NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Brain Death 12" Vinyl EP Album

"Brain Death," Nuclear Assault's inaugural 12" Vinyl EP Album marked a seminal moment in thrash metal history. Released as the band's first Extended Play (EP), this iconic record showcased their raw intensity and lyrical prowess. Unleashed with thunderous riffs and relentless energy, "Brain Death" solidified Nuclear Assault's place in the burgeoning metal scene, laying the foundation for their influential musical journey.

High Resolution Photo of Nuclear Assault Brain Death

Brain Death Album Description:

The 12" extended play (EP) record by Nuclear Assault, titled "Brain Death," was released in 1986. It is a defining record of the American thrash metal genre, showcasing the band's unique blend of punk and metal influences.

"Nuclear Assault" formed in 1984, with founding members John Connelly (vocals, guitar) and Danny Lilker (bass). Both had previously been members of Anthrax, another prominent thrash metal band. They were joined by drummer Glenn Evans and guitarist Mike Bogush, and began writing and recording music that blended punk and metal influences.

Their debut album, "Game Over," was released in 1986, the same year as "Brain Death." It was a critical success, and helped to establish Nuclear Assault as one of the premier thrash metal bands in the United States.

In 1986, thrash metal was at the height of its popularity. Metallica had just released their seminal album "Master of Puppets," and Slayer had released "Reign in Blood." The scene was dominated by fast, aggressive music and politically charged lyrics.

"Brain Death" was released on Combat Records, a label known for its association with thrash metal bands. The EP contained four tracks, including the title track, which had previously appeared on "Game Over." The other three tracks were all new compositions.

"Brain Death" was well-received by both fans and critics, and helped to solidify Nuclear Assault's position in the thrash metal scene. The EP showcased the band's technical proficiency and unique sound, which blended elements of punk and metal. The title track, "Brain Death," in particular, was praised for its political lyrics and aggressive instrumentation. The song criticized the US government's handling of the Cold War, and called for an end to nuclear weapons.

Listen to "Brain Death":

Music Genre:

Speed / Thrash Metal

Album Production Information:

The album: "Brain Death" was produced by: Alex Perialis

Alex Perialas – Audio Engineer, Mixer, Record Producer

In my book, his credit is the “this is gonna hit hard” stamp—Pyramid Sound vibes all day. Read more...

Alex Perialas is an American audio engineer, mixer, and record producer who helped lock in the tight, punchy thrash sound of the mid-1980s through the early 1990s from Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca, New York—working with bands like Anthrax, Overkill, Testament, Nuclear Assault, S.O.D., and Flotsam & Jetsam. Later on, his work stretches into other lanes (Bad Religion, Pro-Pain), and he’s also been tied to teaching sound recording at Ithaca College—because apparently someone had to explain to the next generation how to make guitars sound like a chainsaw with manners.

Alex Perialas Wiki

Executive producer: Steve Sinclair

Steve Sinclair is a record producer and engineer widely recognized in the Heavy Metal world for his work throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. He collaborated with numerous influential bands during the peak of the genre’s rise, shaping the sound of several key releases with his bold, high-energy production style. Read his story

Executive Producer Barry Kobrin -

Barry Kobrin was a music producer of the mid-80s with a focus on Heavy Metal music. He produced records for bands like: Abattoir, Agent Steel, Helstar, working closely together with the producer Steve Sinclair

Mastering Engineer Tom Coyne

Tom Coyne (1954-2017) was a highly respected mastering engineer known for shaping the sound of countless iconic albums. With a career spanning decades, he worked with legends like Madonna, U2, and The Rolling Stones. His mastery of both analog and digital techniques earned him multiple Grammy accolades. Learn more about his legacy here.

Album artwork Ed Repka -

Ed Repka – Graphic Artist & Album Cover Illustrator

He turned Cold War paranoia and death-metal gore into bright, rotten pop art. Read more...

Ed Repka is the American graphic artist who gave thrash and early death metal its lurid, comic-book bite. I remember seeing his work hit the racks with Megadeth’s Vic Rattlehead—"Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?" (1986) and the colder, geopolitics-soaked "Rust in Peace" (1990). In between, he painted Death’s first three nightmares: "Scream Bloody Gore" (1987), "Leprosy" (1988), and "Spiritual Healing" (1990). He also lit up Nuclear Assault and Possessed in 1986, then kept the torch burning on shirts and posters for decades. He draws like Mad magazine with a switchblade: bright color, nasty detail, and a punchline that still hurts. Every corner is packed with little jokes and rot.

Ed Repka Wiki

Record Label & Catalognr:

Combat / Under One Flag 12FLAG 102

Media Format:

12" 45rpm Vinyl Stereo Extended -Play Gramophone Record
Album weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1986 Made in England

Band Members and Musicians on: Nuclear Assault Brain Death

John Connelly
John Connelly - Vocals, Guitar. A former roadie of "Anthrax" and friends with "Dan Lilker". Connelly formed together with Lilker the New York Speed/Thrash Metal band "Nuclear Assault" in 1984.
Anthony Bramonte
Danny Lilker
Dan Lilker is a pioneering bassist and songwriter known for shaping thrash metal and grindcore. A founding member of Overkill, Anthrax, S.O.D., and Brutal Truth, his aggressive playing and genre-blending style left a lasting impact. From hardcore punk to extreme metal, his legacy endures. Learn more about his career.
Glenn Evans

Anthony Bramonte - Guitars with the Heavy Metal band "Nuclear Assault" in the period 1985...2002 with several breaks inbetween.

Glenn Evans - Drums, Producer. Dr ummer with "Nuclear Assault" from 1981 until today with several breaks inbetween. 1989-1992 with C.I.A. and has been producer of several music records.

Complete Track Listing of: "Brain Death"

The Songs/tracks on "Brain Death" are

Brain Death

Final Flight

Demolition

Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Nuclear Assault Brain Death

High Resolution Photo of Nuclear Assault Brain Death

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.

Assaulting the '80s: Nuclear Assault's Intense, Politically Charged Discography Sets the Standard for Thrash Metal

NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Brain Death

Under One Flag 12FLAG 102 , 1986 , England

"Brain Death," Nuclear Assault's inaugural 12" Vinyl EP Album, marked a seminal moment in thrash metal history. Released as the band's first Extended Play (EP), this iconic record showcased their raw intensity and lyrical prowess. Unleashed with thunderous riffs and relentless energy, "Brain Death" solidified Nuclear Assault's place in the burgeoning metal scene, laying the foundation for their influential musical journey.

Brain Death 12" Vinyl LP

NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Fight To Be Free

Under One Flag – 12FLAG 105 , 1988 , UK ( United Kingdom )

The "Fight To Be Free" 12" vinyl maxi-single by Nuclear Assault is a limited edition marvel. Beyond its thrash metal brilliance, the album stands out for its unique presentation—a large poster bag serving as the album sleeve. This innovative choice adds an exclusive touch, inviting fans to immerse themselves not only in the music but also in the visual and tactile experience, making it a collector's delight.

Fight To Be Free 12" Vinyl LP

NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Game Over

Under One Flag FLAG 5 , 1986 , England

"Nuclear Assault's debut 'Game Over' 12" Vinyl LP, unleashed in 1986, marked a defining moment in thrash metal history. With relentless energy, the album showcased the band's raw power through tracks like 'Live, Suffer, Die'. This pioneering release remains a classic, encapsulating the essence of early thrash and laying the foundation for Nuclear Assault's influential career in the genre".

Game Over 12" Vinyl LP

NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Good Times, Bad Times

Under One Flag 12 FLAG 107 , 1988 , UK ( United Kingdom )

Nuclear Assault's 'Good Times, Bad Times' 12" Vinyl EP pays homage to Led Zeppelin's debut. Akin to its inspiration, the title track echoes hard-hitting thrash energy. The album's cover and music reflect the thrash metal genre, marked by the label Under One Flag. This 1988 UK release, weighing 230 grams, also includes live tracks like 'Hang The Pope', showcasing Nuclear Assault's dynamic live presence and iconic sound.

Good Times, Bad Times 12" Vinyl LP

NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle With Care

Under One Flag FLAG 35 , 1989 , England

"Nuclear Assault's 'Handle with Care' 12" LP, released in 1989, is a milestone for thrash metal enthusiasts. Produced by Randy Burns and recorded at 'The Music Grinder' in Los Angeles, it encapsulates the genre's intensity. The album features a custom inner sleeve with lyrics and artwork. Band members like Dan Lilker, John Connelly, Glenn Evans, and Anthony Bramante contribute to the powerful sound, as showcased in tracks including 'New Song' and 'Critical Mass'".

Handle With Care 12" Vinyl LP

NUCLEAR ASSAULT - The Plague

Under One Flag M Flag 13 , 1987 , England

"Nuclear Assault's 'The Plague' 12" Vinyl EP, released in 1987 on Under One Flag label, continues their thrash metal onslaught. Recorded during December 1986 and January 1987, this mini-album packs a punch. With tracks like 'Game Over' and 'Justice,' it encapsulates the band's fierce energy. The album's detailed inner sleeve features lyrics, while contributors like Dan Lilker, Anthony Bramante, and Glenn Evans drive its heavy sound."

The Plague 12" Vinyl LP

NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Survive

Under One Flag FLAG 21 , 1988 , England

Nuclear Assault's 'Survive' 12" Vinyl LP, released in 1988, is a testament to their thrash metal mastery. Produced by Miles Copeland and Randy Burns, this album delivers a blend of aggression and social commentary. Tracks like 'Rise from the Ashes' and 'Brainwashed' showcase the band's signature energy. The LP features a custom inner sleeve with lyrics and photos, highlighting the contributions of band members like John Connelly, Glenn Evans, and Dan Lilker

Survive 12" Vinyl LP