LIVING DEATH - Vengeance Of Hell Skull Mausoleum Records 12" Vinyl LP Album

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.

 

High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record
"Vengeance Of Hell" Album Description:

In the world of heavy metal history, certain albums stand as iconic testaments to the genre's power and influence. Living Death's "Vengeance Of Hell" is undeniably one such masterpiece. Released as a 12" vinyl LP album, this seminal work has left an indelible mark on the metal landscape. In this expository article, we delve into the creation history of this album, exploring the origins, key contributors, and the unique characteristics that make it a revered classic.

Origins and Formation:

"Vengeance Of Hell" emerged from the depths of the German metal scene in the early 1980s. The band, consisting of Thorsten "Toto" Bergmann on vocals, Frank Fricke and Reiner Kelch on guitars, and Dieter Kelch on bass, coalesced with a shared passion for crafting intense and raw metal music. The formation of Living Death marked a significant chapter in the burgeoning European metal movement, adding a unique flavor to the diverse tapestry of the genre.

The Recording Process:

The recording sessions for "Vengeance Of Hell" took place at a crucial juncture in the band's career. The album, released on the Mausoleum Skull and Earthshaker labels, showcased the distinctive blend of aggression and melody that would become Living Death's signature. Frank Fricke, a guitarist deeply entrenched in the metal scene, played a pivotal role not only in his guitar work but also in collaborating with Axel and Ralf on the remix of the album. This collaborative effort ensured that the final product resonated with the band's vision and the evolving sound of the metal scene.

Musical Landscape and Influence:

Living Death's "Vengeance Of Hell" reflected the musical landscape of its time, drawing inspiration from the burgeoning thrash metal movement while infusing elements of traditional heavy metal. The guitar prowess of Frank Fricke and Reiner Kelch, combined with Thorsten Bergmann's distinctive vocals, created a sonic experience that resonated with metal enthusiasts worldwide.

Band Members and Legacy:

The lineup of Living Death for "Vengeance Of Hell" played a crucial role in shaping the album's identity. Thorsten Bergmann's commanding vocals, Frank Fricke and Reiner Kelch's dynamic guitar work, and Dieter Kelch's solid bass foundation formed the backbone of this metal opus. The legacy of "Vengeance Of Hell" is further cemented by the lasting impact of the band members' contributions, both individually and as a collective force.

Music Genre:

 Speed/Thrash Metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" was produced by: Axel Thubeauville - Producer for Metallian Music.

Ralph "Ralf" Hubert - Sound Engineer

Recorded at Studio Wahn, Bochum, Germany, May-June 1984 and released later in 1984.

Detlef Braun - Artwork

Husky Heppke - Photographer

Additional information on the people working on the production of "Vengeance of Hell":

Axel Thubeauville is a prominent figure in the world of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music. Born in Essen, Germany, Axel's passion for music and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish himself as a key player in the industry. Since 1983, he has been producing and promoting numerous influential bands, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Axel's journey began with the founding of Metallian Music, a record label dedicated to showcasing Hard Rock and Heavy Metal talent. Under his guidance, Metallian Music became a breeding ground for aspiring musicians, allowing them to express their creativity and gain recognition in the fiercely competitive music scene. Some of the notable bands that Axel worked with through Metallian Music include Brainfever, Living Death, Fact, Steeler, Warlock, Atlain, Breaker, Overdose, Mad Butcher, Carrie, Chainsaw, and many others. The label's roster was a testament to Axel's discerning taste and his ability to spot emerging talent.

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Not content with just one record label, Axel Thubeauville went on to found Earthshaker Records, which further solidified his position as a visionary in the industry. Earthshaker Records became renowned for its commitment to nurturing groundbreaking acts and providing a platform for them to release their music. Bands such as Carrie , Steeler, Living Death, Steeltower , Atlain , and Fact found a home on the Earthshaker Records label, gaining exposure and amassing loyal fan bases.

Axel's partnership with Ralph "Ralf" Hubert, another influential figure in the metal scene, was instrumental in shaping his career. Together, they co-founded Aaarrg Records, a label that showcased some of the most prominent German metal acts of the time. This collaboration further strengthened Axel's network and reputation within the music industry.

Following his successful tenure with Earthshaker Records and Aaarrg Records, Axel decided to embark on a new venture by establishing his own label, Shark Records. This endeavor allowed him to continue his passion for promoting Hard Rock and Heavy Metal bands, while also granting him the freedom to explore new musical avenues.

In recent years, Axel Thubeauville has expanded his musical endeavors with Rusty Diamond, his newest label. Rusty Diamond focuses on re-releasing classic Earthshaker records, ensuring that the legacy of these influential bands lives on for new generations of listeners to enjoy.

Throughout his career, Axel Thubeauville has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal community. His contributions as a producer and label owner have not only launched the careers of numerous bands but also played a significant role in shaping the sound and direction of the genre. Axel's keen ear for talent, his dedication to preserving the integrity of the music, and his collaborative spirit with industry peers like Ralf Hubert have solidified his status as a true icon in the world of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal.

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.

D etlef Braun(Album cover artwork) during the 1980s he has designed and painted the album cover artwork for a dozen of Heavy Metal albums. Some of the bands he has worked for are: Living Death, Mad Butcher, Steeltower, Brainfever and others

Husky Heppke a photographer who has during the 1980s taken photos of a half a dozen Heavy Metal bands for their album covers, these bands include: Atlain, Darxon, Fact Faithfull Breath and Living Death.

Record Label & Catalognr:

 Mausoleum Records – SKULL 8360, Earthshaker Records – ES 4002

Packaging:

This album includes the original insert sheet with band-photos on one side and lyrics of all the songs performed by "Living Death" on the other side.

Record Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

  1984 Belgium
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Thorsten "Toto" Bergmann - Vocals
  • Frank Fricke - Guitars (Frank Fricke also worked on the remix of this album together with Axel and Ralf)
  • Reiner Kelch - Guitars (Reiner Kelch Guitarist from 1981 until 1991 with "Living Death", 1985 X-Mas Project, "Mekong Delta" from 1987 until 1988.)
  • Dieter Kelch - Bass
Complete Track-listing of the album "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell"

The detailed tracklist of this record "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. You And Me 4:13
  2. Living Death 4:07
  3. Night Light 5:45
  4. My Victim 4:15
  5. Labyrinth 3:15
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Heavy Metal Hurricane 3:48
  2. Hellpike 4:07
  3. Riding A Virgin 4:03
  4. Vengeance Of Hell 5:14
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell"
High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record
Album Back Cover  Photo of "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell"
High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record
Insert  of "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" Album
High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record
Photo of "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" Album's Insert
High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record
Enlarged & Zoomed photo of "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" album back cover

Using the marked/"highlighted" rectangles below , you will be able to correctly identify this release of the album.

High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record  
Photo of "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" 12" LP Record - Side One:
High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record  
Photo of "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record  

 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 ).

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.

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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.

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Mausoleum Vinyl Records Discography

MAUSOLEUM Records: Belgian keepers of a vast vinyl legacy. Founded in 1980, their catalog spans heavy metal, hard rock, and punk. Discover rare gems, cult classics, and legendary artists. Dive into their discography and unearth the sonic treasures waiting to be spun.