TITAN - S/T Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The Unstoppable Force of French Speed Metal: TITAN’s Explosive Debut

Album cover featuring a celestial figure with flowing white hair and beard pointing outward, surrounded by a cosmic, star-filled background. A glowing planet is positioned below, symbolizing mystery and power. The band’s logo ‘TITAN’ appears in a cracked stone-like font at the top left corner.

The self-titled album "Titan" by the French Heavy Metal band "Titan". It is their first full-length album after some of the members have left the French "Killers" band. It is released on the French record label "Sydney Productions".

Sydney Productions is a French record label and has mainly released albums for the Heavy Metal bands: ADX, Killers, Steel Angel, High Power and TItan.

TITAN's Self-Titled Debut: A Blazing Inferno of French Speed Metal
Album Description:

Emerging from the fiery depths of the mid-1980s French heavy metal scene, TITAN's self-titled debut album was a relentless assault of speed and aggression. Released in 1986 on the Sydney Productions label, this 12" LP vinyl record, complete with a custom inner sleeve, quickly became a cult classic among fans of European thrash and speed metal.

Historical Context and Musical Exploration

"TITAN" arrived during a period of immense creativity and experimentation within the global metal scene. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Kreator were pushing the boundaries of thrash metal, while the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) had laid the groundwork for a new generation of European metal acts. TITAN drew inspiration from these diverse influences, crafting a sound that was both brutal and melodic, with lightning-fast riffs, pummeling drums, and soaring vocals.

The album's nine tracks showcased the band's technical prowess and their ability to seamlessly blend elements of thrash, speed metal, and traditional heavy metal. Songs like "G.I.'s Heritage," "Ultimatum," and "Black Power" were filled with furious energy and rebellious spirit, while "L'Irlande Au Coeur" and "Enfant De La Guerra" explored more melodic and atmospheric territories.

Controversies and Challenges

TITAN's lyrics, often dealing with themes of war, social injustice, and personal struggles, occasionally sparked controversy due to their explicit nature and anti-establishment sentiments. However, this only fueled the band's rebellious image and resonated with fans who were drawn to their uncompromising attitude.

Production Team and Studio

The album was produced by Jean-Paul Godest, a well-known figure in the French metal scene, and recorded at the Couleur3 studio in Auvers Sur Oise, France. Godest's experience in capturing the raw energy of heavy metal bands ensured that TITAN's sound was captured with clarity and power.

Frontman and Creative Vision

Patrice le Calvez, the band's vocalist and guitarist, was the driving force behind TITAN's creative vision. His powerful vocals and blistering guitar solos were central to the band's sound, while his lyrics captured the angst and frustration of a generation disillusioned with the world around them.

Titan Band History
- Forging Legends: The Rise and Fall of TITAN

After sharpening their musical teeth in the French heavy metal band Killers, four stalwarts—Patrice le Calvez (vocals), Didier Deboffe (guitar), Pierre Paul (bass), and Michel Camiade (drums)—decided to blaze their own trail. By 1986, the quartet bid farewell to Killers, leaving behind two blistering albums, "Killers" (1985) and "Danger de vie" (1986), which had already cemented their place in the annals of French metal. But this wasn’t the end—it was only the beginning.

With Sébastien Blanc joining the ranks as a second guitarist, the band rechristened themselves TITAN. The name wasn’t just bold; it was prophetic. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1986 on Sydney Productions, was a sonic statement, a proclamation of their intent to leave an indelible mark. Recorded and mixed at Studio Couleurs in Auvers-sur-Oise under the seasoned guidance of Laurent Thibault, the album channeled raw power with a precision that hit fans like a lightning strike.

And the fans responded. To them, "Titan" wasn’t just a debut; it was a torchbearer. Killers may have continued with Bruno Dolheguy as the sole original member, but TITAN’s debut filled a void and carved out its own space in the hearts of the metal faithful.

However, like all great sagas, this one wasn’t without turbulence. Guitarist Didier Deboffe exited the fold and was replaced by Pat Tetevuide. By the end of 1987, TITAN had reached a new milestone: recording their live performance at La Mutualité in Paris on 27 December. It was a shared occasion with the band ADX, and the resulting live album, "Popeye le road," dropped in 1988, capturing the raw energy of their stage presence.

But behind the scenes, the machinery was beginning to falter. By 1989, lineup changes were once again in the cards. Patrice le Calvez stepped down as vocalist, with Richard Paul taking over the mic. Drummer Pascal Chauderon entered the fray, and Christian Barbe rounded out the lineup on guitar. It seemed like the band was poised for another chapter, but fate had other plans.

Not long after, TITAN disbanded. For a band that burned so brightly, their end came all too soon, leaving behind a legacy of unrelenting metal and the bittersweet question of what could have been.

The re-united on several occasions

Music Genre:

French Thrash Metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "TITAN" was produced by: Jean-Paul Godest, SYDNEY Productions. Sydney Carnaby Productions France.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Laurent Thibault

This album was recorded at: Studio Coulours , Auvers Sur Oise, France

Record Label & Catalognr:

Sydney Productions 11036

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

1986 Made in France
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: TITAN - S/T Self-Titled France
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Patrice le Calvez - Vocals
  • Patrice Le Calvez – Lead Vocals

    Génocide (1980-1982) to Killers (1982-1986) to Titan (1986-1989, 2017-2024) — the same voice, different battlefields.

    Patrice Le Calvez is a French metal vocalist with the kind of bite that doesn’t need studio perfume to feel dangerous. I first clock him with Génocide (1980-1982), then he takes the mic for Killers (1982-1986) right when French heavy metal was still earning its bruises. In 1986 that crew splinters and he helps form Titan, fronting their first run (1986-1989) and then—because time loves a good reboot—returning for the reunion stretch (2017-2024). He’s also on vocals for Breaker (Accept tribute) from 2016 to the present, which is basically admitting you enjoy living at high volume. The through-line is simple: he sings like the songs owe him money, and he’s here to collect—no polite smiles, no “heritage act” wink, just straight-ahead conviction.

    Patrice Le Calvez profile
  • Didier Deboffe - Guitars
  • Didier Deboffe – Guitars

    Killers (1982-1986), Titan (1986-1987), a solo detour with "Belfast" (1990), and later the Angus-role guitarist in the AC/DC tribute world.

    Didier Deboffe is a French guitarist who treats riffs like blunt instruments, not polite conversation. I tag him first with Killers, where he holds down guitars from 1982 to 1986, right when French heavy metal was still fighting to be taken seriously outside its own smoky clubs. His playing is stamped onto that early run, and when the 1986 rupture sends people scattering, Deboffe jumps into Titan for the first burst (1986-1987), leaving his mark on their self-titled "Titan" (1986). Then comes the classic guitarist move: he goes solo and drops a cassette called "Belfast" in 1990, like a postcard from the road with the stamp half-torn off. Later years find him doing the loud, happy labor of tribute-land (T.N.T, AC/DC tribute), because some players dont age into silence; they age into bigger amps. Deboffe is one of those. No perfume, no fragile art-talk, just strings, voltage, and intent.

  • Sébastien Blanc - Guitars
  • Pierre Paul - Bass Guitar
  • Michel Camiade - Drums
  • Michel Camiade - Drums

    Joined Killers in May 1984, then co-founded Titan in 1986 (drums 1986-1989).

    Michel Camiade is the French heavy-metal drummer who keeps the whole thing from wobbling off the road. He steps in from Airborne in May 1984 and drives Killers from 1984-1986, right as the band stops doing dances and starts writing bruises of its own. After the 1986 split he co-founds Titan and plays drums in their first era (1986-1989), captured on the full-length "Titan" (Jan 1986) and the live 12-inch "Popeye le Road" (released Nov 1988, recorded in Paris 27 Dec 1987). His style is straight-ahead: fast feet, hard snare, no nonsense - exactly what French speed metal needed. I like drummers who play like they are paid by the downbeat, and Camiade does; he locks in with Pierre Paul and turns riffs into marching orders.
Complete Track-listing of the album "TITAN - S/T Self-Titled France"

The detailed tracklist of this record "TITAN - S/T Self-Titled France" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. Intro 01:04
  2. G.I.'s Heritage 04:04
  3. L'Irlande Au Coeur 03:23
  4. Ultimatum 04:05
  5. Black Power 05:44
  6. La Loi Du Metal 03:40
  7. Enfant De La Guerra 03:29
  8. Damien 04:54
  9. Popeye Le Road 05:38

TITAN - Self-Titled OIS France Speed Metal 12" LP Vinyl Album High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of TITAN - Self-Titled OIS France Speed Metal 12" LP Vinyl Album

The TITAN album cover features a cosmic, ethereal design with a powerful celestial being at its center. The figure, rendered in shades of blue, appears to be a mystical deity with a flowing white beard and long hair that seems to merge with the stars and energy around him. His intense gaze is directed at the viewer, and one hand is outstretched, pointing directly outward, creating a commanding and otherworldly presence. Below the figure is a glowing planet, surrounded by a dark space background filled with stars and cosmic phenomena. The band’s logo, ‘TITAN,’ is prominently displayed in the top left corner in a cracked, stone-like font, reinforcing the themes of strength and mythology. This artwork captures the powerful and mystical essence of the music within, fitting for a speed or heavy metal album.of

Photo Of The Back Cover TITAN - Self-Titled OIS France Speed Metal 12" LP Vinyl Album
Photo of album back cover TITAN - Self-Titled OIS France Speed Metal 12" LP Vinyl Album

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Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve TITAN - Self-Titled OIS France Speed Metal 12" LP Vinyl Album
Custom inner sleeve for the Titan album featuring a black-and-white photo collage of candid band moments, including recording sessions, live performances, and casual snapshots. Some images showcase shirtless band members, group poses, and provocative scenes, reflecting the rebellious and unfiltered spirit of the band and the speed metal era.

The custom inner sleeve for the Titan album is a collage of black-and-white photos, showcasing a mixture of candid moments, band performances, and personal snapshots. The images provide an intimate glimpse into the band’s life, from recording sessions to live shows, and include some behind-the-scenes antics.

Among the photos are a few that may be deemed controversial, reflecting the rebellious and provocative spirit of the era and the genre. For example, there are images of shirtless band members, group shots with suggestive poses, and casual moments involving alcohol. These photos emphasize the band’s raw and unfiltered nature, fitting for a speed metal group with a bold attitude.

This inner sleeve not only serves as a visual chronicle of Titan’s journey during this period but also encapsulates the chaotic and energetic vibe that defined the band and their music. Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into specific details!

Photo Two of the original custom inner sleeve TITAN - Self-Titled OIS France Speed Metal 12" LP Vinyl Album
A dedication and thank-you note included in the Titan album, written in French, expressing gratitude to fans, fanzines, radio stations, collaborators, family, and friends who supported the band. The text highlights contributors such as ADX, Henri ‘Pardon’ Roger, and Sydney Production, as well as a special dedication for the song ‘Damien’ and heartfelt appreciation for the hard rock community

Cet album est le résultat des efforts de toute une équipe. C’est pourquoi, nous voudrions remercier tous ceux sans qui TITAN n’aurait pu voir le jour.

Tout d’abord les fanzines et les radios qui se battent tous les jours pour faire vivre le Hard Rock aux quatre coins de l’hexagone avec des moyens parfois limités mais une volonté toujours farouche.

Nos copains ADX pour les liens d’amitiés et de rigolade qui nous unissent et les super moments que nous avons passé ensemble.

Henri “Pardon” Roger et son clavier magique en espérant que ses machines infernales seront réparées pour la prochaine fois.

Belle Farida pour l’émotion de ses parties chantées sur Black Power.

Alain “M. Résine” François pour son fabuleux coup de crayon et sa participation bien involontaire à nos chœurs.

Jean-François et Isabelle pour avoir réussi l’exploit de nous faire manger avec des baguettes après un apéritif plutôt corsé.

Notre ami helvétique Joseph Carlucci, toujours sur la route, toujours sincère, à la plus grande gloire du Hard.

Nos popeyes de choc et de charme (?): Tony “c’est moi qui commande”, Patxi “c’est moi qui bois”, Filguy “Jopaflor”, Richard “Chocolat”, Christian “La Barbe !”, Fred “Kiket blues”, Alain “Le Duc” et Jeannot “Iti té MLA le Tep !”.

Toute l’équipe de Sydney Production et notre mascotte Bozo.

Un gros, gros merci à : Pascal, le plus génial frustré du Rock n’Roll et Sophie, pour nous avoir fait prendre des kilos mais qui perdra bientôt les siens.

Merci à nos familles qui toute l’année, supportent nos cheveux longs, nos vieux cuirs, nos jeans délavés, notre “musique de fou” et nos tennis sales.

Merci à M. Léon Donier pour nous avoir hébergé pendant plus de six mois.

La chanson “Damien” est dédiée à Jean-Marie Cavanna.

Cet album est dédié à Jean-Paul et à “Maître” Laurent, les six et septième membres de Titan, sans qui rien n’aurait été possible.

Et enfin, toujours aussi présents dans nos cœurs de métal, un grand merci aux kids de France et d’ailleurs, à ces fous du Hard Rock qui vivent et se battent au rythme de leur musique.

Close up of record's label TITAN - Self-Titled OIS France Speed Metal 12" LP Vinyl Album Side One:
Record label artwork for Titan’s album featuring a roaring lion illustration at the center, surrounded by a circular dotted pattern. The text ‘SYDNEY Productions’ is prominently displayed, with ‘FACE A’ indicating the record side. Stylized arrow symbols flank the design, adding symmetry and a dynamic heavy metal aesthetic.

The record label artwork features a bold and striking design. At its center is an intricate illustration of a roaring lion, symbolizing power and raw energy, fitting for the speed metal aesthetic of the album. The lion is surrounded by a circular, dotted pattern, adding depth and a sense of framing to the image. Above the lion, stylized lightning bolts or energy lines emanate, further emphasizing its ferocious energy.

The label prominently displays the text ‘SYDNEY’ in large, capitalized letters, with ‘Productions’ written below it in a clean serif font. The designation ‘FACE A’ is noted at the bottom, indicating the record side. On either side of the central image, bold arrow-like symbols add symmetry and a sense of dynamic movement to the design.

The overall layout is clean yet powerful, balancing the detailed artwork of the lion with strong typography, perfectly capturing the spirit of heavy metal and the band’s bold persona.

Close up of record's label TITAN - Self-Titled OIS France Speed Metal 12" LP Vinyl Album Side Two:
Close up of record's label TITAN - Self-Titled OIS France Speed Metal 12" LP Vinyl Album Side Two

Sydney Productions 11036 Record Label Details SACEM