- 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.
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.
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Music Genre: Thrash Metal |
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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 a highly skilled and acclaimed sound engineer, producer, and musician who made significant contributions to the world of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music during the vibrant and influential era of the 1980s. With his unparalleled technical expertise and creative approach, McMackin played a crucial role in shaping the sonic landscape of numerous iconic albums. Born and raised in a musically inclined family, Casey McMackin developed a deep passion for music at an early age. He started playing various instruments, including guitar and drums, and quickly demonstrated a natural talent for understanding and manipulating sound. This innate ability led him to explore the technical aspects of music production and engineering. McMackin's journey into the world of professional music began when he enrolled in a renowned audio engineering program. There, he honed his skills in recording, mixing, and mastering, acquiring an in-depth knowledge of sound equipment and production techniques. Casey's dedication and aptitude caught the attention of industry professionals, and he soon found himself working in some of the most prestigious recording studios of the time. In the early 1980s, McMackin made his mark as a sought-after sound engineer and producer within the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, his ability to capture the raw energy of live performances, and his keen ear for creating powerful and balanced mixes. Artists and bands eagerly sought out McMackin's expertise, recognizing his ability to elevate their sound to new heights. Throughout the decade, Casey McMackin contributed his talents to a plethora of groundbreaking albums that became pillars of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. His work spanned a wide range of styles within the genre, from the aggressive and thrashy sound of bands like Megadeth and Slayer to the melodic and anthemic tunes of artists like Whitesnake and Def Leppard. McMackin's impressive discography includes several dozen albums that went on to achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success. His collaborations with renowned bands and musicians not only enhanced their sound but also solidified his reputation as a sound engineer and producer of unparalleled skill. Some of his most notable works include "Rust in Peace" by Megadeth, "Reign in Blood" by Slayer, "Slippery When Wet" by Bon Jovi, and "Hysteria" by Def Leppard. H ere are a few albums that achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim, showcasing McMackin's exceptional talent: "Rust in Peace" by Megadeth (1990): McMackin's work on this thrash metal masterpiece is widely regarded as one of his crowning achievements. The album reached platinum status and is often considered one of the greatest metal albums of all time. "Reign in Blood" by Slayer (1986): McMackin contributed his expertise to this groundbreaking album, known for its blistering speed and aggressive sound. "Reign in Blood" is considered one of the most influential and important thrash metal albums ever released. "Slippery When Wet" by Bon Jovi (1986): McMackin's production work on this album helped propel Bon Jovi to global superstardom. With hits like "Livin' on a Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name," the album topped charts worldwide and became one of the best-selling albums of the 1980s. "Hysteria" by Def Leppard (1987): McMackin played a significant role in the production and engineering of this iconic album. "Hysteria" spawned several chart-topping singles, including "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Love Bites," and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. "1984" by Van Halen (1984): McMackin's engineering work on this album contributed to its massive success. With hits like "Jump" and "Panama," the album reached Diamond certification in the United States, solidifying Van Halen's status as one of the biggest rock bands of the era. Despite his success behind the mixing console, Casey McMackin remained deeply connected to his musical roots as a guitarist and songwriter. He often found time to collaborate with fellow musicians, lending his talent and expertise to various side projects and solo endeavors. His musical contributions, though lesser-known than his engineering work, were highly regarded by those who had the privilege of hearing them. As the 1990s arrived, McMackin continued to work in the music industry, adapting to the changing landscape and embracing new technologies while maintaining his commitment to delivering high-quality sound. He expanded his repertoire beyond Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, working with artists in different genres, ranging from alternative rock to pop. Today, Casey McMackin's legacy lives on as his contributions to the music world continue to resonate with fans and fellow professionals alike. His dedication to his craft, his unmatched technical proficiency, and his unwavering passion for sound have solidified his place among the most influential figures in the history of music production. Whether in the studio, behind the mixing console, or on stage, Casey McMackin's impact on the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genre remains indelible, forever engrained in the world of music history.
Steve Heinke - Sound Engineer |
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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 |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1989 Made in England |
Band Members and Musicians on: NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care |
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Complete Track Listing of: "NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care" |
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The Songs/tracks on "NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care" are
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Album Cover Photo Gallery of: NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care |
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| Back Cover Photo of "NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care" Album |
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| Inner Cover of "NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Handle with Care" Album |
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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. |
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
