The Swiss pressing of Krokus's 1975-78 compilation LP unveils the band's early days in the dynamic 1970s rock scene. This vinyl artifact, featuring the rare track "MAJALE," captures the essence of their formative years. Reflecting the craftsmanship of the time, the album serves as a sonic time capsule, transporting listeners to an era where hard rock was evolving, and Krokus was boldly shaping its destiny.
In the midst of the 1970s, a burgeoning musical landscape was witness to the rise of a Swiss rock band that would eventually carve its name into the annals of hard rock history. Krokus, with roots tracing back to 1975, embarked on a musical journey that would span decades, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. This retrospective glimpse into the early days of Krokus, encapsulated in their first compilation album spanning 1975-78, unveils a fascinating chapter in the band's evolution.
The year 1975 marked the inception of Krokus, and it was a time when the global rock scene was undergoing dynamic shifts. As the echoes of the psychedelic era faded away, a new wave of hard-hitting rock emerged, drawing inspiration from blues, metal, and a rebellious spirit. Krokus, like many of their contemporaries, embraced this sonic revolution, contributing their unique sound to the era.
The compilation album in question, pressed in Switzerland, stands as a testament to the band's formative years. Vinyl, the medium of choice during this period, added a distinct warmth and character to the listening experience. Each groove on the 12" LP told a story, capturing the essence of Krokus's early sonic experiments.
Among the gems within this compilation is the rare song "MAJALE," extracted from their inaugural LP. This track, like a musical artifact, provides a glimpse into the band's embryonic stage, showcasing their raw talent and evolving sound. It serves as a bridge between their early days and the musical prowess they would later exhibit.
The production of this Swiss pressing exemplifies the craftsmanship of the time. The meticulous attention to detail in the album cover, the choice of vinyl, and the mastering process reflected the dedication of artists and producers to deliver a tangible piece of art. The artwork, a visual representation of the music within, often became iconic, adding an additional layer to the overall experience.
Exploring Krokus's early discography offers a window into a bygone era when rock music was undergoing a metamorphosis. The sonic landscape painted by the band during these formative years not only contributed to their own legacy but also played a role in shaping the broader trajectory of hard rock.
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Music Genre: |
Swiss Hard Rock / Heavy Metal |
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Record Label & Catalognr: |
Mercury 6326 801 |
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Media Format: |
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: |
1980 Made in Switzerland |
Complete Track-listing of the album "KROKUS - Early Days" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "KROKUS - Early Days" is:
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8 12" LP ALBUM VINYL
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. 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 ).
"Early Days 1975-78 by KROKUS" Blue Colour Mercury Record Label Details: MERCURY 6326 801, Made in Switzerland +SUISA+ ℗ 197/78 Sound Copyright
Krokus' vinyl discography is a wild ride through the '80s hard rock/heavy metal scene. From their early raw power on "Metal Rendez-vous" to the anthemic hits of "Headhunter" ("Screaming in the Night," "Eat the Rich"), each album is a sonic punch to the gut. Their live energy translates onto vinyl, capturing the charisma of frontman Marc Storace and the band's arena-ready sound. Whether it's the sleaze of "One Vice at a Time" or the polished metal of "The Blitz," Krokus' vinyl collection is a testament to their enduring influence on the genre.
This album arrived at a crossroads in Krokus' career. While they had enjoyed considerable success in the early 80s with hits like "Heatstrokes" and "Bedside Radio," the mid-80s saw a shift in the musical landscape. Hair metal was on the rise, challenging traditional hard rock bands to adapt or fade away.
Alive and Screamin' 12" Vinyl LP
Founded in 1975, Krokus swiftly ascended the ranks of the music scene, blending the grit of hard rock with the ferocity of heavy metal. The Swiss outfit, consisting of seasoned musicians, carved a niche for themselves with their energetic performances and unapologetic sound.
Change of Address 12" Vinyl LP
The year 1975 marked the inception of Krokus, and it was a time when the global rock scene was undergoing dynamic shifts. As the echoes of the psychedelic era faded away, a new wave of hard-hitting rock emerged, drawing inspiration from blues, metal, and a rebellious spirit.
Early Days 12" Vinyl LP
In 1981, Krokus, the Swiss heavy metal force, released "Hardware," their eighth album. Produced in collaboration with Ariola Canada, the vinyl LP encapsulates the raw energy of the era's heavy metal scene. Marking a pivotal moment in the genre's evolution, the album's tracks showcase Krokus's musical prowess.
- Hardware (1981, Canada) - Hardware (1981, France) - Hardware (1981, Holland) - Hardware Swiss Pressing (1981, Switzerland)
Headhunter is the seventh album by Krokus and was released in 1983. It achieved Gold status in the United States. The track "Screaming in the Night" was the band's biggest hit to date, and is still played on classic rock radio stations. Headhunter is the only Krokus album to feature "Steve Pace" on drums
Headhunter 12" Vinyl LP
By the time "Heart Attack" was released, Krokus had already established themselves as a prominent force in the hard rock and heavy metal scene. However, internal conflicts and commercial challenges had taken a toll on the band, leading them to the brink of dissolution.
Heart Attack 12" Vinyl LP
In the realm of heavy metal, certain albums stand as milestones, shaping the genre's landscape and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans. Krokus' "Metal Rendez-Vous" is undeniably one such album. Released as a 12" vinyl LP, this iconic record not only marked the band's ascent in the world of metal
Metal Rendez-Vous 12" Vinyl LP
In 1983, the Swiss rock band Krokus unveiled their iconic album "One Vice at a Time" through an original Swiss pressing on a 12" LP vinyl. Distinguished by the +ML+ mark on the record label, this release captures the essence of its time period, encapsulating the fervor of the 1980s rock scene.
- One Vice at a Time (1982, Europe) - One Vice at a Time (1982, Switzerland)
The emergence of Krokus and their influential hard rock sound during the late 1970s and early 1980s marked a significant chapter in Swiss music history. The Swiss hard rock scene, while not as widely recognized as those of the United States or the United Kingdom, produced notable acts such as Krokus
Painkiller 12" Vinyl LP
Swiss heavy metal band Krokus made a significant impact on the metal scene with their third full-length album, "Pay It In Metal". Released in 1978, this album showcased the band's raw power and established them as a force to be reckoned with in the world of heavy metal. With its memorable riffs
Pay It In Metal 12" Vinyl LP
"The Blitz" marked Krokus' seventh studio album and was released on March 7, 1984. The album continued the band's journey into a more polished and radio-friendly sound compared to their earlier, rawer works. This evolution in their musical style was partly influenced by the producer Bruce Fairbairn
- The Blitz (1984, Germany) - The Blitz (1984, USA)