VA - Teutonic Invasion Part One 12" Vinyl LP Album

- RoadrunneR Records

Album cover of Teutonic Invasion Part One, featuring a muscular warrior with flowing silver hair and fur clothing, wielding a bloodied sword. The warrior stands triumphantly in an ancient, Stonehenge-like setting under a dark sky, with a decapitated enemy’s head on a cart. A chariot and horse charge forward in the background. Bold yellow and blue distressed text reads “Teutonic Invasion Part One” at the top, presented by Rock Hard magazine.

"Teutonic Invasion Part One," a compelling compilation, emerges on a 12" LP Album Vinyl under the banner of Roadrunner Records. Crafted by the discerning staff of the German magazine ROCK HARD, this collection serves as a testament to their dedication to harder rock and underground metal. Released in the 80s, the compilation resonates with the Teutonic metal invasion, featuring diverse artists that contributed to the vibrant and evolving landscape of heavy music during that era.

Teutonic Invasion Part One: A Snapshot of German Metal's Nascent Power
Album Description:

Released in 1987 by Roadrunner Records, the "Teutonic Invasion Part One" compilation LP served as a battle cry for the burgeoning German heavy metal scene. This raw and unfiltered collection captured the essence of a movement on the verge of exploding onto the international stage.

A Breeding Ground for Innovation

The album was a hotbed of experimentation, showcasing the diverse sounds emanating from Germany's underground metal scene. While thrash metal was the dominant force, represented by bands like Paradox and Violent Force, other subgenres were beginning to take shape. Crows delved into the darker realms of black metal, while Morgan Le Fay embraced a more melodic approach. This eclectic mix of styles highlighted the creative energy and the willingness to push boundaries that would become hallmarks of German metal.

A Glimpse into the Underground

The "Teutonic Invasion Part One" compilation was more than just a collection of songs; it was a glimpse into the underground scene where these bands were honing their craft. Many of the tracks were early demos, never before released, providing a raw and unpolished look at the creative process. This rawness was part of the album's charm, capturing the energy and passion of young musicians eager to make their mark.

A Controversial Legacy

The album was not without controversy. Some critics dismissed it as a haphazard collection of demos, lacking the polish and professionalism of more established bands. Others praised its raw energy and authenticity, seeing it as a snapshot of a scene on the cusp of greatness. Regardless of one's opinion, "Teutonic Invasion Part One" played a crucial role in introducing German metal to a wider audience, paving the way for the genre's eventual global dominance.

Teutonic Metal: Germany’s Relentless Contribution to Heavy Music
- From Thrash Titans to Power Metal Pioneers, the Fierce Legacy of German Heavy Metal

Teutonic metal refers to a style of heavy metal that emerged in Germany in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Rooted in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) but infused with its own blistering aggression and raw energy, it became synonymous with the rise of German bands that helped define the thrash and power metal subgenres. The term ‘Teutonic’ reflects both the Germanic origins of these bands and the fierce, militaristic precision often associated with their sound.

Characteristics of Teutonic Metal:
  • Speed and Aggression: Bands often leaned into rapid tempos, pounding rhythms, and relentless energy, laying the foundation for thrash metal.
  • Raw Production: Early releases often had a gritty, unpolished sound, which added to their intensity.
  • Themes: Lyrics frequently explored war, rebellion, mythology, and darker topics like death and destruction, reflecting a mix of historical and fantastical elements.
  • Influence: Deeply inspired by NWOBHM bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Motörhead, but often more aggressive in tone and execution.
Key Bands and Albums:
  • Accept: One of the earliest German metal bands to achieve international success, with albums like Restless and Wild (1982) and Balls to the Wall (1983). Their mix of melodic yet heavy riffs laid the groundwork for the Teutonic sound.
  • Kreator : Often seen as one of the 'Big Four' of Teutonic thrash metal, Kreator defined extreme thrash with albums like Pleasure to Kill (1986).
  • Destruction : Another cornerstone band, known for their sharp riffs and high-energy performances. Albums like Infernal Overkill (1985) are thrash classics.
  • Sodom: Known for blending thrash with early black metal influences, Sodom’s Persecution Mania (1987) helped shape the genre's darker edge.
  • Helloween : Pioneers of power metal with a more melodic approach, their Keeper of the Seven Keys albums (1987 and 1988) became landmarks for the genre.

Impact:

Teutonic metal had a massive influence on the global metal scene. Thrash metal scenes in the U.S. and Brazil often cited German thrash as a key inspiration, while power metal grew into a worldwide movement thanks to bands like Helloween. The genre’s legacy persists today, with bands like Kreator and Accept still releasing critically acclaimed albums.

It’s not just a sound—it’s a movement, with a reputation for being unyielding, uncompromising, and utterly relentless. Teutonic metal continues to stand tall as a proud, ferocious chapter in the history of heavy music.

Collector Note:

This album contains many early demo tracks (which were not previously released) from bands like Crows, Morgan Le Fay, Minotaur, Paradox, Poison, Violent Force, Warnyng and Xandril.

Liner notes: For 3 1/2 years ROCK HARD magazine has been right in the frontline to support underground metal in Germany. The last several months have shown an explosion of new bands, some good some less good. We wanted to prove that there are still undiscovered talents and after listening to hundreds of demo- and rehearsal-tapes we've chosen the following eight bands. Enjoy'em! Holger Stratmann & Uwe Lerch, February 1987.

Music Genre:

Death , Power, Thrash Metal 

Album Production Information:

Produced by: Rock Hard Magazine (Germany)

Published by: Roadster Music

Idea and Organisation: Uwe Lerch

All songs remixed at: Grooveland Studios, Dortmund

Cover artwork:Jim Burns for Young Artwork

Record Label & Catalognr:

Roadrunner Records - RR 9624

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

1987 Netherlands
Detailed track and band information

Song:

Band

Detailed Description

Final Fight

CROWS

This song "Final Fight" has not been released on any official CROWS records.

CROWS was a German Power Metal band fron 1981 until 1991.

Musicians:
Bruno Mattukat (Vocals)
Vinnie Hirsch (Guitars)
Stefan Knauer (Guitars)
Siggi Kromotka (Bass)
Bobby Schottkowski (Drums)

Killer Without a Face

MORGAN LE FAY

"Killer Without a Face" has not been released on any official recording before.

Musicians
Paul Heller (Vocals)
Torsten Anlauf (Guitar)
Dirk Hartl (Guitar)
Thomas May (Bass)
Mirko Dahm (Drums)

Planed Head

MINOTAUR

"Planed Head" by MINOTAUR is from the 2nd Demo recording by this band and has not been released previously.

Musicians
Andreas Richwien (Vocals, Guitar)
Ulf Kaiser (Guitar)
Thomas Witte (Bass)
Joerg Bock (Drums)

Pray to the Godz of Wrath

PARADOX

This song "Pray to the Godz of Wrath" by Paradox, was one of the first tracks recorded by Paradox and was first released on their Demo nr 1.

Musicians
Charly Steinhauer (Vocals, Guitars)
Markus Spyth (Guitar)
Roland Stahl (Bass)
Axel Blaha (Drums)

Sphinx

POISON

The song "Sphinx" was taken from the POISON abum "Into the Abyss"

Musicians
Weber (Vocals) Real name: Armin Weber
Uli H. (Guitar) Real name: Uli Hildenbrand
Krampe (Bass) Real name:Andy Krampute
Alex Gilliar (Drums)

Soulbursting

VIOLENT FORCE

The track Soulbursting was taken from the album "Malevolent Assault of Tomorrow" by VIOLENT FORCE.

Musicians:
Lemmy (Vocals, Guitar) Real name: Frank Fellinger
Stachel (Guitar)
Waldy (Bass)
Hill (Drums) Real name:
Jürgen Hillebrand

Revelation

WARNYNG

The "WARNYNG" band was founded in 1985 and produced 2 demo's before they split. Revelation is a track from their first demo recording.

Musicians
Ingmar Viertel (Vocals)
Dirk Pauer (Guitar)
Holger Kullik (Guitar)
Peter Kohnke (Bass)
Matthias Lipinski (Drums)

Terminal Breath

XANDRIL

"Terminal Breath" is a track from Xandril's first demo (1985)

Musicians:
Bettina Paschen (Vocals)
Stephan Phillip (Guitar)
Joerg Schroer (Guitar)
Andre Phillip (Bass)
Marlon Erdmann (Drums)

Album cover of Teutonic Invasion Part One, featuring a muscular warrior with flowing silver hair and fur clothing, wielding a bloodied sword. The warrior stands triumphantly in an ancient, Stonehenge-like setting under a dark sky, with a decapitated enemy’s head on a cart. A chariot and horse charge forward in the background. Bold yellow and blue distressed text reads “Teutonic Invasion Part One” at the top, presented by Rock Hard magazine. https://vinyl-records.nl

This is the album cover for Teutonic Invasion Part One, a compilation album proudly presented by Rock Hard magazine. The artwork embodies a barbaric, battle-hardened aesthetic, dripping with raw energy and intensity typical of heavy metal. Dominating the scene is a muscular, almost primal warrior with long flowing silver hair, draped in fur and wielding a bloodied sword. The warrior stands triumphantly, having decapitated his enemy, whose head rests on a cart.

The backdrop evokes a mystical, ancient setting, resembling Stonehenge or a similar prehistoric structure, surrounded by dark, ominous skies. In the lower left corner, a charioteer and horse charge forward, adding to the chaos and ferocity of the scene.

The bold, distressed typography of the title ‘Teutonic Invasion Part One’ in yellow and blue contrasts with the dynamic art, capturing the essence of the German heavy metal invasion this album represents. It’s a powerful, visceral cover that screams defiance, conquest, and the unrelenting spirit of metal.

Album Back Cover  Photo of "VA VARIOUS ARTISTS - Teutonic Invasion Part One"
Back cover of the album Teutonic Invasion Part One, featuring a black background with sections showcasing eight featured bands. Each section includes black-and-white band photos, logos, and member line-ups for Paradox, Xandril, Morgan le Fay, Violent Force, Minotaur, Crows, Warning, and Poison. Track titles are listed, including songs like “Pray to the Godz of Wrath” by Paradox and “Revelation” by Warning. The design is framed with a barbed-wire motif, and the bottom includes a note from Rock Hard magazine about supporting the German underground metal scene. Published by Roadster Music in 1987. https://vinyl-records.nl

The back cover of Teutonic Invasion Part One serves as a detailed showcase for the bands featured on this compilation. The layout is divided into sections, each dedicated to one of the eight bands included, accompanied by black-and-white band photos and their line-ups.

Details:

• A-Side Tracks and Bands:

• Paradox: Featuring the track Pray to the Godz of Wrath. The lineup includes Charly Steinhauer (vocals, guitar), Markus Spyth (guitar), Roland Stahl (bass), and Axel Blaha (drums).

• Xandril: Performing Terminal Breath, with Bettina Paschen (vocals), Stephan Phillip (guitar), Jörg Schröder (guitar), André Phillip (bass), and Marlon Erdmann (drums).

• Morgan Le Fay: Contributing Killer Without a Face. Band members are Paul Heller (vocals), Torsten Anlauf (guitar), Dirk Hartl (guitar), Thomas May (bass), and Mirko Dahm (drums).

• Violent Force: Playing Soulbursting. Members are Lemmy (vocals), Stachel (guitar), Waldy (bass), and Hilz (drums).

• B-Side Tracks and Bands:

• Minotaur: Featuring Planned Head, with Andreas Richwien (vocals, guitar), Ulf Kaiser (bass), Thomas Witte (bass), and Jörg Bock (drums).

• Crows: Performing Final Fight. Members include Bruno Muthart (vocals), Vinni Hirsch (guitar), Stefan Knauer (guitar), Siggi Komolat (bass), and Bobby Schlotthowski (drums).

• Warning: Contributing Revelation, featuring Ingmar Teetz (vocals), Dirk Prauser (guitar), Holger Kullick (bass), and Matthias Lipski (drums).

• Poison: With the track Sphinx. Lineup includes Weber (vocals), Uli H. (guitar), Kremper (bass), and Alex Gilliat (drums).

Design:

The layout includes a clean black background with white text, creating high contrast. The images and band logos are framed with a barbed-wire-style border, enhancing the raw and rebellious feel of the cover. Descriptions for each band emphasize their underground roots and the dynamic energy they bring to the album.

At the bottom, there’s a note from Rock Hard about their commitment to promoting the underground German metal scene, mentioning the explosion of new talent. The album is credited to Roadster Music, and the production details date it to 1987.

This back cover is a celebration of the thriving underground metal scene in Germany during the late ’80s, providing a comprehensive introduction to the bands and their contributions.

Photo of "VA VARIOUS ARTISTS - Teutonic Invasion Part One" 12" LP Record - Side One:
Record label of Teutonic Invasion Part One, Side 1. Features a cream-white background with black text and the Rock Hard magazine logo at the top in a distressed, metallic style. Lists four tracks with their respective bands: “Pray to the Godz of Wrath” by Paradox, “Terminal Breath” by Xandril, “Killer Without a Face” by Morgan Le Fay, and “Soulbursting” by Violent Force. Includes technical details such as “Side 1,” “Stereo,” 33 RPM, catalog number “RR 9624,” and rights organization code “STEMRA.” Published by Roadster Music in 1987 under Roadrunner Productions B.V. https://vinyl-records.nl

This record label belongs to Teutonic Invasion Part One, Side 1 of the album. The label design is minimalist, featuring a cream-white background with black text and the Rock Hard magazine logo at the top. The logo has a distressed, metallic texture that reflects the heavy metal aesthetic.

Key Elements:

• It states that the label was published by Roadster Music and manufactured under Roadrunner Productions B.V. in 1987, with rights reserved.

Technical Details:

• Includes catalog number ‘RR 9624’ and the rights organization code ‘STEMRA.’

• The label specifies 33 RPM playback speed.

This clean yet bold label design prioritizes functionality, allowing for easy identification of songs and bands while maintaining a connection to the heavy metal theme through the iconic Rock Hard logo.

Photo of "VA VARIOUS ARTISTS - Teutonic Invasion Part One" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
Record label of Teutonic Invasion Part One, Side 2. Features a cream-white background with black text and the Rock Hard magazine logo at the top in a distressed, metallic style. Lists four tracks with their respective bands: “Planed Head” by Minotaur, “Final Fight” by Crows, “Revelation” by Warning, and “Sphinx” by Poison. Includes technical details such as “Side 2,” “Stereo,” 33 RPM, catalog number “RR 9624,” and rights organization code “STEMRA.” Published by Roadster Music in 1987 under Roadrunner Productions B.V. https://vinyl-records.nl