"One Vice at a Time" Album Description:
The release of Krokus's "One Vice at a Time" on 12" Vinyl LP in Europe in 1982 marked a significant moment in the realm of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music. This album, with its distinctive sound and notable collaborations, has left an enduring impact on the music scene of its time.
The early 1980s were a dynamic period for the rock genre, witnessing the rise of various subgenres and the diversification of musical styles. Krokus, a Swiss band formed in the 1970s, found themselves at the forefront of this movement with their 1982 release, "One Vice at a Time." The album encapsulated the essence of the era, blending powerful guitar riffs, energetic rhythms, and anthemic vocals.
Released on the 12" Vinyl LP format, "One Vice at a Time" not only showcased the band's musical prowess but also embraced the prevailing trends in album production and presentation. The vinyl format, a dominant medium at the time, allowed for a full-bodied listening experience, accentuating the warmth and richness of the music.
One noteworthy aspect of the album is the collaboration with Bruce Dickinson, the iconic frontman of Iron Maiden, who provided backing vocals on the track "I'm on the Run." This collaboration added an extra layer of depth to the album, bridging the musical landscapes of two influential bands.
The production of "One Vice at a Time" mirrored the technological advancements of the period, combining analog recording techniques with emerging digital technologies. The result was a sonically vibrant album that captured the raw energy of live performances while embracing the clarity that modern recording equipment afforded.
In terms of musical style, Krokus navigated the terrain between Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, drawing inspiration from both American and European rock traditions. The album's sound reflected the band's ability to seamlessly fuse powerful guitar solos, catchy melodies, and adrenaline-fueled vocals.
The cover art and design of the album also reflected the visual aesthetics prevalent in European publications of the time. Album covers were seen not just as protective casings for the records but as visual representations of the music within. The artwork of "One Vice at a Time" likely contributed to the overall identity of the album, visually capturing the essence of the band's music and the spirit of the early 1980s.
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Album Production Information:
The album: "One Vice at a Time" was produced by: Tony Platt and Krokus
Tony Platt is a distinguished British freelance music engineer and producer who has left an indelible mark on the music industry through his prolific work with renowned British bands, most notably Iron Maiden. His illustrious career spans several decades, and his expertise in music production has contributed significantly to the success of numerous artists.
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Platt's involvement with Iron Maiden is particularly noteworthy, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the band during critical periods of their career. Iron Maiden, a pioneering heavy metal band, achieved international acclaim for their distinctive sound and energetic performances. Platt's collaboration with them attests to his proficiency in capturing the raw power and intricacies of their music.
Beyond his work with British acts, Tony Platt also collaborated with the French band Trust, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles and cultural contexts. Trust, known for their dynamic blend of hard rock and heavy metal, found in Platt a skilled professional capable of translating their artistic vision into a polished and impactful sonic experience.
Platt's career unfolded during a transformative period in the music industry, marked by advancements in recording technology and the emergence of new genres. The 1980s, in particular, witnessed the rise of heavy metal as a dominant force in the global music scene, and Platt's work with Iron Maiden and Trust reflects the vibrancy and diversity of this era.
In terms of production, Tony Platt is recognized for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible sound quality. His approach involves a combination of technical precision and artistic sensibility, creating a synergy that elevates the overall listening experience for audiences.
The collaborative nature of Platt's work is emblematic of the interconnectedness of the European music scene during his active years. His contributions to both British and French bands demonstrate the transcendent power of music to bridge cultural and linguistic divides.
Barry Sage - Sound Engineer
Barry Sage is a veteran sound engineer and producer whose razor-edged ears shaped UK punk and hard rock. From the ferocity of The Exploited to the live bite of Peter and the Test Tube Babies, and the slick metal punch of Krokus, his mixes fuse grit with clarity.
Simon Fowler - Photographer
Simon Fowler – Photographer Simon Fowler is a British photographer celebrated for his striking portraits of rock and metal legends, including Iron Maiden, whose 1983 album “Piece of Mind” credited him as Simon “Bullseye” Fowler. His work spans the vibrant eras of the late 1970s through the 1990s, capturing icons at their creative peak.
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Music Genre:
Swiss Heavy Metal Hard Rock
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Record Label & Catalognr:
Arista 204 400
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play Gramophone Record
Album weight: 230 gram
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Year & Country:
1982 Made in EEC
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Band Members and Musicians on: Krokus One Vice at a Time
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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. Read more... 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.
- 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. Read more... 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.
- 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. Read more... 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:
- Freddy Steady - Drums
- Mark Kohler - Rhythm Guitar
- Mark Kohler - Rhythm Guitar
The steady glue-guitar guy: he keeps the riffs square so the choruses can hit you in the teeth. Read more... Mark "Koki" Kohler is the kind of rhythm guitarist who keeps a band upright while everyone else grabs the spotlight. He joined Krokus in 1982, rode the peak run through 1989, and when the "Headhunter" tour blew up he even switched to bass so the shows could go on. After "The Blitz" he slid back to rhythm where he belongs. He returned for the 1994-1995 reboot, then again in 2008-2014 and since 2015, basically the human proof that Krokus runs on stubborn continuity. His playing is all grip and timing: the tight chop behind "Screaming in the Night" and the stomp of "Midnite Maniac" work because he makes the engine feel inevitable.
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