- Unveiling the Sonic Realm of Teutonic Metal
"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
In the vast tapestry of heavy metal's history, certain albums stand as pillars, marking pivotal moments in the evolution of the genre. "Protected From Reality," the iconic 12" Vinyl LP by Living Death released under Cobra Records, is one such masterpiece that not only solidified the band's place in metal lore but also bore the indelible mark of producer and bass player Ralph "Ralf" Hubert.
The creation of "Protected From Reality" was no ordinary journey; it was a sonic exploration led by the skilled hands of Ralph Hubert, a multifaceted artist known for his roles as a producer, sound engineer, sound mixer, and bass player. Hubert, also recognized by the alias "Björn Eklund" during his time with Mekong Delta, played a pivotal role in shaping the Teutonic Metal sound of the 1980s.
The album's production credits read like a who's who of heavy metal greatness. Ralph Hubert's involvement extended beyond Living Death, touching the works of Brainfever, Steeler, Warlock, Atlain, Stormwind, and an array of other influential bands. As the producer and sound engineer, Hubert left an indelible mark on each project, becoming a driving force behind the powerful and distinctive sound that defined the era.
The Teutonic Metal sound, characterized by its raw energy, aggressive guitar riffs, and thunderous basslines, found its voice through the skilled hands of Ralph Hubert. His influence extended far beyond the studio, making him a true influencer in the metal scene of the 1980s. The impact of his work resonated in albums by notable bands like Kreator, Holy Moses, and Siren, to name just a few.
In addition to his production prowess, Ralph Hubert showcased his musical talents as the bass player for Mekong Delta, contributing to the band's sonic journey since 1985. Under the alias "Björn Eklund," he not only held down the low end with Mekong Delta but also lent his musical prowess to Schwarzarbeit and X-Mas Project, leaving an indelible mark on each project.
The album's visual identity was equally captivating, with Peter Larisch's photography capturing the essence of Living Death's musical vision. The cover art and visuals served as a gateway, inviting listeners into a world where reality was, indeed, protected by the sonic onslaught contained within the grooves of the vinyl.
Ralph Hubert's impact transcended the recording studio; in 1986, he co-founded "Aaarrg Records," a label that played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of many metal acts. This venture showcased his commitment to the metal community, solidifying his status as not just a producer but a dedicated architect of the genre's landscape.
Music Genre: Speed Thrash Death Metal |
Album Production Information: Produced by Ralph Hubert Photography by Peter Larisch Ralph "Ralf" Hubert Ralph "Ralf" Hubert, a versatile talent whose impact on heavy metal, both as a producer and a musician, remains indelible. Learn all about him.
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Record Label & Catalognr: Cobra CL 1038 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone |
Year & Country: 1988 Made in Canada |
Band Members and Musicians on: Living Death Protected From Reality |
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Complete Track Listing of: Living Death Protected From Reality |
The Song/tracks on "Living Death Protected From Reality" are
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Photo of Album's Back Cover |
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Close-up of Living Death's Cobra Record Label
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Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
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.
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 moreCobra 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 moreMausoleum 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 moreEarth 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.
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