"KROKUS - Hardware" stands as a testament to Swiss rock prowess, encapsulating the essence of its time. This original Swiss pressing on 12" vinyl LP showcases the band's raw energy. The distinctive +ML+ label and "Swiss Made" stamper code, adorned with the iconic Swiss-crossbow, authenticate its origin. A collector's gem, this album melds musical artistry with Swiss precision, enriching the era's rock landscape.
| Album Description:
The 1981 KROKUS album, "Hardware", specifically focusing on the original Swiss pressing of the 12" vinyl LP. Notably, the pressing bears the unique distinction of displaying a +ML+ label and a stamper code labeled "Swiss Made" adorned with an iconic Swiss-crossbow symbol. Through a comprehensive analysis of the album's musical content, historical context, and collectible attributes. The 1981 KROKUS album, "Hardware", stands as a seminal work in the world of hard rock and heavy metal music. Amidst the album's various pressings, the original Swiss release holds a special place of fascination among collectors and enthusiasts. Notably, the +ML+ label and the "Swiss Made" stamper code featuring the Swiss-crossbow symbol distinguish this pressing as a remarkable artifact of musical history. "Hardware" showcases KROKUS at the height of their musical prowess, blending heavy riffs, catchy hooks, and dynamic vocals. Tracks like "Celebration", "Easy Rocker", and "Rock City" epitomize the band's signature sound, characterized by powerful guitar work and hard-hitting rhythms. The album's diverse range of songs encompasses anthems, ballads, and fast-paced rockers, making it a dynamic listening experience. Released during a thriving era for hard rock and heavy metal, "Hardware" solidified KROKUS' reputation as a force to be reckoned with. The album resonated with fans worldwide, garnering critical acclaim and commercial success. Against the backdrop of the 1980s music scene, "Hardware" exemplified the band's ability to craft energetic and memorable songs, cementing their position in rock music history. The original Swiss pressing of "Hardware" presents collectors with an intriguing blend of musical excellence and cultural uniqueness. The +ML+ label, indicative of the pressing plant or record company, adds an element of authenticity and exclusivity to the album. |
Music Genre: 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. |
Album Production: Original black and white custom inner sleeve with album details, and photos. Includes flyer to join the Krokus Fan-club |
| Record Label: Ariola 203 322 (203322) |
| Vinyl Record Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone Record |
| Year & Country 1981 Made in Switzerland |
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" |
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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 printed on the original custom inner sleeve
Full page black and white photo of the KROKUS band
"Hardware " Light Blue Colour Ariola Record Label Details: Ariola 203 322 +ML+ ℗ 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)