Wrathchild America "Climbin' The Walls"

Wrathchild America is an American heavy metal band formed in Martinsburg, West Virginia, United States, in 1978. Before settling on the Wrathchild America name in 1988, the band had performed under the names Atlantis, Tyrant, and Wrathchild. They released two studio albums through Atlantic Records, and gained charting success through the Billboard 200. In 1992, they changed their name to Souls at Zero. The band is also notable for including one-time Kix member Brad Divens, and a then-unknown Shannon Larkin, who went on to become the drummer for many bands such as Ugly Kid Joe, Candlebox, and Godsmack.

Wrathchild was formed in 1978 by high school friends, Shannon Larkin, Kevin Keller, and Terry Carter. Keller met Carter after school in band class and was asked to join up with his friend Larkin. They had a band at the time named "Atlantis". Ralph "Rat" Tillman and Max "Tuck" McDonald soon joined and changed the name to Tyrant and then later to Wrathchild. Brad was recruited by Kevin Keller by throwing business cards at him while he was performing with his band "Ratzalad". John Turner was soon hired from his band "The Shift". Wrathchild was a renowned live act in the mid to late 1980s all across the U.S. when they were known simply as Wrathchild. After years of touring, playing gigs, and hard work, the band finally was signed to a major label in 1988 thanks in large part to the dedicated work of Chip Seligman. However, a British glam metal band with the same name, Wrathchild, sued and forced the delay of the debut release.

The band amended their name by adding America, and their debut album Climbin' the Walls peaked at #190 on the Billboard 200.

Climbin' the Walls is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Wrathchild America, released in 1989 by Atlantic Records. A music video for "Climbin' the Walls" was released to promote this album.

Track listing

1. "Climbin' the Walls"  Wrathchild America 4:28
2. "Hell's Gate"  Wrathchild America 4:06
3. "No Deposit, No Return"  Kevin Keller Wrathchild America 3:21
4. "Hernia" Wrathchild America 3:20
5. "London After Midnight" Kevin Keller, Wrathchild America 5:55
6. "Candy from a Madman" Kevin Keller Wrathchild America 5:44
7. "Silent Darkness (Smothered Life)" Wrathchild America 4:29
8. "Time" (Pink Floyd cover) David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Roger Waters, Richard Wright 5:39
9. "Day of the Thunder" Kevin Keller Wrathchild America 6:37

Trivia:

- This album is dedicated to the memory of Steve Dehaven.

- One advanced promo cassette was released under the band's former name Wrathchild.

- The release was delayed by a year, as the label and band tried to resolve the situation with the British band, Wrathchild, over the rights to the name.

Recording information:

Produced by Mark Dearnley & Wrathchild America.

Recorded at Amigo Studios, Los Angeles, CA.

Mixed at the Enterprise, Los Angeles, CA & Quantum Studios, NJ.

Mastered at Sterling Sound.