This is the release for the French market ( Made in West Germany ) of the 1981 album "Hardware" by the Swiss Heavy Metal"Krokus", it was recorded at Roundhouse Studios, London. Album cover photography was by Simon Fowler and Sulzer.
Album Description & Collectors information: Krokus' "Hardware" is a captivating 12" LP vinyl album, originally released in France. This record showcases the Swiss hard rock band at the height of their musical prowess. With powerful guitar-driven melodies, catchy hooks, and dynamic vocals, "Hardware" delivers a headbanging experience filled with anthemic rock songs. Krokus' raw energy and polished musicianship shine through, making this album a must-have for fans of classic hard rock.
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Music Genre: Heavy Metal / Hard Rock |
Album Production information: The album: "KROKUS - Hardware incl custom inner sleeve" was produced by: Krokus Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Mark Dearnley, Nick Rogers (Mark Dearnley a Sound Engineer from the USA having engineered on albums for Krokus, Loudness, V2, Wrathchild America and others.) Mastered by Ian Cooper at the Townhouse This album was recorded at: Roundhouse Studios, London. Nov-Dec 1980, Engineer Album cover design: Forty Morell , Christophe Vorlet Album cover photography: Sulzer and Simon Fowler Simon Fowler is a British photographer mainly known for photographing "Iron Maiden". For the album "Piece of Mind" he was called: Simon "Bullseye" Fowler. |
Record Label Information: Arabella 203 322 Arabella - A French Record label parented by "Ariola Eurodisc GmbH" |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1981 Made in West Germany ( see rim-text on the record's label ) |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: KROKUS - Hardware (France) |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "KROKUS - Hardware (France)" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "KROKUS - Hardware (France)" is:
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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 ).
Photo of the Krokus band on the album back cover
"Krokus" Record Label Details: Arabella 203 322, Made in West Germany, SACEM SDRM ℗ 1981 Sound Copyright
Krokus is a Swiss rock band formed in 1975 in Solothurn, Switzerland. The band has released 18 studio albums, sold over 14 million copies worldwide, and is considered one of the most successful Swiss rock bands. Krokus is known for their hard-hitting, high-energy sound, and their dynamic stage presence.
History:
Krokus was founded by guitarist Tommy Kiefer and drummer Chris von Rohr in 1975. The band's early years were marked by frequent lineup changes, but in 1979, they released their third album, "Metal Rendez-vous," which became a huge commercial success in Switzerland and launched the band's international career. The album featured the hit single "Bedside Radio" and showcased Krokus' hard-rocking sound and catchy melodies. The band continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s, including "Hardware" (1981), "One Vice at a Time" (1982), and "Headhunter" (1983).
Krokus' success in the 1980s was due in part to their ability to blend elements of classic hard rock with the emerging heavy metal genre. The band's sound was characterized by heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and catchy choruses. Krokus' lyrics often dealt with themes of rebellion, independence, and freedom, and their music was popular with audiences who were looking for an escape from the pressures of everyday life.
In the late 1980s, Krokus' popularity began to wane, and the band went through a series of lineup changes. In 1995, the band released "To Rock or Not to Be," which marked a return to their hard-rock roots. The album was a commercial success in Switzerland, but it failed to reignite the band's international career. Krokus continued to release albums throughout the 2000s and 2010s, but their popularity remained largely confined to Switzerland and other European countries.
Musical Style and Achievements:
Krokus' musical style is characterized by their high-energy hard-rock sound, which incorporates elements of heavy metal, blues, and classic rock. The band's guitar-heavy sound is driven by Tommy Kiefer's virtuosic playing, which is often compared to that of AC/DC's Angus Young. Krokus' lyrics often deal with themes of freedom, rebellion, and independence, and the band's music is known for its catchy choruses and sing-along hooks.
Krokus' commercial success in the 1980s made them one of the most successful Swiss rock bands of all time. The band's album "Headhunter" sold over 2 million copies worldwide and was certified platinum in the United States. Krokus' live performances were also highly regarded, and the band played sold-out shows in stadiums and arenas around the world.
Impact on the Swiss and Global Rock Music Scene:
Krokus' success in the 1980s paved the way for other Swiss rock bands to gain international recognition. The band's high-energy sound and dynamic stage presence inspired a generation of young Swiss musicians, many of whom went on to form their own bands and pursue careers in rock music. Krokus' impact on the Swiss music scene is still felt today, and the band is considered a national treasure.
Krokus also had a significant impact on the global rock music scene. The band's high-energy sound and catchy hooks influenced countless other bands, and their music remains popular with fans of classic hard rock and heavy metal. Krokus' legacy is evident in the many tribute bands and cover bands