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.
In the electrifying year of 1981, Swiss hard rock outfit Krokus unleashed "Hardware," an album that solidified their place as a formidable force in the global rock scene.
Released at the height of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, "Hardware" arrived at a time when hard rock was experiencing a resurgence. Bands like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and Judas Priest were dominating the charts, and Krokus, with their own brand of melodic hard rock, was ready to stake their claim.
"Hardware" showcased Krokus' musical exploration within the hard rock genre. The album was a powerhouse of anthemic rockers like "Easy Rocker" and "Rock City," balanced with more melodic tracks like "Celebration" and "She's Got Everything." This diverse range demonstrated their ability to write catchy hooks while maintaining their hard-hitting edge.
While "Hardware" received critical acclaim, it wasn't without its controversies. Some critics accused the band of sounding too similar to AC/DC, particularly in their guitar riffs and vocal stylings. Others praised their ability to create their own unique sound within a well-established genre. Regardless of the differing opinions, "Hardware" sparked a passionate debate among rock fans.
Recorded at Roundhouse Studios in London, "Hardware" captured Krokus' raw energy and tight musicianship. The band consisted of Marc Storace on vocals, Fernando von Arb and Tommy Kiefer on guitars, Chris von Rohr on bass, and Freddy Steady on drums. Each member contributed their unique talents, creating a sound that was both powerful and melodic.
At the forefront of Krokus was their charismatic frontman, Marc Storace. His powerful vocals, ranging from soaring highs to gritty lows, were a defining feature of the band's sound. Storace's stage presence and undeniable charisma further solidified his status as a rock icon.
"Hardware" marked a turning point in Krokus' career. It catapulted them onto the international stage and cemented their place as one of the leading hard rock bands of the era. While the album sparked some controversy, it ultimately showcased Krokus' musical prowess and unwavering commitment to their craft.
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 & Catalognr: Arabella 203 322 Arabella - A French Record label parented by "Ariola Eurodisc GmbH" |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total 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' 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)