SODOM - Agent Orange - Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album

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Sodom's monumental Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album, "Agent Orange," marked a significant chapter in their history as guitarist Frank Blackfire's final collaboration. This thrash metal masterpiece achieved unprecedented success, becoming the first of its genre to secure a spot on the esteemed German album charts. A testament to Sodom's prowess, "Agent Orange" resonates as a seminal work within the thrash metal landscape.

Album cover of Agent Orange by Sodom, featuring a dramatic scene inside a military aircraft with soldiers operating heavy artillery. The artwork, dominated by fiery orange and red hues, depicts a grim, war-torn atmosphere with detailed weaponry, tactical uniforms, and glowing explosions outside

Essentials of: SODOM - Agent Orange
Album Description:

Sodom's fifth studio album, "Agent Orange", was released in 1989. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Sodom as one of the leading thrash metal bands of the era.

The album was produced by Harris Johns, who had previously worked with bands such as Kreator and Destruction. The album's sound is a mix of thrash metal, black metal, and hardcore punk. The songs are fast, aggressive, and heavy, and they feature some of Sodom's most memorable riffs and solos.

The album's lyrics are often dark and violent, and they deal with themes such as war, death, and destruction. The album's title track, "Agent Orange", is a reference to the chemical weapon that was used in the Vietnam War.

The album was a critical and commercial success. It reached number 13 on the German album charts, and it was certified gold in Germany. The album's success helped to establish Sodom as one of the leading thrash metal bands of the era.

The album has been praised by critics and fans alike. AllMusic gave the album a four-star rating, and they called it "a classic of the thrash metal genre". Metal Hammer gave the album a five-star rating, and they called it "one of the most important thrash metal albums of all time".

The album has been influential on many other thrash metal bands. Bands such as Kreator, Destruction, and Morbid Angel have all cited "Agent Orange" as an influence on their music.

The album is considered to be a classic of the thrash metal genre. It is a must-have for fans of the genre.

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal ( Germany )

Label & Catalognr:

 Steamhammer Orange SPV 08-7596

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

1989 Made in West Germany (for European Distribution)  

Production & Recording Information
Album Packaging

This 12" LP vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover. The inner pages of this album cover contains artwork.

This album also includes the original custom inner sleeve with credits on one side and on the other side lyrics of all the songs

Producers:

Harris Johns - Producer

Harris Johns is a prominent European music producer renowned for his contributions to the heavy metal and punk genres. With a career spanning several decades, he has worked with numerous iconic bands, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Born in the late 1950s, Harris Johns developed a passion for music at an early age and pursued his dreams with unwavering determination.

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In the late 1970s, Harris Johns emerged as a key figure in the burgeoning heavy metal and punk scene. His unique talent and distinctive approach to music production quickly caught the attention of many prominent bands. With a desire to create powerful and impactful soundscapes, he became known for his ability to capture the raw energy and intensity of these genres.

Throughout his career, Harris Johns has collaborated with a plethora of big-name bands, solidifying his reputation as a go-to producer. His notable works include projects with Helloween, Coroner, Tankard, Sodom, Voivod, Kreator, Exumer, Ratos de Porão, Slime, Daily Terror, and many others. Each album he worked on showcased his exceptional skill in sculpting the sonic landscapes that defined the heavy metal and punk movements.

For over a decade, Harris Johns operated his studio, Music Lab Berlin Studio, which served as the creative hub for many of his productions. In an effort to further his artistic vision, he established Spiderhouse, a recording facility situated in a former guest house in the countryside near Berlin. For ten years, Spiderhouse became a sanctuary where he could channel his creativity and bring forth groundbreaking music.

In 2007, Harris Johns made the decision to reopen the Music Lab Berlin, reestablishing it as a prime destination for bands seeking his expertise in music production. The studio became a hub of creativity and collaboration, attracting both established acts and up-and-coming artists. However, in 2016, Harris Johns decided to step away from the studio, concluding a significant chapter in his illustrious career.

Despite stepping back from the day-to-day operations of Music Lab Berlin, Harris Johns continues to contribute to the music industry. He remains active as a producer and dedicates his time to teaching music production skills. His wealth of knowledge and experience has made him an invaluable resource for aspiring producers and musicians, as he imparts his expertise and nurtures the next generation of talent.

As we reflect upon the 1980s, it becomes evident that Harris Johns' discography during this era stands as a testament to his immense talent. Some of the notable albums he worked on include groundbreaking releases such as:

These albums showcase Harris Johns' ability to capture the essence and intensity of the heavy metal and punk genres, earning him a place in music history.

Harris Johns' impact on the heavy metal and punk scenes cannot be understated. His talent, dedication, and distinctive approach to music production have left an indelible mark on the industry. As he continues to produce and educate, Harris Johns remains a respected and influential figure, shaping the future of music for generations to come.

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Harris Johns - Sound Engineer

Recording Location:

Musiclab Studios, West-Berlin, Germany , recorded during April and May 1989

Mixed at Horus Sound Studio, Hannover April 1989

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Andreas Marschall - Album Cover paintings

Andreas Marschall is a renowned German album cover illustrator and graphic artist, widely recognized for his exceptional contributions to the world of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Read all about Andreas

 

Photography:

Manfred Eisenblätter - Live photos

Clothing:

Sodom's Leather Clothing by Dirk's Lederkiste (Bottrop)

Management:

Drakkar Promotion


Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Agent Orange 6:04
  2. Tired and Red 5:25
  3. Incest 4:38
  4. Remember the Fallen 4:20
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Magic Dragon 5:59
  2. Exhibition Bout 3:35
  3. Ausgebombt 3:04
  4. Baptism of Fire 4:03

High Resolution & Quality Photos
Front Cover Photo Of SODOM - Agent Orange
Album cover of Agent Orange by Sodom, featuring a dramatic scene inside a military aircraft with soldiers operating heavy artillery. The artwork, dominated by fiery orange and red hues, depicts a grim, war-torn atmosphere with detailed weaponry, tactical uniforms, and glowing explosions outside.

This album cover is from Agent Orange by the German thrash metal band Sodom. The artwork, created by Andreas Marschall, depicts a dramatic and militaristic scene that aligns with the album’s themes of war and destruction. The image portrays soldiers inside a military aircraft, operating heavy artillery. The intense orange and red hues dominate the composition, suggesting explosions and fire, while the soldiers’ focused expressions and gear emphasize the grim reality of warfare.

The perspective is dynamic, placing the viewer inside the aircraft, witnessing the chaos from a close vantage point. The details, such as the weaponry, tactical uniforms, and the glowing light from the outside, contribute to the artwork’s striking realism and intensity. The Sodom logo, sharp and metallic, is displayed prominently on the top right corner, with the album title, Agent Orange, clearly marked in bold red. This cover encapsulates the aggressive and politically charged nature of Sodom’s music, making it a standout visual representation in the thrash metal genre.

Photo Of The Back Cover SODOM - Agent Orange
ack cover artwork of Sodom’s Agent Orange album, depicting an aerial view of a war scene. Two military planes drop bombs over a jungle landscape, causing fiery explosions and thick smoke in a village below. A ghostly skull emerges from the smoke and flames, symbolizing destruction and death. The image uses vivid oranges, reds, and greens, conveying the chaos and devastation of war.

The back cover of the album features an intense, war-themed scene viewed from an aerial perspective. Two military planes fly over a dense jungle, dropping bombs onto the ground below. The explosions create massive fireballs, smoke clouds, and destruction in a village-like area, with scattered buildings engulfed in flames. A haunting image of a skull emerges from the smoke and fire, symbolizing death and destruction. The artwork uses vivid oranges, reds, and blacks to emphasize the chaos and devastation of war, with the jungle’s green landscape serving as a backdrop. The perspective and detail evoke a sense of tension and realism, aligning with the album’s aggressive tone.

Photo of the inside cover SODOM - Agent Orange
High Resolution Photo #13 SODOM - Agent Orange
Photo of the inside cover SODOM - Agent Orange
High Resolution Photo #14 SODOM - Agent Orange
Photo of the custom inner sleeve SODOM - Agent Orange
High Resolution Photo #15 SODOM - Agent Orange
Photo of the custom inner sleeve SODOM - Agent Orange
High Resolution Photo #16 SODOM - Agent Orange
Close up of the record's label
High Resolution Photo #19 SODOM
Photo of Side One: SODOM - Agent Orange
High Resolution Photo #17 SODOM - Agent Orange
Photo of Side Two: SODOM - Agent Orange
High Resolution Photo #18 SODOM - Agent Orange

SODOM's Vinyl Record Discography: A Thrash Metal Journey Through the 1980s.

SODOM - Agent Orange
SODOM - Agent Orange  album front cover vinyl record

"Agent Orange"was produced by Harris Johns, who had previously worked with bands such as Kreator and Destruction. The album's sound is a mix of thrash metal, black metal, and hardcore punk. The songs are fast, aggressive, and heavy, and they feature some of Sodom's most memorable riffs and solos.

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SODOM - Expurse of Sodomy album front cover vinyl record

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SODOM - In The Sign Of Evil  album front cover vinyl record

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SODOM - Persecution Mania  album front cover vinyl record

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