LIVING DEATH - Vengeance Of Hell 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Skull Mausoleum Records Release

Album cover of Living Death’s Vengeance of Hell featuring a skeletal warrior in spiked armor with a blood-drenched sword and shield, flanked by shadowy demonic figures against a crimson apocalyptic sky.

Living Death's "Vengeance Of Hell" is a seminal 12" vinyl LP album, a landmark in the 1980s German metal scene. Formed by Thorsten Bergmann, Frank Fricke, Reiner Kelch, and Dieter Kelch, the album's recording process involved a collaboration with Axel and Ralf. Fusing thrash and traditional metal, it remains an enduring classic, showcasing the band's musical prowess and leaving an indelible mark on the history of heavy metal.

"Vengeance Of Hell" Album Description:

In the world of heavy metal history, certain albums stand as iconic testaments to the genre's power and influence. Living Death's "Vengeance Of Hell" is undeniably one such masterpiece. Released as a 12" vinyl LP album, this seminal work has left an indelible mark on the metal landscape. In this expository article, we delve into the creation history of this album, exploring the origins, key contributors, and the unique characteristics that make it a revered classic.

Origins and Formation:

"Vengeance Of Hell" emerged from the depths of the German metal scene in the early 1980s. The band, consisting of Thorsten "Toto" Bergmann on vocals, Frank Fricke and Reiner Kelch on guitars, and Dieter Kelch on bass, coalesced with a shared passion for crafting intense and raw metal music. The formation of Living Death marked a significant chapter in the burgeoning European metal movement, adding a unique flavor to the diverse tapestry of the genre.

The Recording Process:

The recording sessions for "Vengeance Of Hell" took place at a crucial juncture in the band's career. The album, released on the Mausoleum Skull and Earthshaker labels, showcased the distinctive blend of aggression and melody that would become Living Death's signature. Frank Fricke, a guitarist deeply entrenched in the metal scene, played a pivotal role not only in his guitar work but also in collaborating with Axel and Ralf on the remix of the album. This collaborative effort ensured that the final product resonated with the band's vision and the evolving sound of the metal scene.

Musical Landscape and Influence:

Living Death's "Vengeance Of Hell" reflected the musical landscape of its time, drawing inspiration from the burgeoning thrash metal movement while infusing elements of traditional heavy metal. The guitar prowess of Frank Fricke and Reiner Kelch, combined with Thorsten Bergmann's distinctive vocals, created a sonic experience that resonated with metal enthusiasts worldwide.

Band Members and Legacy:

The lineup of Living Death for "Vengeance Of Hell" played a crucial role in shaping the album's identity. Thorsten Bergmann's commanding vocals, Frank Fricke and Reiner Kelch's dynamic guitar work, and Dieter Kelch's solid bass foundation formed the backbone of this metal opus. The legacy of "Vengeance Of Hell" is further cemented by the lasting impact of the band members' contributions, both individually and as a collective force.

Collector Notes:

Album Production Information:

Music Genre:

 Speed/Thrash Metal 

The album: "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" was produced by: Axel Thubeauville - Producer for Metallian Music.

Axel Thubeauville is a pioneering music producer and record company owner who played a crucial role in shaping the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene. As the founder of Metallian Music, Earthshaker Records, Aaarrg Records, and Shark Records, he launched numerous legendary bands. His dedication to underground metal remains unmatched. Learn more in his biography.

Ralph "Ralf" Hubert - Sound Engineer

  • Ralph "Ralf" Hubert – Record Producer, Sound Engineer, Musician

    He is the guy who can make a mid-budget German metal band sound like it had a plan all along.

    Ralph "Ralf" Hubert is the kind of German studio hawk who makes a band sound sharper than they actually are (a compliment). Back in Sep-Nov 1984 I can place him behind the desk at Sound-Partner Studio in Kirchhellen, engineering Stormwind sessions with that clean, metallic bite. From 1985 onward he stepped out from the control room as bassist, writer and guiding hand in Mekong Delta, where precision riffing and surgical low-end are the whole religion. Across the late 1980s and beyond, his name keeps popping up in metal credits-usually where the drums are tight and the guitars stop flapping. Producer, engineer, musician: the link between sweaty rehearsal rooms and the cold, exacting final mix.

    • Recorded at Studio Wahn, Bochum, Germany, May-June 1984 and released later in 1984.

    Detlef Braun - Artwork

  • Detlef Braun – Illustrator, Album Cover Artwork

    I have grabbed LPs just because his painted chaos looked expensive.

    Detlef Braun is a German graphic artist and album-sleeve illustrator who, in the mid-1980s, gave the West German metal underground its painted fangs. From roughly 1984 to 1986 his name turns up on covers for Atlain ("Living in the Dark"), Living Death ("Vengeance of Hell"), Avenger ("Prayers of Steel"), Breaker ("Dead Rider"), Brainfever ("Face to Face", sometimes credited as "Detlev Braun"), and Steeltower ("Night of the Dog"). His calling card is bold, airbrushed drama: reapers, monsters, and steel-on-steel attitude, the kind of imagery that made me flip the record over before I even bothered to read the tracklist. I still love how those sleeves scream "serious business" while the budget probably said "two beers and a prayer".

    Detlef Braun Wiki
    		•

    Record Label & Catalognr:

     Mausoleum Records – SKULL 8360, Earthshaker Records – ES 4002

    Packaging:

    This album includes the original insert sheet with band-photos on one side and lyrics of all the songs performed by "Living Death" on the other side.

    Record Format:

    12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

    Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram

    Year & Country:

      1984 Belgium
    Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • Thorsten "Toto" Bergmann - Vocals
    • Frank Fricke - Guitars (Frank Fricke also worked on the remix of this album together with Axel and Ralf)
    • Reiner Kelch - Guitars (Reiner Kelch Guitarist from 1981 until 1991 with "Living Death", 1985 X-Mas Project, "Mekong Delta" from 1987 until 1988.)
    • Dieter Kelch - Bass
    • Andreas Oberhoff - Drumss
    Complete Track-listing of the album "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell"

    The detailed tracklist of this record "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" is:

      Track-listing Side One:
    1. You And Me 4:13
    2. Living Death 4:07
    3. Night Light 5:45
    4. My Victim 4:15
    5. Labyrinth 3:15
      Track-listing Side Two:
    1. Heavy Metal Hurricane 3:48
    2. Hellpike 4:07
    3. Riding A Virgin 4:03
    4. Vengeance Of Hell 5:14
    High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record

    The front cover of Living Death’s Vengeance of Hell album presents a chilling, apocalyptic scene bathed in deep crimson hues. Dominating the composition is a menacing skeletal warrior clad in black, spiked armor with curved horns on its helmet. The warrior grips a blood-drenched sword and shield, evoking the imagery of vengeance and destruction.

    Flanking the central figure are shadowy, demonic silhouettes wielding weapons, further amplifying the dark and foreboding atmosphere. A blood-red sky filled with scattered white specks resembles a starry night or ash falling from a fiery apocalypse. The title “Vengeance of Hell” appears in gothic-style white text at the top left, while the band’s sharp, angular logo is displayed prominently in the top right corner, matching the metal aesthetic.

    The artwork captures the raw, aggressive energy of the album’s thrash and speed metal themes, serving as a perfect visual representation of the chaos and brutality within.

    Album Back Cover  Photo of "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell"
    High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record

    The back cover of Living Death’s Vengeance of Hell album features a monochromatic design with a central focus on black-and-white photographs of the band members in action. These dynamic images showcase the energy and intensity of their performances, aligning with the album’s aggressive thrash metal theme. The band’s logo, Living Death, is prominently displayed in red at the top, with the album title, Vengeance of Hell, written below it in gothic-style black text.

    Production Credits:

    Producer: Axel Thubeauville for Metallian Music

    Engineer: Ralf Hubert

    Recorded at: Studio Wahn, Bochum, West Germany (May/June 1984)

    Re-Mix by: Axel Thubeauville, Ralf Hubert, and Frank Fricke

    Publishing: All songs published by Metallian Music

    Management and Contact:

    Management: Mucky Hüppe
    Address: Gelsenkrichen, West Germany
    Phone Number: (49) 209-46464

    Band Members (credited as performers):

    Thorsten Bergmann – Vocals

    Frank Fricke – Guitars

    Reiner Kelch – Guitars

    Dieter Kelch – Bass

    Andreas Oberhoff – Drums

    Additional Information:

    The back cover also includes credits for the Road Crew and acknowledgments to supporters and collaborators, including “Demonic Heads” and notable magazines like Aardschok. It concludes with a special thanks to Frank S. for “the past and the future.”

    At the bottom, the logo of Mausoleum Records is present, accompanied by the catalog numbers (SKULL 8360, ES 4002). The cover maintains a raw, underground metal aesthetic, consistent with the album’s dark and rebellious themes.

    Insert  of "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" Album
    High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record
    Photo of "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" Album's Insert
    High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record

    This 12” insert for Living Death’s Vengeance of Hell album is a collage of black-and-white photographs showcasing the band’s high-energy performances and behind-the-scenes moments. The layout consists of overlapping images, giving it a raw, DIY aesthetic that complements the underground thrash metal vibe of the album.

    Visual Details:

    Performance Photos: Several pictures capture the band on stage, displaying their intense energy and interaction with the crowd. The band members are dressed in classic heavy metal attire, including leather jackets, studs, and spiked armbands.

    Behind-the-Scenes Moments: Some photos depict the band offstage, including casual moments like sitting on a motorbike, interacting with fans, or preparing for a show. These images highlight the band’s camaraderie and personality.

    Instruments: Amplifiers, drum kits, and guitars are prominently featured, reinforcing the band’s musical intensity.

    The insert effectively conveys the raw power and personality of Living Death, immersing the viewer in their world of thrash metal rebellion and chaos. This piece serves as both a visual representation of their music and a memento for fans.

    Enlarged & Zoomed photo of "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" album back cover

    Using the marked/"highlighted" rectangles below , you will be able to correctly identify this release of the album.

    High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record  
    Photo of "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" 12" LP Record - Side One:
    High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record

    This record label for Living Death’s Vengeance of Hell is a visually striking design released under Mausoleum Records. It features a dramatic, stormy background with lightning bolts cutting across a moody, cloud-filled sky. The label maintains a dark, ominous aesthetic that aligns with the album’s heavy metal themes.

    Key Elements:

    Mausoleum Records Logo: Prominently displayed at the top, the label name is written in bold red letters with a dripping blood effect, adding to the macabre and gothic aesthetic.

    Album and Artist Name: Below the logo, the album title Vengeance of Hell and the artist name Living Death are printed in a clean, serif font, ensuring clarity.

    Catalog Number and Origin: The catalog number Skull 8360 is printed on the left side, along with the text Made in Belgium, identifying the release specifics.

    Credits:

    Composers and lyricists are credited, including R. Kelch, T. Bergmann, and others.

    Published by Metallian Music.

    Production by Axel Thubeauville for Metallian Music and engineering by Ralf Hubert.

    Legal and Copyright Notice: Surrounding the label’s edge is the standard copyright disclaimer, stating restrictions on reproduction, lending, and broadcasting.

    The overall design effectively combines dark, atmospheric imagery with the album’s branding, reinforcing its place in the pantheon of 1980s thrash and speed metal. The lightning and cloud motif complements the album’s aggressive and apocalyptic themes, making it both visually appealing and thematically consistent.

    Photo of "LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
    High Resolution Photo LIVING DEATH Vengeance Of Hell Vinyl Record  

     Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

    Living Death: The Thrash Metal Legends from Germany

    Band Description:

      Living Death was a German thrash metal band that formed in 1981 in Velbert, a city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The band is regarded as one of the pioneers of the German thrash metal scene, along with bands like Kreator, Sodom, and Destruction. Living Death was known for their fast and aggressive style of music, combined with dark and satanic lyrics that often dealt with death, horror, and the occult.

      History

      Living Death was formed in 1981 by guitarist Frank Fricke, bassist Dieter Kelch, drummer Reiner Kelch, and vocalist Thorsten Bergmann. The band released their debut album, "Vengeance of Hell," in 1984, which was well-received by both critics and fans of the genre. The album featured fast and aggressive thrash metal tracks like "You and Me," "Heavy Metal Hurricane," and "Nightlight," and established Living Death as a force to be reckoned with in the German thrash metal scene.

      Living Death went on to release several more albums throughout the 1980s, including "Protected from Reality" (1987), "Worlds Neuroses" (1988), and "Killing in Action" (1991). The band's sound evolved over time, with later albums featuring more complex arrangements and a more polished production. However, Living Death never lost their signature aggressive style, and their music continued to be well-received by thrash metal fans around the world.

      Legacy

      Living Death's influence on the thrash metal genre cannot be overstated. Along with other German thrash metal bands like Kreator, Sodom, and Destruction, Living Death helped to establish Germany as a major center of the thrash metal scene in the 1980s. The band's fast and aggressive style of music, combined with dark and satanic lyrics, set the template for many thrash metal bands that followed.

      Living Death's music continues to be revered by thrash metal fans around the world, and the band's influence can be heard in the music of many modern thrash metal bands. Despite never achieving the same level of commercial success as some of their peers, Living Death remains a cult favorite among thrash metal fans, and their legacy as pioneers of the genre is secure.

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    Learn more

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    - Watch Out! 12" LP

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    Mausoleum Vinyl Records Discography

    MAUSOLEUM Records: Belgian keepers of a vast vinyl legacy. Founded in 1980, their catalog spans heavy metal, hard rock, and punk. Discover rare gems, cult classics, and legendary artists. Dive into their discography and unearth the sonic treasures waiting to be spun.