Krokus - Metal Rendez-Vous netherlands Release 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Krokus' Metal Rendez-Vous: A Legendary 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Metal Rendez-Vous" by Krokus, a landmark 1980 heavy metal album, marked the band's ascent and introduced vocalist Marc Storace. In the Netherlands, the 12" vinyl LP release became a sonic journey for fans, featuring captivating artwork and standout tracks. Beyond its musical brilliance, the album's impact endures, reflecting a pivotal era in metal history and emphasizing the timeless appeal of vinyl records in the digital age.

 

KROKUS - Metal Rendez-Vous Netherlands Release 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"Metal Rendez-Vous" Album Description:

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 but also introduced the powerful vocals of Marc Storace to the eager ears of fans. In this article, we explore the significance of "Metal Rendez-Vous" and delve into its impact on the Netherlands, where the vinyl release played a crucial role in cementing Krokus' place in heavy metal history.

A Pivotal Moment: Metal Rendez-Vous

Krokus, a Swiss hard rock and heavy metal band, had already garnered attention with their earlier albums, but it was "Metal Rendez-Vous" that catapulted them into the international spotlight. Released in 1980, the album showcased a perfect blend of hard-hitting riffs, anthemic choruses, and Marc Storace's distinctive and powerful vocals. Storace's addition to the lineup brought a new energy and charisma to Krokus, setting the stage for their future success.

The Netherlands Release: A Vinyl Experience

Vinyl records have always held a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts, providing a tangible and immersive way to experience an album. In the Netherlands, the release of "Metal Rendez-Vous" as a 12" vinyl LP added a unique dimension to the fan experience. The larger-than-life album cover, the tactile nature of the vinyl, and the warmth of analog sound created a sensory journey for listeners.

Musical Triumphs: Unveiling the Tracks

"Metal Rendez-Vous" boasted an array of standout tracks that solidified Krokus' position as a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene. From the infectious energy of "Heatstrokes" to the anthemic "Bedside Radio" and the soulful "Streamer," the album showcased the band's versatility and musical prowess. Each track on the vinyl LP contributed to the overall experience, creating a sonic adventure that resonated with fans in the Netherlands and beyond.

Music Genre:

 Swiss Heavy Metal Switzerland

Album Production information:

The album: "Metal Rendez-Vous " was produced by: Martin Pearson and Krokus

Martin Pearson a Swiss Music Producer and Sound engineer, he has produced/engineered several heavy metal bands during the late 1970s until the mid-1980s. Some of the bands he has worked with are: Black Angels, Krokus, Mass, Witchcraft.


Recorded October/November 1979, Studio Platinum One, Switzerland

Juerg Naegeli - Sound Engineer, Bass, Keyboarda, Sound Engineer

Ursli Weber - Sound Engineer

Paul Grau - Photography

Record Label & Catalognr:

 Ariola 201 199 (201199)

Media Format:

 12" Vinyl LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 210 gram  
Year & Country 1980 Made in Holland
Band Members and Musicians on: Krokus Metal Rendez-Vous
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • 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.

    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
  • Fernando Von Arb - Lead guitar
  • Fernando Von Arb - Lead Guitar

    Riff-first lead guitarist: tight hooks, lean solos, and a drummer-proof sense of timing.

    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
  • Chris Von Rohr - Bass guitar
  • 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.

    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
  • Freddy Steady - Drums
  • Tommy Kiefer - Rhythm guitar
Complete Track Listing of: "Metal Rendez-Vous "

The Song/tracks on "Metal Rendez-Vous " are

  • Heatstrokes - 4:00
  • Bedside Radio - 3:22
  • Come On - 4:29
  • Streamer - 6:44
  • Shy Kid - 2:33
  • Tokyo Nights - 5:54
  • Lady Double Dealer - 3:13
  • Fire - 6:07
  • No Way - 4:02
  • Back-Seat Rock & Roll - 3:15

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'
KROKUS - Alive and Screamin' album front cover vinyl record

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
KROKUS - Change of Address album front cover vinyl record

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)
KROKUS - Hardware (Multiple International Versions) album front cover vinyl record

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
KROKUS - Headhunter album front cover vinyl record

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
KROKUS - Heart Attack album front cover vinyl record

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
KROKUS - Metal Rendez-Vous album front cover vinyl record

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
KROKUS - Painkiller album front cover vinyl record

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
KROKUS - Pay It In Metal album front cover vinyl record

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)
KROKUS - The Blitz (German and USA Releases) album front cover vinyl record

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)