COOPER, ALICE killer 8122797167

Shock Rock Perfection: Alice Cooper’s ‘Killer’ (8122797167)

Today’s entry looks at a modern high-quality repress of one of the most important albums in the development of theatrical rock. We are examining the 2020 European reissue of Killer by Alice Cooper, released on Warner Records with the catalog number 8122797167.

A Theatrical Masterpiece

Released originally in 1971, this album cemented the band’s collaboration with producer Bob Ezrin. It bridges the gap between their garage rock roots and the grand guignol spectacle they would become famous for. The songwriting is sharp and aggressive, featuring the driving rock of Under My Wheels and the glam-tinged Be My Lover. The album also dives into progressive territory with the epic Halo Of Flies and explores dark, cinematic themes on Dead Babies and the title track Killer.

Format and Packaging

This 2020 release is a repress of the acclaimed 2012 Rhino edition, now updated with the modern “Warner Records” logo (replacing the old Warner Bros. shield) on the cover and labels. It is pressed on heavyweight 180g vinyl and housed in a classic gatefold sleeve that faithfully reproduces the original artwork, including the iconic photo of the snake “Kachina.”

Audiophile Mastering

For audiophiles, the runout grooves reveal a significant detail: the initials “CB.” This indicates that the lacquer was cut by the renowned engineer Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering. His cut is widely praised for its dynamic range and punch, making this arguably one of the best-sounding versions available.

Manufacturing

The matrix numbers indicate that the record was pressed at Optimal Media GmbH in Germany, ensuring a high standard of physical quality with low surface noise.