KROKUS - Hardware Ariola Canada 12" Vinyl LP Album

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. The Canadian release, with its distinctive cover art, remains a cherished collector's item, embodying the essence of early '80s heavy metal culture.

Album Front Cover Photo of KROKUS - Hardware Ariola Canada

Essential Album Information For: KROKUS - Hardware Ariola Canada

"Hardware" Album Description:

The year was 1981, a time marked by the vibrant pulse of the heavy metal scene, and amidst the musical tapestry, Krokus, the Swiss rock powerhouse, released their eighth studio album, "Hardware." This vinyl LP, a product of Ariola Canada, encapsulated the essence of an era defined by the roaring guitars and thunderous beats that characterized the golden age of heavy metal.

"Hardware," with its release, contributed to the evolving landscape of metal music in the early '80s. The album's production reflected the advancements in recording technology of the time, capturing the raw energy and intense sound that defined Krokus's signature style. The analog warmth of vinyl added an extra layer of authenticity to the listening experience, making it a cherished artifact for fans and collectors alike.

In the realm of heavy metal, 1981 was a pivotal year. Bands were pushing the boundaries of sound, incorporating new elements into their music, and solidifying their positions in the global metal hierarchy. Krokus, with "Hardware," showcased their ability to adapt to the changing winds of the music industry while staying true to their roots.

The album's tracklist unfolded like a sonic journey, each song contributing to the overall narrative of "Hardware." From the anthemic opener to the blistering guitar solos and pounding rhythms, Krokus demonstrated their prowess in crafting a cohesive and impactful record. The fusion of melody and aggression on tracks like [specific track names] exemplified the band's musical dexterity.

Ariola Canada's role in producing and distributing the Canadian release of "Hardware" played a crucial part in making the album accessible to fans across the Great White North. The vinyl LP, adorned with its distinct cover art and packaging, became a collector's item, a tangible piece of the band's legacy etched into the annals of heavy metal history.

Beyond the music itself, the artwork, promotional materials, and cultural context surrounding the release of "Hardware" painted a vivid picture of the early '80s heavy metal culture. The album cover, a visual representation of the band's aesthetic, often became iconic in its own right, resonating with fans and becoming a symbol of the era.

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

Label & Catalognr:

Ariola Records America OL 1508

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1981 Made in Canada

KROKUS - Hardware Ariola Canada Production & Recording Information

Producers:

Krokus - Producer

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Mark Dearnley - Sound Engineer

Mark Dearnley a Sound Engineer from the USA having engineered on albums for Krokus, Loudness, V2, Wrathchild America and others.

Nick Rogers - Sound Engineer -

Ian Cooper - Mastering Engineer

Recording Location:

This album was recored at Roundhouse Studios, London. Nov-Dec 1980, Engineer

Mastered at the Townhouse

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Forty Morell - Album Cover Design

Christophe Vorlet - Album Cover Design

Photography:

Sulzer and Simon Fowler - Photography

Simon Fowler – Photographer Simon Fowler is a British photographer celebrated for his striking portraits of rock and metal legends, including Iron Maiden, whose 1983 album “Piece of Mind” credited him as Simon “Bullseye” Fowler. His work spans the vibrant eras of the late 1970s through the 1990s, capturing icons at their creative peak.

Simon Fowler Wiki

Musicians:

Tommie Kiefer (1952-1986) - Vocals, Guitars
Chris von Rohr - Bass, Percussion
Christoph "Chris" von Rohr – Swiss music producer, musician (bass/vocals)
Christoph "Chris" von Rohr is the Swiss rock ringmaster I keep bumping into whenever Krokus sounds larger-than-life on wax. Read more...
Christoph "Chris" von Rohr is one of those rare names that shows up both in the liner notes and in the DNA of a whole scene — and as a collector, I love that kind of fingerprint. I know him best as a founding force in Krokus: active through their rise from 1975–1983, back for a short return in 1987–1989, and then in the comeback era from 2008 onward (because rock bands, like horror villains, are never truly gone). Outside the band, he shaped Swiss hard rock from the control room too — most famously as Gotthard’s producer and songwriter from 1991–2002 — basically the guy turning raw riffs into stadium-sized results without sanding off the attitude. If you want the clean timeline without my romantic vinyl fog, here’s the official rabbit hole:
Christoph "Chris" von Rohr Wiki
Fernando von Arb
Fernando Von Arb - Lead Guitar
Riff-first lead guitarist: tight hooks, lean solos, and a drummer-proof sense of timing. Read more...
Fernando Von Arb, Krokus' riff-foreman, plays like he's tightening bolts on an arena stage: no wasted motion, just grip and momentum. He came in via the local trio Montezuma, then joined Krokus in 1976 and rode the classic climb through 1988. After the breakup he rebuilt the band and kept returning in chapters: 1990-1991 (even switching to bass), 1994-1995, 1999-2005, and again from 2008 onward. In 2005 tendonitis forced him out for a while, which is the universe's dumbest way of saying "stop." Hard rock, heavy metal, whatever tag you slap on it: his solos stay lean, his rhythm work is the hook, and his writing is built to make the chorus land like a door slam.
Fernando Von Arb Wiki
Marc Storace - Vocals
Marc Storace - Vocals
He sings like the mic owes him money: rasp, bite, and choruses that stick to your brain like tape. Read more...

Marc Storace, Swiss-Maltese and sharp as a broken bottle, turned Krokus from local thunder into export-grade hard rock. I first clocked him when he joined TEA (late 1971-1977), then jumped to London to form Eazy Money (1977-1979) before landing in Krokus in 1979 and singing them into the big leagues on 1980's "Metal Rendez-vous". His prime Krokus run hits 1980-1988, then he came back for the long second life (1994-2016), still sounding like gravel with a grin. He sells hooks like beer: fast, loud, and without apology, and that rasp is all over "Bedside Radio", "Heatstrokes", and "Screaming in the Night". He never sounded polite, and thank heaven for small mercies.

Marc Storace Wiki
Freddy Steady - Drums
Juerg Naegeli - Bass (Jürg Nägeli is from Switzerland and is musician, sound engineer and music producer. He has been performing with the Swiss Heavy Metal / Hard Rock band "Krokus", from 1976 until 1979 as bassist and from 1978 until 1980 on keyboards.)

Tracklisting Side One:

Burning Bones
She's Got Everything
Winning Man
Smelly Nelly

Tracklisting Side Two:

Easy Rocker
Mr. Sixty-Nine
Rock City
Mad Racket
Celebration

KROKUS - Hardware Ariola Canada High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of KROKUS - Hardware Ariola Canada

Photo Of The Back Cover KROKUS - Hardware Ariola Canada

Photo of album back cover KROKUS - Hardware Ariola Canada

Close up of the KROKUS - Hardware Ariola Canada record's label

Headbanging through the Years: The Vinyl Discography of Krokus

Krokus on vinyl is less a “discography” and more a page of sleeves that smell like 1983, cheap lager, and overworked amplifiers. “Metal Rendez-vous” still has that early snap where the band sounds hungry and a little rough around the edges, not “raw power” in a press-kit way, but in the way the riffs don’t always land politely. By the time “One Vice at a Time” rolls around, they’re clearly aiming for bigger rooms, and they mostly pull it off without sanding the knuckles off the songs. “Headhunter” is the one that behaves like it owns the shop: “Screaming in the Night” and “Eat the Rich” hit with that blunt, arena-ready confidence, and Marc Storace sounds like he’s daring you to call it subtle. “The Blitz” tightens things again—more polish, more control—sometimes it helps, sometimes it feels like the hair-spray budget got a vote. A quiet truth: these records always made the most sense at night, when the turntable’s already warm and nobody’s around to pretend the chorus isn’t the whole point.

KROKUS - Alive and Screamin'

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

KROKUS - Change of Address

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

KROKUS - Early Days 12" Vinyl LP

KROKUS - Early Days album front cover vinyl record

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

KROKUS - Hardware (Multiple International Versions)

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)

KROKUS - Headhunter

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

KROKUS - Heart Attack

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

KROKUS - Metal Rendez-Vous

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

KROKUS - One Vice at a Time (European and Swiss Releases) 12" Vinyl LP

KROKUS - One Vice at a Time (European and Swiss Releases) album front cover vinyl record

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)

KROKUS - Painkiller

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

KROKUS - Pay It In Metal

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

KROKUS - The Blitz (German and USA Releases)

Released in 1984, "The Blitz" is Krokus' seventh studio album and a milestone in Swiss heavy metal. Featuring the hit "Midnite Maniac"—the first Swiss song to enter the Billboard Hot 100—it blends slick, arena-ready sound with driving riffs and catchy hooks. This LP marks Krokus’ peak in U.S. popularity and radio-friendly appeal.

- The Blitz (1984, Germany) - The Blitz (1984, USA)