Meliah Rage's inaugural offering, "Kill to Survive," marks the genesis of the American Thrash metal band's journey. This 12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play Gramophone Record, released as their debut in an era resonating with thrashing fervor, showcases the band's unbridled intensity. "Kill to Survive" serves as a testament to Meliah Rage's entrance into the Thrash metal realm, leaving an indelible impact on the genre's evolution.
In the heart of the thrash metal explosion of the late 1980s, amidst a whirlwind of guitar riffs and aggressive drums, emerged Meliah Rage's debut album, "Kill to Survive." Released in 1988, this 12" vinyl full-length stereo long-play gramophone record (as the format was fondly known) not only marked the band's entrance into the scene but also encapsulated the raw energy and unfiltered angst of the era.
A Sonic Snapshot of Thrash Metal
"Kill to Survive" was a pure distillation of thrash metal's core elements. The album was a relentless onslaught of fast tempos, aggressive guitar riffs, and furious drumming. Tracks like "The Pack Is Back" and "Bates Motel" showcased the band's technical prowess and raw intensity, while slower, more atmospheric pieces like "Enter the Darkness" revealed a deeper, darker dimension to their sound.
Lyrically, the album explored themes of social unrest, personal struggles, and the harsh realities of life. The lyrics were often confrontational and provocative, reflecting the rebellious spirit of the thrash metal movement.
Production and Presentation
The album was recorded at Normandy Sound in Warren, Rhode Island, with renowned producer Jim Morris at the helm. Morris, known for his work with Savatage and Crimson Glory, helped shape the band's raw sound into a polished product that retained its edge. The album's cover art, depicting a dystopian cityscape consumed by chaos, further emphasized the music's intensity and thematic depth.
Music Genre: American Power Thrash Metal |
Album Production information: The album: "Kill to Survive" was produced by: Meliah Rage Tom Soares - Producer, Sound Engineer, Mix Engineer Tony Moussalli - Producer Phil Greene - Sound Engineer Jamie Locke - Sound Engineer Jay Ryan - Sound Engineer Howie Weinberg - Mastering engineer at Masterdisk Howie Weinberg is a highly renowned and respected mastering engineer in the music industry. With a career spanning over four decades, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the sound and quality of numerous iconic albums. Born on 14 September 14, 1953, in New York City, Howie's passion for music began at a young age. In the early 1970s, Weinberg embarked on his journey into the music industry, starting as an assistant engineer at Masterdisk, a leading mastering studio in New York City. Under the guidance of accomplished engineers like Bob Ludwig and Greg Calbi, Howie honed his skills and gained invaluable experience working with a diverse range of artists and genres. Throughout the 1980s, Weinberg emerged as a prominent figure in the industry, known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to mastering. His ability to enhance the sonic qualities of recordings and optimize their playback on various formats made him highly sought after by both established and emerging artists. One of the pivotal moments in Howie Weinberg's career came when he collaborated with renowned producer Rick Rubin on the Beastie Boys' groundbreaking album "Licensed to Ill" in 1986. The success of the album further solidified Howie's reputation as an exceptional mastering engineer. This led to a fruitful partnership with Rubin, and they worked together on a string of influential albums, including releases by Slayer, Public Enemy, and Johnny Cash. Weinberg's remarkable talent for mastering became evident in his ability to capture the essence of an artist's vision while adding his expertise to create a polished and dynamic final product. His work on Nirvana's iconic album "Nevermind" in 1991 is a testament to his ability to bring out the best in a recording, with his mastering contributing to the album's raw energy and sonic impact. Over the years, Howie Weinberg has collaborated with a wide array of artists and bands from various genres, including U2, The White Stripes, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many others. His discography boasts an extensive list of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, solidifying his position as one of the most influential mastering engineers of his time. In 1995, Howie Weinberg opened his own mastering studio, Howie Weinberg Mastering, in Los Angeles. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a deep understanding of the mastering process, the studio became a go-to destination for artists seeking the highest level of audio quality for their projects. Throughout his career, Weinberg has been recognized with numerous accolades, including several Grammy nominations and wins for his exceptional contributions to the music industry. He is highly respected by his peers and has been a mentor to many aspiring mastering engineers, passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation. Howie Weinberg's unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to elevate the sonic experience of countless albums have solidified his position as a true master of his art. His meticulous attention to detail, technical expertise, and passion for music continue to shape the industry and inspire generations of mastering engineers to strive for excellence. Recorded at Normandy Sound, RI John Niccolls - Album design S. Dowie - Album Cover Concept M. Munro - Album Cover Concept Jim Meehan - Album Art Bill Koury - Photography Barry Spillberg - Photography John Tackas - Photography Akane Prince - Photography |
Record Label Information: EPIC E 44447 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1988 Made in USA |
Album cover photos of : Meliah Rage Kill to Survive |
Band Members and Musicians on: Meliah Rage Kill to Survive |
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Track Listing of: "Kill to Survive" |
The Songs/tracks on "Kill to Survive" are
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Photo of "Kill to Survive" Album's Front Cover |
Photo of "Kill to Survive" Album's Back Cover |
Close-up Photo of "Kill to Survive" 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. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |