Apocalypse- self-titled - Rare Swiss Thrash Metal 1st Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album

- OUT OF TUNE RECORDS

large album front cover photo of: Apocalypse self-titled

  This is the extremely rare and hard to find Swiss 1st pressing release of Apocalypse's Thrash Metal debut album
  Because of the small market size (more often record were imported from Germany, France, or Holland) in Switzerland, This Swiss edition was pressed in limited quantities.

  Note the +Suisa+ on the record's label as well as the "Swiss Made" and crossbow logo in record's dead wax.

Apocalypse - A Rare Slice of Swiss Thrash Metal Fury (Self-Titled Debut)
Album Description:

Apocalypse's self-titled debut album, a rare first pressing on 12" vinyl, offers a glimpse into the vibrant but often overlooked Swiss thrash metal scene of the late 1980s. Released in 1987 (exact date unavailable), this album stands as a testament to the raw energy and aggression that characterized the genre during its peak.

Historical Context

The late 1980s witnessed a global thrash metal explosion. While the genre originated in the United States and the United Kingdom, bands from Europe emerged with their own distinct takes on the sound. Switzerland, with its burgeoning underground metal scene, was no exception. Apocalypse emerged during this period, contributing to the European thrash metal movement with their debut album.

Musical Exploration

The exact details of Apocalypse's musical exploration on this album are difficult to ascertain without listening to it. However, based on the genre and era, we can expect a relentless onslaught of fast tempos, pounding drums, and distorted guitar riffs. Apocalypse likely incorporated elements of social and political commentary into their lyrics, reflecting the rebellious spirit common in thrash metal.

Music Genre

Undoubtedly, Apocalypse belongs to the thrash metal genre. However, without a deeper listen, it's impossible to say if they incorporated influences from other subgenres like speed metal or hardcore punk. The "rare Swiss thrash metal" description suggests a sound that might be unique to the Swiss scene, potentially incorporating regional influences or lyrical themes.

Production Team and Recording Studio (Unavailable Information)

Details about the production team and recording studio are currently unavailable. However, the "rare first pressing" designation suggests the album might have been released on a smaller, independent label, which may have limited access to high-end production facilities. This, however, wouldn't necessarily diminish the raw power and energy captured on the recording.

The Allure of Rarity

The rare "Out of Tune" Records label adds a layer of intrigue for collectors and fans of the genre. The first pressing of an album often holds a special value due to its limited availability and potential for unique sound characteristics.

APOCALYPSE (Band) - Self-titled 12" Vinyl LP
APOCALYPSE (Band) - Self-titled  album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

Apocalypse’s self-titled debut isn’t just an album; it’s a raw, frantic cry from the Swiss thrash underground. This 1988 first pressing snarls with distortion, speed, and venom, like Metallica’s cousin twice removed but twice as bitter. Out of Tune Records births this obscure beast, dripping with riffs, rebellion, and a “screw you” attitude that feels like a mosh pit in a collapsing Swiss chalet.

Album Summary: 

Thrash Metal act APOCALYPSE's debut, originally released on Out Of Tune in Switzerland, was later picked up by Music For Nations, who released it through their Under One Flag imprint. 

Music Genre:

Obscure Swiss Thrash Metal Music 

Album Production Information: 

Produced by Apocalypse

Original 1st Swiss Pressing.

Recorded by Jean Ristory at Aquarius Studios Geneva (Correct spelling of the name must have been Jean Ristori)

Mixed by Fleming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen

  • Flemming Rasmussen – Producer, Sound Engineer

    Sweet Silence Studios founder/engineer whose fingerprints show up on metal records that sound way bigger than the room they were made in.

    Flemming Rasmussen is one of those behind-the-glass names I keep spotting like a quality stamp: a Danish producer and sound engineer, and the founder of Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen. His timeline reads like a metal history syllabus I actually want to study: Rainbow (1981), then Metallica (1984–1988: Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, ...And Justice for All), followed by Artillery (1990), Morbid Angel (1993), Blind Guardian (1995–1998), Ensiferum (2003–2004), and Evile (2007). He even won a Grammy for producing Metallica’s "One" (1989), which is kind of hilarious when you remember that song is basically anxiety with military boots on.

  • Jean Ristory - Sound Engineer (Correct spelling of the name must have been Jean Ristori)

    Carlos "Tico" Torres - Art Concept

    Eric Philippe - Logo and Cover Illustration

  • Eric Philippe – Illustrator, graphic designer

    Eric Philippe is the kind of name I notice because the art hits first and the credits hit later: sharp airbrush fantasy vibes that helped Belgian metal look as intense as it sounded.

    Eric Philippe, is a Belgian illustrator and graphic designer based in Liege, known for airbrush-driven cover art and graphic work that shows up all over the rock and metal ecosystem. I associate him most with that classic Mausoleum-era visual punch: he’s credited for cover illustration/artwork on releases connected to bands like Crossfire, Killer, Ostrogoth, and Dark Wizard, and his style nails that sweet spot between fantasy menace and clean, readable design. When it comes to “performed with bands,” I don’t see him documented as a band member; his performing happens on paper and paint, where he basically builds the stage before the first riff even lands.

  • Joseph Carlucci - Photographer

     Record Label: 

    Out of Time Records DT 277-1 

     Record Format

    12" Vinyl LP Record  

    Year & Country:

    1988 Made in Switzerland 

     

    Band Members and Musicians on: Apocalypse self-titled Rare Swiss Thrash Metal Pressing
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • Carlos Sprenger - Vocals
    • Julien Brocher - Guitars
    • Zurich Zurcher - Guitars
    • Jean Claude Schneider - Bass Guitar
    • Momos Domenjoz - Drums
    Complete Track Listing of: Apocalypse self-titled Rare Swiss Thrash Metal Pressing

     

      Side One:
    1. Digital Life
    2. A Tale of a Nightmare
    3. Crash! (Instrumental)
    4. F**K Off and Die
      Side Two:
    1. The Night Before
    2. Apocalypse
    3. Back to the Fire
    4. Dark Sword (Instrumental)
    5. Cemetry