APOCRYPHA - The Forgotten Scroll 12" Vinyl LP Album

In the world of American Thrash and Power Metal, "The Forgotten Scroll" marks Apocrypha's debut studio album on a 12" Vinyl LP. Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, the band emerged in 1987, leaving an enduring impact until their hiatus in 1991. This album encapsulates Apocrypha's dynamic fusion, showcasing their prowess in delivering a compelling musical narrative through powerful thrash and metal influences.

 

Large Album Front Cover Photo of APOCRYPHA - The Forgotten Scroll

Apocrypha's "The Forgotten Scroll": A Testament to American Power/Speed Metal
Album Description:

Released in 1987 on Shrapnel Records, "The Forgotten Scroll" is the debut studio album from the American heavy metal band Apocrypha. Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, the band emerged during a time when power metal and speed metal were gaining momentum in the United States. While not achieving mainstream success, the album solidified Apocrypha's place as a significant contributor to the American power/speed metal scene.

Historical Context and Genre

"The Forgotten Scroll" arrived at a time when power metal and speed metal were flourishing in the underground metal scene. Bands like Helloween, Running Wild, and Riot were leading the charge, inspiring a new generation of American bands to embrace the genre's fast tempos, melodic vocals, and epic song structures. Apocrypha's debut album captured the essence of this movement, with its blend of technical proficiency, aggressive energy, and melodic sensibilities.

The album's music is a potent mix of power metal and speed metal, with elements of thrash metal and traditional heavy metal. The vocals are soaring and powerful, the guitars are fast and intricate, and the rhythm section is tight and energetic. The band's sound is characterized by its complex song structures, intricate guitar solos, and powerful drumming.

Musical Exploration

"The Forgotten Scroll" showcases Apocrypha's songwriting talent and their ability to craft memorable heavy metal anthems. Tracks like "Penance (Keep the Faith)," "Lost Children of Hope," and "Holy Wars (Only Lock the Doors)" are full of energy and passion, while "Fall of the Crest" and "Tablet of Destiny" showcase the band's more melodic and atmospheric side. The album's diversity reflects the band's willingness to experiment within the power/speed metal framework, creating a sound that was both familiar and distinctive.

Lyrically, the album explores themes of fantasy, mythology, and social commentary. The lyrics are often poetic and evocative, creating a sense of epic storytelling that complements the music's grandeur.

Production and Recording

The album was recorded at Prairie Sun Recording Studios in Cotati, California, and mastered at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. The production team, led by Marty Friedman (ex-Megadeth), captured the band's raw energy while ensuring a polished sound that met the standards of the time.

Essential Album Information For: APOCRYPHA - The Forgotten Scroll

Music Genre:

Power Metal / Speed Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Roadrunner Records ‎– RR 9568

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

1988 Made in the Netherlands for European distribution

APOCRYPHA - The Forgotten Scroll Production & Recording Information

Producers:

Marty Friedman - Producer

  • Marty Friedman – Lead guitarist, songwriter Marty Friedman changed how I hear metal guitar by refusing to play it safe. After shredding boundaries with Cacophony in the late ’80s, he became Megadeth’s secret weapon from 1990 to 2000, shaping classics like “Rust in Peace” with phrasing that felt exotic, melodic, and slightly unhinged. His later solo work and deep dive into Japanese music only confirmed he follows curiosity, not rules.
    Marty Friedman Wiki

    • Mike Varney - Executive Producer

  • Mike Varney – Producer, Shrapnel Records founder

    The behind-the-scenes catalyst of the 80s shred boom, with late-70s punk fingerprints all over his origin story.

    Mike Varney is the American producer and label boss who turned fast fingers into a business plan. I first clocked him in the late 1970s, thumping bass in San Francisco punks The Nuns, then moving to guitar with the Rocky Sullivan Band. Out in Novato, California, he founded Shrapnel Records in 1980, and by the early 1980s he was hunting new monsters via Guitar Player "Spotlight" and the U.S. Metal compilations. Mid-80s he supercharged the shred boom with releases tied to Steeler (with Yngwie Malmsteen) and Racer X, then kept the pipeline hot for Cacophony, Vinnie Moore, Tony MacAlpine and friends. Later he widened the map with Tone Center and Blues Bureau, still betting on feel as much as speed.

    Mike Varney Wiki
    • Sound & Recording Engineers:

    Steve Fontano - Sound Engineer

    Steve Fontano is a renowned music producer and sound engineer whose expertise shaped the sound of 1980s Heavy Metal. Known for his work with W.A.S.P., Racer X, and Tony MacAlpine, his technical mastery brought iconic albums to life. A key figure in the genre, Fontano’s contributions continue to influence music production today. Learn more about his career on the Steve Fontano biography page.

    Dino Alden - 2nd Sound Engineer

  • Dino Alden – Sound engineer, producer

    The guy behind that Shrapnel-era snap: fast guitars, clean punch, and not a single ounce of studio perfume.

    Dino Alden is an American sound engineer and producer who put chrome on a whole slice of metal without killing the bite. His first band chapter ran with Childhood's End (?-1985), then he slid into the Shrapnel machine: assistant work on M.A.R.S (1986), Tony MacAlpine's "Maximum Security" (1987), Cacophony's "Speed Metal Symphony" (1987) and Racer X "Second Heat" (1987), before engineering/mixing Marty Friedman's "Dragon's Kiss" (1988). After that he drove desks and mixes for Mordred (1989-1991), produced/engineered Imagika (1995-2000), and handled engineering/mixing/production for Zero Hour (1999-2008). Even in the 2000s he kept polishing Friedman's mixes (2002-2009).

    Dino Alden Wiki

    • George Horn - Mastering Engineer

  • George Horn – Chief Mastering Engineer

    If you ever trusted a deadwax whisper more than a press release, chances are his hands were on the last mile.

    George Horn is the Bay Area's quiet mad scientist of lacquer, a Chief Mastering Engineer who kept Fantasy Studios (Berkeley) and CBS Studios (San Francisco) sounding expensive without turning everything into plastic. I follow his trail from 1971 at Columbia/CBS (Coast Recorders), to Kendun Recorders in 1978, then the long Fantasy run from 1980 into the 2000s. In the Tom Hidley-designed mastering room built in the late 1970s, he cut and remastered a ridiculous spread: Charles Mingus and other jazz giants, plus rock lifers like Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Grateful Dead and Santana. In 2008 he opened his own Berkeley mastering room, still chasing clarity like it owed him money.

    George Horn Wiki
    • Recording Location:

    "The Forgotten Scroll" was recorded At – Prairie Sun Recording Studios and Mastered at Fantasy Studios

    Album Cover Design & Artwork:

    Bryan Sessions - Album Cover Concept

    Guilty And Innocent Productions - Album Cover Artwork

    Guy Aitchison - Album Cover Artwork

    Guy Aitchison has been designing and drawing Heavy Metal album covers during the mid to late-1980s. During this period he has drawn numerous album covers. Since 1988 he apprenticed in Chicago at Bob Olson's Custom Tattooing and became a tattooist. Guy Aitchison has been working often together with Steve Fontano, Dino Alden, and George Horn on the same heavy metal albums.

     

    Photography:

    Pat Johnson, an esteemed American photographer, has left an indelible mark in the world of photography with his remarkable talent for capturing the essence of great personalities in music, sports, and entertainment. Through his lens, he has immortalized some of the most iconic moments in history, creating a visual legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

    more...

    Born and raised in the vibrant city of New York, Pat Johnson discovered his passion for photography at an early age. Armed with a camera and an unwavering curiosity, he began honing his skills, capturing the energy and spirit of the people and places that surrounded him. As he delved deeper into his craft, his unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects became evident.

    During the 1980s, a defining era in both music and photography, Pat Johnson found himself in the midst of a creative explosion. He became an influential figure in the music industry, collaborating with renowned musicians and contributing to some of the era's most iconic album covers. His distinctive style and innovative approach allowed him to perfectly capture the essence of the artists and their music, turning each album cover into a visual masterpiece.

    With his keen eye for detail and an intuitive understanding of his subjects, Pat Johnson worked with a wide array of musicians, including legends such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen. His photographs adorned the covers of critically acclaimed albums, becoming an integral part of the music's visual narrative.

    Beyond the realm of music, Pat Johnson's talent extended to sports and entertainment. His work appeared in prominent magazines, capturing the intensity and grace of athletes in motion, the allure of Hollywood stars, and the vibrant energy of live performances. Through his photographs, he brought forth the emotions, stories, and struggles of those he captured, offering a glimpse into their world for all to witness.

    Pat Johnson's ability to establish a deep connection with his subjects, putting them at ease in front of the lens, was a testament to his genuine curiosity and respect for humanity. His photographs were not merely snapshots but narratives that conveyed the essence of each person he photographed, revealing layers of their personality and leaving an everlasting impression on the viewer.

    As the years passed, Pat Johnson's work continued to evolve, adapting to changing trends and technological advancements. His photographs not only documented the past but also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring photographers, constantly pushing the boundaries of the craft and redefining what it meant to capture a moment in time.

    Today, Pat Johnson's legacy as an American photographer remains unparalleled. His images continue to inspire generations, resonating with their raw emotion and artistic brilliance. His ability to immortalize the great personalities of music, sports, and entertainment in a single frame has solidified his place among the legends of the craft. Pat Johnson's remarkable career serves as a testament to the power of photography, reminding us that a single image has the ability to transcend time and capture the very essence of the human experience.

    Musicians on: APOCRYPHA - The Forgotten Scroll

    Band-members, Musicians:

    Steve Plocica - Lead Vocals

    Tony Fredianelli - Guitar, Keyboards

    Al Rumley - Bass Guitar

    Mike Poe - Drums

    Track-listing of: APOCRYPHA - The Forgotten Scroll

    Tracklisting Side One:
    1. Penance (Keep The Faith)
    2. Lost Children Of Hope
    3. Holy Wars (Only Lock The Doors)
    4. Fall Of The Crest
    5. Tablet Of Destiny
    Tracklisting Side Two:
    1. Look To The Sun
    2. Riding In The Night
    3. Distorted Reflections
    4. Broken Dream

    APOCRYPHA - The Forgotten Scroll High Resolution & Quality Photos

    Front Cover Photo Of APOCRYPHA - The Forgotten Scroll
    Dark fantasy-style painting shows a long-haired figure observing a mystical elder through a portal, surrounded by stormy windows, ancient books, and a fiery hearth.

    The album cover of Apocrypha - The Forgotten Scroll depicts an intense fantasy scene rich in symbolic imagery and atmosphere. At the center is a large vertical mirror or mystical portal with glowing red trim, framed by dripping wax, through which we see a bearded, hooded elder dressed in red, intensely studying a glowing scroll. The elder's long white beard and aged face suggest deep wisdom or sorcery. His eyes peer downward, transfixed by the ancient script, while his hands press against the document as if invoking its power.

    The viewer's perspective is from behind another figure in the foreground—perhaps an acolyte or the album's protagonist—with long gray-blue hair, seated before the mirror. One of their hands is placed on a wooden table covered in scrolls and books. An inkwell rests nearby, emphasizing the importance of writing or transcription in the scene.

    Flanking the scene are two large gothic windows, each revealing an electrified night sky filled with forks of lightning and heavy storm clouds. On the left, a bookshelf is stacked with worn tomes, their spines inscribed with cryptic runes or fantasy titles. On the right, a large fire blazes within a stone hearth, casting light and shadow dramatically across the room. More arcane books line the shelves above the fire. The overall palette consists of dark tones, electric blues, fiery oranges, and eerie reds, evoking a heavy metal sensibility steeped in mysticism, knowledge, and power.

    Photo Of The Back Cover APOCRYPHA - The Forgotten Scroll
    Back cover of Apocrypha's 'The Forgotten Scroll' featuring a parchment scroll layout with tracklist, band photo, credits, and wooden background.

    The back cover of Apocrypha - The Forgotten Scroll features a parchment scroll unfurled over a textured wooden surface that forms the background. At the top center of the scroll, the band name “APOCRYPHA” appears in its signature crimson gothic typeface. Below this title is a small, rectangular band photo showing the four members: Al Rumley (bass), Steve Plocica (vocals), Tony Fredianelli (guitar), and Mike Poe (drums). They pose in sleeveless leather and denim attire typical of the 1980s metal scene, with intense expressions and dramatic lighting.

    The scroll is divided into two columns listing the album’s tracks. On the left side (Side A): “Penance (Keep the Faith),” “Lost Children of Hope,” “Holy Wars (Only Lock the Doors),” “Fall of the Crest,” and “Tablet of Destiny.” On the right (Side B): “Look to the Sun,” “Riding in the Night,” “Distorted Reflections,” and “Broken Dream.” All songs are credited to Tony Fredianelli.

    Below the tracklist, production credits include Marty Friedman as producer, Steve Fontano as engineer, and George Horn as mastering engineer. The album was recorded at Prairie Sun Studios in Cotati, California. Art direction and design are credited to Fantasy Studios and Paragon Design, while photography is by Pat Johnson. A small dedication reads: “This album is dedicated to the memory of Chen.” At the bottom right, Roadrunner Records and Shrapnel Records logos are printed along with barcode and catalog info.

    Photo of Record Label Side One of APOCRYPHA - The Forgotten Scroll
    Side One record label of Apocrypha's The Forgotten Scroll with tracklist, production credits, and Roadrunner logo on grey background.

    This is the Side One center label of the vinyl release of Apocrypha – The Forgotten Scroll. The label is a matte light grey with bold black print. Prominently at the top is the red-and-white Roadrunner Records logo, with a large capital "R" inside a red box next to the word "ROADRUNNER" in a strong serif font.

    Side One contains five tracks: “Penance (Keep the Faith),” “Lost Children of Hope,” “Holy Wars (Only Lock the Doors),” “Fall of the Crest,” and “Tablet of Destiny.” The artist name, APOCRYPHA, appears just below the tracklist in bold, followed by the credit: “All words and music by Tony Fredianelli.” Additional text notes that all songs were published by Varney Metal Music and the album was produced by Marty Friedman.

    Around the edge of the label, printed in red uppercase text, is a warning prohibiting unauthorized use. On the left side, the rights society is marked with "STEMRA" and the label code "LC 9321" inside an oval. On the right side, the catalog number “RR 9568” and the words “STEREO” and “33 rpm” are printed in bold. Vertically aligned red text on the far right reads “MADE IN HOLLAND.” At the bottom center, © 1988 SHARPNEL RECORDS / ROADRUNNER PRODUCTIONS B.V. and © 1988 SHARPNEL RECORDS are listed.