slightly insulted to be treated “professionally.” Love that. No cap.

    Then the bigger names start piling in, and the pattern gets almost suspicious. Kreator tracking and mixing Terrible Certainty in 1987. Sabbat cutting History of a Time to Come in Sept 1987. Helloween grinding through the winter of 1986–1987. Sodom getting Agent Orange mixed there in April 1989. Not a coincidence. More like the studio knew how to keep the edges sharp instead of sanding them down for “radio.”

    Plenty of studios capture sound. Horus captures intent—the part where a band decides to stop asking permission. Anyone calling that “just a room” is either lying or has never heard what a good room does to a hungry band.

    Horus Sound Studios Wiki

    • Record Label & Catalognr:

      Earthshaker ES 4012

    Media Format:

     

    12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play Gramophone Record

    Album weight: 230 gram

    Year & Country:

      1985 Made in Germany
    Band Members and Musicians on: Living Death Metal Revolution
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • Thorsten Bergmann - Vocals
    • Reiner Kelch - Guitars
    • Frank Fricke - Guitars
    • Dieter Kelch - Bass
    • Andreas Oberhoff - Drums
    Complete Track Listing of: "Metal Revolution"

    The Songs/tracks on "Metal Revolution" are

    1. Killing Machine
    2. Grippin' a Heart
    3. Rulers Must Come
    4. Screaming from a Chamber
    5. Intro. / Shadow of the Dawn
    6. Panic and Hysteria
    7. Road of Destiny
    8. Deep in Hell
    Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Living Death Metal Revolution
    Photo front cover photo of Living Death - Metal Revolution 12" LP 

    Photo front cover photo of Living Death - Metal Revolution 12" LP 

    This is the front cover art of Living Death’s album Metal Revolution. The artwork features a striking apocalyptic scene with a central figure that appears to be a menacing, skull-faced warrior wearing a spiked horned helmet. The character’s eyes are glowing red, and it points ominously toward the viewer with claw-like hands. The background is filled with fiery clouds and a silhouette of an enraged mob, wielding weapons like axes and swords, as they march forward.

    The band’s name, Living Death, is styled in a sharp, fiery font on the right side of the cover, while the album’s title, Metal Revolution, is prominently displayed at the bottom in bold white letters. The illustration captures the aggressive and rebellious energy of 1980s heavy metal, perfectly reflecting the themes of the music within.

    Photo back cover photo of Living Death - Metal Revolution 12" LP  

    Back cover of Living Death’s Metal Revolution album featuring individual photos of band members, tracklist for Side 1 and Side 2, production credits, acknowledgments, and Earthshaker Records contact information. 

    The back cover of Living Death’s Metal Revolution album combines band photos, track listings, and production credits.

    On the left side, there are individual photos of the band members, each positioned in a white-tiled space and striking dynamic poses with their instruments:

    Thorsten Bergmann (Vocals)

    Reiner Kelch (Guitar)

    Andreas Oberhoff (Drums)

    Dieter Kelch (Bass)

    Frank Fricke (Guitar)

    The band name, Living Death, is prominently displayed at the top in the same fiery logo as the front cover.

    The tracklist is split into two sides:

    Side 1: Killing Machine, Grippin’ a Heart, Ruler’s Moustache, Screaming from a Chamber

    Side 2: Intro, Shadow of the Dawn, Panic & Hysteria, Road of Destiny, Deep in Hell

    The credits section includes production details, thanking Axel Thubeauville for producing, with engineering handled by Ralf Hubert. The album was recorded and mixed at Horus-Sound Studio in Hannover. The front cover painting is credited to La Nuit Foundation, and the back-cover photos are by Peter Larisch.

    Additional shoutouts and acknowledgments are listed, including thanks to bands such as Metallica, Manowar, and others, along with the road crew and details about the band’s fan club and merchandise.

    At the bottom, the logo of Earthshaker Records is displayed alongside contact information for the label. The design maintains a dark and metal aesthetic, with black and orange tones dominating the layout.

    Close-up photo of Living Death - Metal Revolution EarthShaker Record Label   

    Close-up photo of Living Death - Metal Revolution EarthShaker Record Label   

    This is the record label for Side A of Living Death’s Metal Revolution album, released under the Earthshaker Records label. The design features the Earthshaker logo prominently at the top in bold red with a soundwave motif. The label includes key details such as:

    Side designation: Side A

    Catalog number: ES 4012

    Playback speed: 33 UpM Stereo

    Total time: 18:05

    Credits for production, engineering, and studio: Produced by Axel Thubeauville for Metallian-Music, engineered by Ralf Hubert, and recorded/mixed at Horus Sound Studio in Hannover, August 1985.

    Publishing information: All songs published by Y.U.P. Music.

    The outer ring contains German copyright text, specifying legal restrictions on reproduction, distribution, and public performance. The layout is simple yet professional, with black text on a cream-white background.

    Living Death: The Thrash Metal Legends from Germany

    Band Description:

      Living Death was a German thrash metal band that formed in 1981 in Velbert, a city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The band is regarded as one of the pioneers of the German thrash metal scene, along with bands like Kreator, Sodom, and Destruction. Living Death was known for their fast and aggressive style of music, combined with dark and satanic lyrics that often dealt with death, horror, and the occult.

      History

      Living Death was formed in 1981 by guitarist Frank Fricke, bassist Dieter Kelch, drummer Reiner Kelch, and vocalist Thorsten Bergmann. The band released their debut album, "Vengeance of Hell," in 1984, which was well-received by both critics and fans of the genre. The album featured fast and aggressive thrash metal tracks like "You and Me," "Heavy Metal Hurricane," and "Nightlight," and established Living Death as a force to be reckoned with in the German thrash metal scene.

      Living Death went on to release several more albums throughout the 1980s, including "Protected from Reality" (1987), "Worlds Neuroses" (1988), and "Killing in Action" (1991). The band's sound evolved over time, with later albums featuring more complex arrangements and a more polished production. However, Living Death never lost their signature aggressive style, and their music continued to be well-received by thrash metal fans around the world.

      Legacy

      Living Death's influence on the thrash metal genre cannot be overstated. Along with other German thrash metal bands like Kreator, Sodom, and Destruction, Living Death helped to establish Germany as a major center of the thrash metal scene in the 1980s. The band's fast and aggressive style of music, combined with dark and satanic lyrics, set the template for many thrash metal bands that followed.

      Living Death's music continues to be revered by thrash metal fans around the world, and the band's influence can be heard in the music of many modern thrash metal bands. Despite never achieving the same level of commercial success as some of their peers, Living Death remains a cult favorite among thrash metal fans, and their legacy as pioneers of the genre is secure.

      LIVING DEATH - Metal Revolution 12" LP

    - Metal Revolution 12" LP

    Earthshaker ES 4012 , 1985 , Germany

    "Metal Revolution" by Living Death, a 1985 speed metal masterpiece on Earthshaker Records, encapsulates the essence of the mid-'80s metal revolution. Characterized by raw energy and intense production, the album's iconic cover art mirrors its apocalyptic sonic assault. The release stands as a testament to the global impact of German metal, inspiring a new wave of musicians and leaving an indelible mark on heavy metal history.

    Learn more

      LIVING DEATH - Protected from Reality 12" LP

    - Protected from Reality 12" LP

    Cobra CL 1038 , 1988 , Canada

    "Protected From Reality," Living Death's iconic 12" Vinyl LP, emerged as a hallmark of Teutonic Metal's 1980s heyday. Producer and bass player Ralph Hubert, a driving force behind the genre's sound, left an indelible mark on bands like Kreator and Holy Moses. Hubert's multifaceted role extended to co-founding "Aaarrg Records." The album's sonic prowess, complemented by Peter Larisch's visuals, solidifies

    Learn more

    LIVING DEATH - Vengeance of Hell 12" LP

    - Vengeance of Hell 12" LP

    Mausoleum Records – SKULL 8360, Earthshaker Records – ES 4002 , 1984 , Belgium

    Living Death's "Vengeance Of Hell" is a seminal 12" vinyl LP album, a landmark in the 1980s German metal scene. Formed by Thorsten Bergmann, Frank Fricke, Reiner Kelch, and Dieter Kelch, the album's recording process involved a collaboration with Axel and Ralf. Fusing thrash and traditional metal, it remains an enduring classic, showcasing the band's musical prowess and leaving an indelible mark on the history of heavy metal.

    Learn more

      LIVING DEATH - Watch Out! 12" LP

    - Watch Out! 12" LP

    Earth Shaker ESM 4007 , 1985 , Switzerland

    Living Death's "Watch Out," a thrash metal masterpiece, gains allure with its rare Swiss pressing on Earth Shaker RECORDS. Released in 1985 during the genre's transformative era, this edition reflects Switzerland's small music market, often reliant on imports. The scarcity and limited quantities of this release make it a coveted treasure for collectors, embodying a unique moment when heavy metal's global influence resonated even in smaller musical landscapes.

    Learn more