Alex Perialas
Encyclopedia
Alex Perialas is an American
audio engineer, mixer, and record producer
, best known for his extensive work during the "golden age" of thrash metal
in the mid–1980s to early–1990s. Having worked with many of the genre's top acts, including Overkill
, Testament
, Anthrax, Nuclear Assault
, S.O.D.
, and Flotsam & Jetsam
, Perialas later went on to work with hardcore punk
band Bad Religion
, groove metal
band Pro-Pain
and hip–hop/rock band Such A Surge.
In addition to owning and operating Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca, New York
, where he still does mixing and recording, Perialas is also the director of the Sound Recording Technology program at Ithaca College
in Ithaca, NY.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
audio engineer, mixer, and record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, best known for his extensive work during the "golden age" of thrash metal
Thrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
in the mid–1980s to early–1990s. Having worked with many of the genre's top acts, including Overkill
Overkill (band)
Overkill is an American thrash metal band, formed in 1980 in New Jersey. They have gone through many line-up changes, with singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni remaining from the original lineup. Along with Anthrax , the band is one of the most successful East Coast thrash metal...
, Testament
Testament (band)
Testament is an American metal band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
, Anthrax, Nuclear Assault
Nuclear Assault
Nuclear Assault is an American thrash metal/crossover thrash band formed in 1984.-History:After the release of Anthrax's debut album Fistful of Metal, bass player Danny Lilker, a founding member of the group, was fired by the band...
, S.O.D.
Stormtroopers of Death
Stormtroopers of Death, better known as S.O.D., was a crossover thrash band formed in New York in 1985. They are commonly credited as being among the first bands to fuse hardcore punk with thrash metal into a style sometimes called "crossover thrash." The song "March of the S.O.D.," from their 1985...
, and Flotsam & Jetsam
Flotsam and Jetsam (band)
Flotsam and Jetsam is a thrash metal band that formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 1982.-1981-1986: The beginning:The band's original name was "Paradox" founded by Drummer Kelly David-Smith and two other guitarists, until 1982 when bassist Jason Newsted joined. Jason had come to Phoenix with his band...
, Perialas later went on to work with hardcore punk
Hardcore punk
Hardcore punk is an underground music genre that originated in the late 1970s, following the mainstream success of punk rock. Hardcore is generally faster, thicker, and heavier than earlier punk rock. The origin of the term "hardcore punk" is uncertain. The Vancouver-based band D.O.A...
band Bad Religion
Bad Religion
Bad Religion is a punk rock band that formed in Los Angeles in 1979. Their current line-up consists of Greg Graffin , Brett Gurewitz , Jay Bentley , Greg Hetson , Brian Baker and Brooks Wackerman . Gurewitz is also the founder of the label Epitaph Records, which has released almost all of the...
, groove metal
Groove metal
Groove metal is a subgenre of heavy metal. It was often used to describe Pantera and Exhorder.- Characteristics and origins :Pantera's Cowboys from Hell album from 1990 was described as "groundbreaking" and "blueprint-defining" for the groove metal genre...
band Pro-Pain
Pro-Pain
Pro-Pain is a New York-based hardcore band formed in 1991 by vocalist and bass guitarist Gary Meskil and drummer Dan Richardson, both former members of Crumbsuckers. Debut album Foul Taste of Freedom was released in 1992, displaying hardcore punk and rap metal influences, after which the band...
and hip–hop/rock band Such A Surge.
In addition to owning and operating Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca, New York
Ithaca, New York
The city of Ithaca, is a city in upstate New York and the county seat of Tompkins County, as well as the largest community in the Ithaca-Tompkins County metropolitan area...
, where he still does mixing and recording, Perialas is also the director of the Sound Recording Technology program at Ithaca College
Ithaca College
Ithaca College is a private college located on the South Hill of Ithaca, New York. The school was founded by William Egbert in 1892 as a conservatory of music. The college has a strong liberal arts core, but also offers several pre-professional programs and some graduate programs. The college is...
in Ithaca, NY.
Works 1985 - 1998
- Without Warning – Step Beyond (1998), Producer
- Bad ReligionBad ReligionBad Religion is a punk rock band that formed in Los Angeles in 1979. Their current line-up consists of Greg Graffin , Brett Gurewitz , Jay Bentley , Greg Hetson , Brian Baker and Brooks Wackerman . Gurewitz is also the founder of the label Epitaph Records, which has released almost all of the...
– No SubstanceNo SubstanceNo Substance is the tenth full-length album by the punk rock band Bad Religion. It was the band's third release on Atlantic Records, and their second studio album since guitarist Brett Gurewitz's departure.No Substance was anticipated by both music critics and fans as a result of the band's...
(1998), Producer (with Bad Religion & Ronnie Kimball) - Without Warning – Believe (1996), Producer
- Accuser - Taken by the Throat (1995), Producer
- Such A Surge – Under Pressure (1995), Producer (all but one track)
- Such A Surge – Schatten (1995), Producer
- Accuser - Reflections (1994), Producer
- Pro-PainPro-PainPro-Pain is a New York-based hardcore band formed in 1991 by vocalist and bass guitarist Gary Meskil and drummer Dan Richardson, both former members of Crumbsuckers. Debut album Foul Taste of Freedom was released in 1992, displaying hardcore punk and rap metal influences, after which the band...
– The Truth Hurts (1994), Producer (with Gary Meskil) - OverkillOverkill (band)Overkill is an American thrash metal band, formed in 1980 in New Jersey. They have gone through many line-up changes, with singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni remaining from the original lineup. Along with Anthrax , the band is one of the most successful East Coast thrash metal...
– I Hear BlackI Hear BlackI Hear Black is the sixth studio album by thrash metal band Overkill in 1993 on Atlantic Records. It was the band's first to feature drummer Tim Mallare.-Overview:...
(1993), Producer (with Overkill) - S.O.D.Stormtroopers of DeathStormtroopers of Death, better known as S.O.D., was a crossover thrash band formed in New York in 1985. They are commonly credited as being among the first bands to fuse hardcore punk with thrash metal into a style sometimes called "crossover thrash." The song "March of the S.O.D.," from their 1985...
– Live At BudokanLive at Budokan (S.O.D. album)Live at Budokan is a live album released by American crossover thrash band Stormtroopers of Death. The album is a recording of a one-off re-union gig put on by the band, and includes the majority of the longer tracks from their first album and some previously unheard tracks, as well as covers of...
(1992), Producer, Mixer, Engineer - Pro-PainPro-PainPro-Pain is a New York-based hardcore band formed in 1991 by vocalist and bass guitarist Gary Meskil and drummer Dan Richardson, both former members of Crumbsuckers. Debut album Foul Taste of Freedom was released in 1992, displaying hardcore punk and rap metal influences, after which the band...
– Foul Taste Of Freedom (1992), Producer, Recorder, Mixer - SilenceSilenceSilence is the relative or total lack of audible sound. By analogy, the word silence may also refer to any absence of communication, even in media other than speech....
- 3 song demo tape featuring One Race (1991), Engineer, Recorder, Mixer - Flotsam & JetsamFlotsam and Jetsam (band)Flotsam and Jetsam is a thrash metal band that formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 1982.-1981-1986: The beginning:The band's original name was "Paradox" founded by Drummer Kelly David-Smith and two other guitarists, until 1982 when bassist Jason Newsted joined. Jason had come to Phoenix with his band...
– When The Storm Comes DownWhen the Storm Comes downWhen the Storm Comes Down is the third studio album by Flotsam and Jetsam, released in 1990. Re-released on June 10, 2008 by Metal Mind Productions. This release is remastered with a bonus track and limited to 2000 copies. The re-release also contains new packaging and liner notes from band members...
(1990), Recorder, Mixer - Vio-lenceVio-lenceVio-lence was a thrash metal band formed in 1985 in the San Francisco Bay Area. They released demo tapes, one EP and 3 LPs between 1985 and 1993. Their most stable line-up was Phil Demmel and Robb Flynn on guitars, Deen Dell on bass, Perry Strickland on drums and Sean Killian on vocals.- 1985 -...
– Oppressing The MassesOppressing the Masses-Credits:*Sean Killian - Vocals*Phil Demmel - Guitar*Robb Flynn - Guitar*Dean Dell - Bass*Perry Strickland - Drums...
(1990), Producer, Recorder, Mixer - TestamentTestament (band)Testament is an American metal band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
– Practice What You PreachPractice What You Preach"Practice What You Preach" is the title of a number-one R&B single by singer Barry White from his 1994 album The Icon Is Love. The hit song spent three weeks at number-one on the US R&B chart and reached 18 on the pop chart. The 1994 single also won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Song...
(1989), Producer - Anthrax – PenikufesinPenikufesinPenikufesin is the name of the third EP by the band Anthrax. It was released in August 1989 by Megaforce Records / Island Records in Europe and Japan...
EP (1989), Associate Producer, Engineer - M.O.D.M.O.D.M.O.D. was a crossover thrash band from New York City, fronted by former Anthrax roadie and Stormtroopers of Death vocalist Billy Milano. The band existed from 1986 to 1997, and again from 2001 to 2008...
– Gross MisconductGross MisconductGross Misconduct is the second album from crossover thrash metal band, M.O.D.. It was released in 1989 on Megaforce Records and Noise International and follows 1988's Surfin' M.O.D. It was three years until the band released another record, with Rhythm of Fear in 1992.-Overview:Lyrically, Milano...
(1989), Producer, Engineer - Holy MosesHoly MosesHoly Moses is a German thrash metal band. They are well noted for being fronted by Sabina Classen and for being one of the very first German thrash metal bands.-Formative years: 1980-1985:...
– The New Machine of Lichtenstein (1989), Producer - OverkillOverkill (band)Overkill is an American thrash metal band, formed in 1980 in New Jersey. They have gone through many line-up changes, with singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni remaining from the original lineup. Along with Anthrax , the band is one of the most successful East Coast thrash metal...
– Under the Influence (1988), Producer (with Overkill), Engineer - TestamentTestament (band)Testament is an American metal band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
– The New OrderThe New OrderThe New Order is the second album by American heavy metal band Testament, released on May 10, 1988. It is the album that broke Testament into the thrash metal mainstream, with singles "Trial by Fire" and "The Preacher"...
(1988), Producer - Anthrax – State of EuphoriaState of EuphoriaState of Euphoria is the fourth studio album by the American heavy metal band Anthrax. It was released on September 19, 1988 through Megaforce/Island Records.-Album information:...
(1988), Engineer - M.O.D.M.O.D.M.O.D. was a crossover thrash band from New York City, fronted by former Anthrax roadie and Stormtroopers of Death vocalist Billy Milano. The band existed from 1986 to 1997, and again from 2001 to 2008...
– U.S.A. for M.O.D.U.S.A. for M.O.D.U.S.A. for M.O.D. is the debut full-length studio album from American crossover thrash band, M.O.D.. It was released in 1987 on Megaforce Records. In 1988, the band subsequently released the EP, Surfin' M.O.D..-Album name:...
(1987), Producer (with Scott IanScott IanScott Ian Rosenfeld , better known by the stage name Scott Ian, is an American musician, best known as the rhythm & lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Anthrax. Ian is also the guitarist and a founding member of the crossover thrash band Stormtroopers of Death...
) - TestamentTestament (band)Testament is an American metal band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
– The Legacy (1987), Producer - Carnivore – Retaliation (1987), Producer
- Nuclear AssaultNuclear AssaultNuclear Assault is an American thrash metal/crossover thrash band formed in 1984.-History:After the release of Anthrax's debut album Fistful of Metal, bass player Danny Lilker, a founding member of the group, was fired by the band...
– Game Over (1987), Producer - OverkillOverkill (band)Overkill is an American thrash metal band, formed in 1980 in New Jersey. They have gone through many line-up changes, with singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni remaining from the original lineup. Along with Anthrax , the band is one of the most successful East Coast thrash metal...
– !!!Fuck You!!! EP (1987), Producer - Nuclear AssaultNuclear AssaultNuclear Assault is an American thrash metal/crossover thrash band formed in 1984.-History:After the release of Anthrax's debut album Fistful of Metal, bass player Danny Lilker, a founding member of the group, was fired by the band...
– Brain Death (EP)Brain Death (EP)Brain Death was an EP released by thrash metal band Nuclear Assault.-Track listing:# "Brain Death"# "Final Flight"# "Demolition"...
(1986), Producer - S.O.D.Stormtroopers of DeathStormtroopers of Death, better known as S.O.D., was a crossover thrash band formed in New York in 1985. They are commonly credited as being among the first bands to fuse hardcore punk with thrash metal into a style sometimes called "crossover thrash." The song "March of the S.O.D.," from their 1985...
– Speak English Or DieSpeak English or DieSpeak English or Die is the first studio album by the crossover thrash band Stormtroopers of Death .After Anthrax finished recording Spreading the Disease, there was still some studio time left, so Scott Ian and Charlie Benante called some friends, practiced some songs, and recorded it all within...
(1985), Producer (with Scott IanScott IanScott Ian Rosenfeld , better known by the stage name Scott Ian, is an American musician, best known as the rhythm & lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Anthrax. Ian is also the guitarist and a founding member of the crossover thrash band Stormtroopers of Death...
) - Anthrax – Spreading the DiseaseSpreading the DiseaseSpreading the Disease is the second studio album by the American heavy metal band Anthrax. It was released on October 30, 1985 through Megaforce Worldwide/Island Records. It was the band's first album to feature vocalist Joey Belladonna and bassist Frank Bello.-Album information:The band produced...
(1985), Engineer - OverkillOverkill (band)Overkill is an American thrash metal band, formed in 1980 in New Jersey. They have gone through many line-up changes, with singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni remaining from the original lineup. Along with Anthrax , the band is one of the most successful East Coast thrash metal...
– Feel The FireFeel the Fire (Overkill album)Feel the Fire is the debut album by American thrash metal band Overkill, released by Megaforce Records in 1985.-Overview:The band spent the better part of 1985 and 1986 on the Feel the Fire tour, beginning as a support act for Megadeth's Peace Sells US tour and later in Europe with Anthrax and...
(1985), Engineer - Strip Mind- Whats in your mouth (1993), Producer
- Piece Dogs - "Exes for Eyes" (1992)
- Blessed Death- "Destined For Extinction" (1987), Producer
- Blessed Death- "Hour Of Pain" (1991), Producer
- Giant Panda Guerilla Dub SquadGiant Panda Guerilla Dub SquadGiant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is a jam reggae band based in Rochester, NY. The group started touring nationally in 2006.The bands debut album "Slow Down" was released in 2006 and received regular airplay on Sirius] and XM Radio...
- Slow Down (2006), Producer, Engineer