RISK - Hell's Animals 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Steamhammer Records

"Hell's Animals" is the second full-length studio ( and third record ) released by the German Power / Thrash Metal band "RISK", it was released in 1989. The album front cover illustration was by "Sebastian Krüger. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

  The band "RISK" is founded by three ex-members of "Faithfull Breath" namely Heinrich Mikus, Jurgen Dusterloh, Peter Dell and was complemented with Roman Keymer and Thilo Hermann. The RISK band has been active from 1986 until 1993.

 

High Resolution Photo #10 RISK HELL'S ANIMALS

RISK's "Hell's Animals": A Powerful Outburst in German Thrash Metal
Album Description:

Released in 1989 during the peak of thrash metal's global dominance, German band RISK unleashed their ferocious sophomore album, "Hell's Animals". The album showcased the band's signature blend of powerful thrash riffs, aggressive vocals, and a touch of melodic sensibility.

Historical Context and Musical Exploration

Emerging from the vibrant German metal scene of the late 1980s, RISK had already gained a following with their debut album, "The Daily Horror News." "Hell's Animals" marked a significant step forward for the band, showcasing a more refined sound and a greater emphasis on songwriting. The album explored a range of themes, from social commentary to personal struggles, reflecting the anxieties and frustrations of the era.

Genre and Controversies

"Hell's Animals" firmly established RISK as a force to be reckoned with in the thrash metal genre. While the album didn't spark major controversies, its raw energy and aggressive lyrics resonated with fans who were drawn to the rebellious spirit of thrash metal.

Production

Produced by Harris Johns, known for his work with Helloween, Sodom, and Voivod, the album captured the raw power of RISK's sound while maintaining a high level of sonic clarity. y skulls and flames, perfectly encapsulated the album's dark and aggressive tone.

A Defining Moment for German Thrash

"Hell's Animals" solidified RISK's position as one of the leading thrash metal bands in Germany. While they may not have achieved the same level of international recognition as some of their contemporaries, the album remains a testament to their talent and their contribution to the thriving German metal scene.

Music Genre:

Speed / Thrash Metal 
Album Production information:

The album: "RISK - Hell's Animals" was produced by: H.R. Mikus

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): H.R. Mikus & Detlev Mohrmann

Record Label Information:

SteamHammer SPV 08-7592

Album Packaging:

This album "RISK - Hell's Animals" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos. 

Record Format

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

Year & Country  1989 Made in West Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: RISK - Hell's Animals
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Vocals: Heinz Mikus ( Heinrich "Heinz" Mikus - Singer, Lead Guitar and Sound Engineer. He started in 1967 in the German Hard Rock / Heavy Metal band "Faithful Breath". He was faithful to this band until 1986 when he joined the German Thrash metal band: "RISK" until 1993. In the late 1990s he was also sound engineer on a couple of albums for Liar and Morgoth.)
  • Guitars: Roman Keymer
  • Guitars: Thilo Hermann
  • Bass: Peter Dell ( Peter Dell - Bass, Moog Pedal. Timeline 1985-1986 Faithful Breath 1986-1993 Risk)
  • Drums: Jürgen Düsterloh (Jurgen Dusterloh - Drums. Timeline: 1982-1986 Faithful Breath, 1986-1993 Risk)
Track Listing of: "RISK - Hell's Animals"

The Songs/tracks on "RISK - Hell's Animals" are

  1. Monkey Business 03:07
  2. Perfect Kill 03:47
  3. Dead or Alive 03:08
  4. The Secret of Our Destiny 04:29
  5. Sicilian Showdown 03:33
  6. Torture and Pain 03:36
  7. Mindshock 02:51
  8. Megalomania 04:11
  9. Russian Nights 04:27
  10. Epilogue 02:58
Album cover photos of : RISK - Hell's Animals
Front Cover Photo of "RISK - Hell's Animals" Album
High Resolution Photo #10 RISK HELL'S ANIMALS

 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 ).

Back Cover  Photo of "RISK - Hell's Animals" Album
High Resolution Photo #11 RISK HELL'S ANIMALS
Inner Cover   of "RISK - Hell's Animals" Album
Large Hires Photo
Close-up Photo of "RISK - Hell's Animals" Record Label 
High Resolution Photo #13 RISK HELL'S ANIMALS
Index of RISK (Band) Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information
RISK: Pioneering German Thrash Metal in the 1980s
Band Description:

Emerging from the vibrant German metal scene of the late 1980s, RISK quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Their aggressive sound, characterized by powerful riffs, intense vocals, and a touch of melodic sensibility, resonated with fans who were drawn to the rebellious spirit of thrash metal.

Early Years and Musical Exploration

Formed in 1987, RISK wasted no time in making their mark on the scene. Their debut album, "The Daily Horror News," released in 1988, showcased their raw energy and technical prowess. The album explored a range of themes, from social commentary to personal struggles, reflecting the anxieties and frustrations of the era.

"Hell's Animals": A Defining Moment

In 1989, RISK released their sophomore album, "Hell's Animals." Produced by Harris Johns, known for his work with Helloween, Sodom, and Voivod, the album captured the raw power of RISK's sound while maintaining a high level of sonic clarity. The album's aggressive lyrics and dark themes resonated with fans, solidifying RISK's position as one of the leading thrash metal bands in Germany.

Live Performances and Legacy

RISK's energetic live performances further solidified their reputation as a formidable force in the German metal scene. They shared the stage with renowned acts like Kreator, Destruction, and Coroner, gaining a loyal following among thrash metal enthusiasts. While they may not have achieved the same level of international recognition as some of their contemporaries, their music remains a testament to their talent and their contribution to the thriving German metal scene of the 1980s.

RISK - Hell's Animals 12" Vinyl LP
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