Krokus' 1981 release "Hardware" epitomized the dynamic evolution of hard rock during the early 1980s. The album, imported as a 12" LP in Holland, showcased the band's adaptation to changing musical trends. With gritty guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, the production's attention to detail, including a custom inner sleeve, reflected the era's commitment to a comprehensive music experience. "Hardware" played a significant role in the global appeal of hard rock during this transformative period.
The release of Krokus' "Hardware" in 1981 marked a significant moment in the era of hard rock and heavy metal. This Swiss band, known for their energetic performances and powerful sound, delivered an album that resonated with the prevailing musical trends of the time. The early 1980s were characterized by a burgeoning hard rock and heavy metal scene, with bands like AC/DC, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden dominating the global music landscape.
"Hardware" emerged during a period when the hard rock genre was experiencing a remarkable evolution. Bands were pushing the boundaries of sound, incorporating elements of glam, punk, and new wave into their music. Krokus, in particular, showcased their ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape while maintaining the core essence of hard rock.
The production of "Hardware" is noteworthy, especially considering its release in Holland. European countries, including Holland, played a crucial role in the international distribution of rock and metal music during this period. The import 12" LP vinyl format was a popular choice for music enthusiasts seeking high-quality audio and a tangible connection to their favorite bands.
The custom inner sleeve included with the album added a touch of exclusivity, often featuring band photos, lyrics, and additional artwork. This attention to detail in packaging reflected the importance placed on the overall experience of owning and listening to a vinyl record.
Musically, "Hardware" by Krokus boasted a collection of tracks that embodied the spirit of the times. The album's sound was characterized by gritty guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and anthemic choruses. Tracks like "Easy Rocker" and "Rock City" exemplified the band's ability to craft memorable, hard-hitting songs that resonated with fans of the genre.
In the context of the early 1980s, Krokus' "Hardware" contributed to the ongoing narrative of hard rock's evolution. The album's success in Holland and its international reception underscored the global appeal of hard rock during this period. The import vinyl format allowed fans to access music from around the world, contributing to the interconnectedness of the global music community.
Music Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal from Switzerland |
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.
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Record Label & Catalognr: Ariola 203 322 |
Album Packaging: This album "KROKUS - Hardware incl custom inner sleeve" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1981 Made in Holland |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: KROKUS - Hardware incl custom inner sleeve |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "KROKUS - Hardware incl custom inner sleeve" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "KROKUS - Hardware incl custom inner sleeve" 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 ).
Lyrics of all the songs on Hardware by Krokus printed on the black and white custom inner sleeve
Full page photo of the Krokus band
"Hardware" Light Blue Colour Ariola Record Label Details: ARIOLA 203 322 , STEMRA ℗ 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 LPFounded 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 LPThe 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 LPIn 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 LPBy 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 LPIn 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 LPIn 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 LPSwiss 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)