- The Final Roar of Switzerland's Original Metal Lineup, Captured in Vinyl Fury
"Thriller," the 1982 release from Swiss heavy metal band KILLER, marks their second full-length album and the final one featuring the original lineup. This vinyl LP showcases the band's signature heavy sound, packed with powerful riffs and energetic performances. A must-have for any fan of classic heavy metal and a piece of Swiss metal history.
In the nascent era of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Swiss band Killer unleashed their sophomore album, "Thriller," in 1982. This album solidified their position in the Swiss heavy metal scene and showcased their evolving musical exploration.
A Glimpse into the Early 80s Heavy Metal Landscape
The early 1980s was a time of burgeoning heavy metal, with bands emerging from various corners of the world, each contributing their unique flavor to the genre. Killer, with their raw energy and undeniable talent, stood as a testament to Switzerland's contribution to the global heavy metal movement.
Killer's Musical Exploration on "Thriller"
"Thriller" marked a significant step in Killer's musical journey. The album showcased a more refined sound compared to their debut, with tighter songwriting and a more polished production. While retaining their heavy metal roots, the band experimented with different tempos and incorporated melodic elements, expanding their sonic palette.
Controversies and Challenges
As with many heavy metal bands of the era, Killer's music faced criticism for its dark themes and aggressive sound. However, this only fueled their rebellious image and attracted a dedicated following who embraced their uncompromising attitude.
The Making of "Thriller"
The album was recorded at a well-known Swiss studio, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experienced engineers. The band collaborated with producer Roy T, whose guidance helped them achieve a cohesive and powerful sound.
The Band Members and Frontman
Killer was comprised of skilled musicians who each brought their unique strengths to the table. Frontman and bassist Beat Kofmehl, with his distinctive vocals and commanding stage presence, became the face of the band. His energy and charisma captivated audiences, making Killer's live shows an electrifying experience.
The 1982 Swiss heavy metal album Thriller by KILLER is more than just a slab of screaming guitars and pounding drums—it’s also a family affair. Two of the key creative forces behind the album share more than just credits: they share blood.
Corry Knobel, the album’s producer (and also credited for backing vocals on “Prisoner of the Night”), and Ray Knobel, co-designer of the album cover artwork as part of K & K Graphic Design, are brothers.
This sibling connection was confirmed in a 1982 Swiss press article describing “i fratelli Knobel, Corry e Ray” (the Knobel brothers) performing together during the Swiss Eurovision selection. Further confirmation appears in interviews and retrospectives, where Corry refers to Ray as “mio fratello” (my brother) while discussing their various music projects together.
So while Thriller stands as a cult favorite in the European metal underground, it also tells a quieter story: one of family collaboration behind the scenes. From mixing desk to cover art, the Knobel brothers left their joint mark on Swiss metal history.
Recorded July 1982 at New Sound Studio, Switzerland • Cover Design by Ray Knobel, Mike Kaehr, and K & K Graphic Design, Muralto
Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
Vertigo 6367 035
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1982 Made in Switzerland
Corry Knobel - Producer
New Sound Verlag - Executive Producer
Mathias Gwyn - Sound Engineer
This album was recorded July 1982 at New Sound Studio, Switzerland
Ray Knobel - Album Cover Design
Mike Kaehr - Album Cover Design
K & K Graphic Design - Album Cover Design
Muralto - Album Cover Design
Mark Broman - Lead Vocals
Crown Kocher - Guitars
Many Maurer - Guitar
(Many Maurer (Producer, Guitarist, Bass player) from 1979 until 1984 with the Swiss Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band "KILLER" , during 1985 with "Headhunter". Many Maurer was also with the Swiss Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band "KROKUS" with during 1991-1998 "Ain't Dead Yet".)
Beat "Tiger" Kofmehl - Bass
(Beat "Tiger" Kofmehl - Bass player with the Swiss "KILLER" band from 1979 until 1984 , and the Swiss "HEADHUNTER" band in 1985.)
Ali Allemann - Drums
Corry Knobel - Backing vocals on "Prisoner of the Night"
The front cover of Killer's 1982 album "Thriller" is a striking piece of surrealist art dominated by a cybernetic humanoid figure rendered in an airbrushed, hyper-smooth style. The character’s face, shown in three-quarter profile, is cold and metallic—evoking both machine and menace. Its angular, steel-gray features are grimacing, with gritted teeth and a partially open mouth that hints at aggression or warning.
The figure wears a wide-brimmed black fedora that casts a dark shadow over the upper half of its face, enhancing its mystery and noir undertones. The eyes glint menacingly, highly polished like chrome, adding to the robotic, dystopian aura. Deep grooves in the synthetic skin emphasize tension and movement as though the figure is caught mid-turn.
At the top left corner is the band logo KILLER, rendered in jagged, weapon-like red typography with a sharpened, sword-like stroke piercing through the letters—reinforcing themes of violence and defiance. The album title THRILLER is printed in bold, all-caps yellow sans-serif font in the bottom right corner, offering stark contrast against the otherwise shadowed, cool-toned background.
The entire composition radiates tension, drama, and futurism—reflecting the intensity and aggressive sound of early 1980s Swiss heavy metal. Subtle scuffs and edge wear on the physical LP sleeve give evidence of age and authenticity.
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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 )
The back cover of Killer's 1982 album "Thriller" is a fiery collage of live performance energy and detailed production credits, all set against a deep black background. At the top, the bold yellow album title THRILLER stands out prominently, just beside the red metallic band logo KILLER.
Below this header, five rectangular photographs spotlight each band member mid-performance: Mark Broman (vocals), Crown Kocher (lead guitar), Many Maurer (guitar & acoustic), Ali Allemann (drums), and Beat “Tiger” Kofmehl (bass). These images are soaked in saturated reds and oranges, capturing the theatrical stage lighting and adrenaline-charged moment of a live show.
Dominating the center is a wide-angle concert photo of the full band performing under bright yellow stage lights, backlit by pyrotechnic-style sparkle effects, smoke, and dramatic shadows—conveying the raw power of their stage presence.
On either side of the lower half are the full track listings for Side One and Side Two, complete with exact durations and writing credits in a clean white font. Notable songs include "Break My Chains", "Prisoner of the Night", and "Sell Your Soul". Beneath the tracks, detailed credits list producers, engineers, live crew, and even equipment brands like Gibson Guitars and Corvin Vega PA.
The Vertigo swirl logo appears at the top right, above the catalog number 6367 035. A yellow Swiss “Code 65” sticker label is affixed near the top right quadrant, indicating the release’s regional market. Printed at the bottom are copyright details: ℗ 1982 New Sound Verlag AG, Switzerland.
This is a detailed close-up of the Side One record label from the Swiss pressing of Killer's 1982 album "Thriller". The design features a vivid sci-fi inspired illustration with two silver UFOs hovering over a surreal green and yellow alien landscape, a trademark motif of Vertigo's more adventurous releases.
Centered at the top is the bold white title THRILLER with KILLER just beneath it. The catalog number 6367 035 is printed in white on the upper right side, with its matrix suffix 6367 035 A printed directly below it.
Below the spindle hole, the tracklisting for Side One is laid out in a clean sans-serif typeface: "Break My Chains", "Stealin' My Mind Away", "The Great Escape", and "Prisoner of the Night", with each track crediting Kofmehl, Maurer, Kocher, and Broman as songwriters.
Production credits follow, indicating Corry Knobel as producer, Gwyn Mathias as sound engineer, and recording and mixing at New Sound Studio, Switzerland. The lower right corner features the copyright and licensing information with +SUISA+ and ℗ 1982 New Sound Verlag AG, Switzerland.
The classic Vertigo swirl logo appears just beneath the spindle hole, anchoring the label design with its hypnotic black-and-white pattern.
Killer, a pioneering Swiss heavy metal band, emerged in the early 1980s with a raw, aggressive sound that defied the era's glam metal trends. Their albums, like "Young Blood," showcased a relentless energy and rebellious spirit, solidifying their place in the metal scene. Known for their intense live shows and controversial imagery, Killer left a lasting impact on the genre, inspiring generations of metal bands. Their music remains a testament to the power of unfiltered passion and unwavering dedication to their craft.
"Ladykiller" was expertly produced by Corry Knobel and Christoph Berger, who skillfully captured the raw power and intensity of Killer's music. The album was recorded at New Sound Studio, with the talented Gwyn Mathias serving as the sound engineer, ensuring the best possible sound quality for the band's tracks.
Ladykiller 12" Vinyl LP"Stronger Than Ever" showcased Killer's growth as musicians. The album was a departure from their earlier sound, incorporating more melodic elements while retaining their signature hard rock edge. This musical evolution was a testament to their willingness to experiment and push boundaries.
Stronger Than Ever 12" Vinyl LPThe early 1980s was a time of burgeoning heavy metal, with bands emerging from various corners of the world, each contributing their unique flavor to the genre. Killer, with their raw energy and undeniable talent, stood as a testament to Switzerland's contribution to the global heavy metal movement.
Thriller 12" Vinyl LPReleased in 1986, "Young Blood" marked a significant turning point for Swiss heavy metal band Killer. The album, released on Scratch Records, signaled a fresh start for the band after a major lineup change and a shift in their musical direction.
- Young Blood ( 1986, Germany ) - Young Blood ( 1986, Switzerland )