NUCLEAR ASSAULT - HANDLE WITH CARE 12" LP

- 1989 English Release on "UNDER ONE FLAG" Records

"Handle with Care" is the 1989 and third album released by the American Thrash Metal band "Nuclear Assault". The album was produced by Randy Burns and recorded at "The Music Grinder" in Los Angeles, California. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

 

High Resolution Photo of NUCLEAR ASSAULT HANDLE WITH CARE ENGLAND

Handle With Care: Nuclear Assault Nuking the Eighties with a Radioactive Thrash Attack )
Album Description:

Alright, maniacs, lemme tell you about an album that'll kick your stereo's ass straight to hell. We're talking about Nuclear Assault's "Handle With Care," a 1989 sonic grenade launched right at the tail end of the thrash metal arms race. Forget your polished, commercial crap - this ain't Metallica selling out stadiums. This is raw, in-your-face aggression that'll leave you with a ringing in your ears and a newfound appreciation for fallout shelters.

These guys hail from New York, a city that breeds discontent like a petri dish breeds bacteria. And discontent is exactly what pours out of every riff on this record. It's 1989, the Cold War's still a frosty bitch, and the threat of nuclear annihilation hangs heavy in the air. Nuclear Assault don't shy away from it; they shove it right down your throat. Tracks like "Brainwashed" and "Blood from a Stone" are lyrical Molotov cocktails, chucked at hypocrisy, warmongering, and the whole goddamn nuclear arms race.

Musically, these guys ain't reinventing the thrash wheel. But who needs reinvention when you can perfect the art of sonic warfare? Think Slayer's ferocity spiked with Exodus' technicality, all delivered with John Connelly's bark that could curdle milk at a hundred paces. Drummer Gene Hoglan? Dude's a goddamn cyborg behind the kit, laying down a foundation tighter than a government conspiracy. The album's title track, "Handle With Care," is a relentless onslaught of riffs and Hoglan's machine-gun drumming, while "Critical Mass" showcases the band's ability to blend aggression with melody. The instrumental "F# (Wake Up)" serves as a brief yet intense interlude, allowing Dan Lilker's bass to take center stage.

Now, some yahoos might call this derivative. I call it essential. Producer Randy Burns, the madman behind classic thrash albums like Megadeth's "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" and Death's "Scream Bloody Gore," keeps things raw and ripping, capturing the band's energy in a way that'll make your speakers weep molten plastic. These guys probably recorded the whole damn album in someone's basement, fueled by stale beer and existential dread. And that, my friends, is the beauty of it.

Fans still rave about the album's raw intensity, the band's technical prowess, and Connelly's commanding vocals. And who could forget the iconic cover art, featuring a mutated hand clutching a nuclear warhead? It perfectly captures the album's apocalyptic themes.

"Handle With Care" ain't for the faint of heart. It's a middle finger to the status quo, a sonic assault on the senses, and a potent reminder that the world might just end in a mushroom cloud. But hey, at least it'll sound damn good when it happens. So crank this record up to eleven, slam your head against the wall, and let Nuclear Assault be the soundtrack to your personal apocalypse. You won't regret it. Probably.

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal

Album Production information:

The album: "NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care" was produced by: Randy Burns

Randy Burns is a renowned record producer and sound engineer who played a pivotal role in shaping heavy metal’s evolution. His work with bands like Megadeth, Death, and Kreator helped define the raw, aggressive sound of thrash and death metal. With a legacy spanning decades, his productions remain legendary. Learn more about his career here.

Randy Burns - Producer, Sound Engineer, Musician)

Casey McMackin - Sound Engineer, Producer, Musician

Casey McMackin is an acclaimed sound engineer, producer, and musician whose innovative work in the 1980s helped define the sound of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Known for shaping legendary albums by Megadeth, Slayer, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and Van Halen, his legacy continues to inspire music lovers worldwide. Read Casey's Biography


Larry Malchose - Sound Engineer

Steve Heinke - Sound Engineer

Record Label & Catalognr:

Under One Flag FLAG 35

Album Packaging:

This album "NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram 

Year & Country:

1989 Made in England
Band Members and Musicians on: NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Dan Lilker - Bass
    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.
  • John Connelly - Guitar, Vocals

      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.

  • Glenn Evans - Drums

      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.

  • Anthony Bramante - Lead Guitar

    Anthony Bramante is a renowned guitarist known for his contributions to the New York-based thrash metal band "Nuclear Assault." He played a vital role in shaping the band's distinctive sound and became an integral part of their lineup during two significant periods, from 1985 until 1992 and again from 2001 to 2002. Bramante's exceptional guitar skills and creative input left a lasting impact on the band's discography and the thrash metal genre as a whole.

    more...

    Born on 8 July 1967, in Brooklyn, New York, Anthony Bramante developed a deep passion for music at a young age. Inspired by iconic guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, and Dave Mustaine, he dedicated himself to mastering the instrument and honing his technical abilities. Bramante's guitar playing was characterized by blistering speed, intricate riffs, and a keen sense of melody, which quickly garnered attention within the heavy metal community.

    In 1985, Bramante joined Nuclear Assault, a rising force in the thrash metal scene. The band, founded by former Anthrax members Dan Lilker and John Connelly, was known for its aggressive sound, politically charged lyrics, and energetic live performances. Anthony's addition to the lineup further enhanced their musical prowess and solidified their status as one of the genre's premier acts.

    Throughout his first tenure with Nuclear Assault, Bramante contributed to the creation of several influential albums. His guitar work played a pivotal role in defining the band's signature sound on albums like "Game Over" (1986), "Survive" (1988), and "Handle with Care" (1989). These records showcased his technical proficiency, powerful riffing, and ability to seamlessly blend speed and melody. With Bramante's contributions, Nuclear Assault gained a devoted fan base and garnered critical acclaim from the metal community.

    However, in 1992, Bramante parted ways with Nuclear Assault due to personal differences within the band. Despite his departure, his impact on their legacy remained undeniable. He left behind a catalog of exceptional guitar performances and a lasting influence on subsequent generations of thrash metal guitarists.

    After leaving Nuclear Assault, Bramante pursued various musical endeavors, collaborating with different artists and bands. He continued to refine his skills and explore new musical avenues, always pushing the boundaries of his playing style. In 2001, Bramante rejoined Nuclear Assault for a brief period, contributing to the album "Third World Genocide" (2005) before parting ways with the band once again in 2002.

    Anthony Bramante's contributions to Nuclear Assault's music and the thrash metal genre have solidified his place among the guitar greats. His technical mastery, innovative guitar work, and distinctive style continue to inspire and influence musicians to this day. With his ferocious playing and unwavering dedication to his craft, Bramante has left an indelible mark on the history of thrash metal, ensuring his legacy as a true guitar virtuoso.

Complete Track Listing of: "NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care"

The Songs/tracks on "NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care" are

  1. "New Song" 2:58
  2. "Critical Mass" 3:19
  3. "Inherited Hell" 3:30
  4. "Surgery" 2:44
  5. "Emergency" 3:20
  6. "Funky Noise" 0:50
  7. "F# (Wake Up)" 2:58
  8. "When Freedom Dies" 2:34
  9. "Search & Seizure" 4:11
  10. "Torture Tactics" 2:22
  11. "Mother's Day" 0:32
  12. "Trail of Tears"
Album Cover Photo Gallery of: NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care
High Resolution Photo of NUCLEAR ASSAULT HANDLE WITH CARE ENGLAND  
Back Cover  Photo of "NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care" Album
High Resolution Photo of NUCLEAR ASSAULT HANDLE WITH CARE ENGLAND  
Inner Cover   of "NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care" Album

High Resolution Photo of NUCLEAR ASSAULT HANDLE WITH CARE ENGLAND  

High Resolution Photo of NUCLEAR ASSAULT HANDLE WITH CARE ENGLAND  

High Resolution Photo of NUCLEAR ASSAULT HANDLE WITH CARE ENGLAND  

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

Thumbnail Of NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Brain Death album front cover

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

Thumbnail Of NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Fight To Be Free album front cover

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

Thumbnail Of NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Game Over album front cover

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

Thumbnail Of NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Good Times, Bad Times album front cover

 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

Thumbnail Of NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle With Care album front cover

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
Thumbnail Of NUCLEAR ASSAULT - The Plague album front cover

 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

Thumbnail Of NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Survive album front cover

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