This is the extremely rare and hard to find Swiss release of Living Death's Watch Out , Because of the small market size (more often record were imported from Germany, France, or Holland) in Switzerland, This Swiss edition was pressed in limited quantities. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
In the vibrant tapestry of heavy metal's history, certain albums and releases stand out as rare gems, coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike. One such masterpiece is Living Death's "Watch Out," and what makes it even more intriguing is the Swiss pressing on Earth Shaker records. This Swiss edition adds a layer of exclusivity and scarcity to an already remarkable album.
The time period in which Living Death's "Watch Out" emerged is crucial to understanding its significance in the metal landscape. The album was originally released in 1985, a time when the heavy metal scene was experiencing a dynamic evolution. The mid-1980s witnessed the rise of thrash metal, a genre that blended the aggression of punk with the technical prowess of traditional heavy metal. Living Death, a German thrash metal band formed in 1981, was right in the midst of this exciting musical transformation.
The decision to release a Swiss edition of "Watch Out" speaks to the unique dynamics of the Swiss music market during that era. Switzerland, with its relatively small market size compared to neighboring countries like Germany, France, or Holland, often imported records from larger markets. This fact makes the Swiss pressing of "Watch Out" a rare and sought-after treasure for collectors. The limited quantities in which it was pressed only add to its scarcity, making it a must-have for dedicated enthusiasts.
Earth Shaker records, the label responsible for this Swiss pressing, played a crucial role in bringing metal music to audiences in Switzerland. The label's involvement in releasing Living Death's "Watch Out" not only contributed to the band's recognition in the Swiss metal scene but also left an indelible mark on the country's musical landscape.
The uniqueness of this Swiss edition extends beyond its scarcity; it provides a glimpse into the global spread of heavy metal music during the 1980s. The fact that Living Death's work resonated with fans in Switzerland to the extent that a local pressing was deemed necessary underscores the international appeal of the genre.
| Album Description: "Watch Out" is the second official record released by "Living Death" |
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Music Genre: German Speed Thrash Metal |
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Collector's Information: Rare Swiss Pressing of "Watch Out" |
Album Production Information: The album: "Watch Out" was produced by: Axel Thubeauville for Metallian Music 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. 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. Sound Engineer: Ralf Hubert Ralph "Ralf" Hubert In the world of heavy metal history, certain individuals emerge as true architects of the genre's sonic landscape. One such luminary is Ralph "Ralf" Hubert, a versatile talent whose impact on heavy metal, both as a producer and a musician, remains indelible. Known for his pivotal role in shaping the Teutonic Metal sound of the 1980s, Hubert's multifaceted career spans across production, sound engineering, bass playing, and co-founding a record label. Ralph Hubert's journey into the realm of heavy metal began as a producer, sound engineer, and sound mixer. His adept skills were employed in crafting the albums of numerous iconic bands, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the metal scene during the genre's golden era. Bands such as Brainfever, Steeler, Fact , Warlock , and Living Death , among others, bear the imprint of Hubert's production prowess. His influence extended to an extensive roster, including Atlain , Stormwind , Darxon, Hunter, Lions Breed, Metal Sword, Overdose, Breaker, Mad Butcher, Carrie , Invader, Holy Moses , Siren, Target, Kreator, and Sacred Chao. It was during this era that Hubert's touch became synonymous with the Teutonic Metal sound, a subgenre characterized by its raw intensity, powerful riffing, and uncompromising attitude. As a producer and sound engineer, Hubert played a pivotal role in shaping the sonic identity of the 1980s metal scene, leaving an indelible mark that resonates to this day. Beyond his contributions behind the mixing console, Ralph Hubert also showcased his musical prowess as a bass player. Under the alias "Björn Eklund," he held down the low end with the influential band "Mekong Delta" from 1985 onwards. This collaboration allowed him to express his musicality and contribute to the band's unique sound. His bass-playing finesse further extended to other projects, including Schwarzarbeit and X-Mas Project, showcasing his versatility as a musician. Not content with merely influencing the musical landscape, Ralph Hubert ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship. In 1986, he co-founded "Aaarrg Records," a label that played a significant role in amplifying the voices of emerging metal acts. This endeavor solidified Hubert's status as not just a contributor to the metal scene but also as a catalyst for its growth and evolution. Recorded and mixed at Studio Wahn, Bochum. Published by Rumpelstilz Music, Switzerland Corona Musikunternehmungen GMBH |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Earth Shaker ESM 4007 |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl 45Rpm EP Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 200 gram |
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Year & Country: 1985 Made in Switzerland |
Band Members and Musicians on: Living Death Watch Out |
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Track Listing of: "Watch Out" |
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The Song/tracks on "Watch Out" are
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Photo of "Watch Out" Album's Back Cover |
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Close-up Photo of "Watch Out" Record Label |
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| 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. |
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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