"Painkiller" Album Description:
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, who left an indelible mark on the genre.
The 12" Vinyl LP Album format, particularly during the era of Krokus's early releases, played a crucial role in the dissemination of their music. This was a period when vinyl records dominated the music market, and the LP format allowed for a more immersive and extended listening experience compared to singles.
The specific release in focus, "Painkiller," holds particular importance as an original Swiss pressing. The presence of the "+ML+" on the label serves as a distinctive feature, indicating its origin. Additionally, the stamper code "Swiss Made" accompanied by the iconic Swiss-crossbow emblem further authenticates the album as a first-issue release.
Examining the time period in which Krokus's "Painkiller" was released provides valuable context. The late 1970s and early 1980s were dynamic years for hard rock and heavy metal globally. Bands were experimenting with sound, pushing boundaries, and establishing distinct identities within the broader music landscape.
Switzerland, despite being a relatively small player in the international music scene, produced bands like Krokus that demonstrated the country's ability to contribute to the evolving sounds of the time. The juxtaposition of Swiss precision and the raw energy of hard rock created a unique musical amalgamation that set Krokus apart.
As collectors and enthusiasts delve into the details of this original Swiss pressing, the significance of the album cover cannot be overlooked. The use of the Swiss-crossbow, a national symbol, on the original 1st Issue album cover adds a layer of cultural identity to the visual representation of the music contained within.
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Album Production information:
Produced by Harry Sprenger
Recorded and mixed at Manor Studios, Oxford, June 1978
Sound engineer: Mick Glossop, Alan Douglas, Juerg Naegeli
Alan Douglas a sound engineer from Scotland working with many pop / rock groups, including The Jam, Queen, Adam Ant, China Crisis, Echo & The Bunnymen, XTC, Squeeze and Eric Clapton.
Jürg Nägeli is from Switzerland and is musician, sound engineer and music producer. He has been performing with the Swiss Heavy Metal / Hard Rock band "Krokus", from 1976 until 1979 as bassist and from 1978 until 1980 on keyboards.
Photography: Theo Scherrer
Album cover design by: Beat Keller
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Record Label Information:
Mercury 6326 800
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Packaging:
This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, and photos of Krokus' band-members.
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Media Format:
12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record
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Year & Country:
1978 Made in Switzerland
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Band Members and Musicians on: Krokus Painkiller
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Band-members, Musicians and Performers
- Freddy Steady - Drums
- Juerg Naegeli - Bass, Keyboards
- Fernando von Arb - Guitars, Bass
- Tommy Kiefer - Guitars
- Chris von Rohr - Lead vocals, percussion
Christoph "Chris" von Rohr (hristoph von Rohr is a Swiss music producer and one of the most influential figures in the Swiss music industry. Born in Switzerland, von Rohr's interest in music began at an early age. He started playing the guitar as a teenager and soon became a member of a local band.music scene.
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In 1971, von Rohr moved to Zurich to study philosophy and German literature. He continued to play music on the side and eventually formed a new band called Toad. The band gained popularity in Switzerland and was signed to a record label in Germany, which allowed them to tour throughout Europe.music scene.
After Toad disbanded, von Rohr turned his attention to producing. In 1980, he founded a recording studio in Zurich and began working with a number of Swiss musicians, including the hard rock band Krokus. von Rohr produced several of Krokus' albums, which helped the band achieve international success.music scene.
In the late 1980s, von Rohr began working with the band Gotthard, which would become one of Switzerland's most successful rock bands. von Rohr produced several of Gotthard's albums, including their debut album, which sold over 250,000 copies in Switzerland alone.music scene.
Throughout his career, von Rohr has been recognized for his contributions to the Swiss music industry. He has won several awards for his work as a producer and has been instrumental in shaping the sound of Swiss rock music. Today, von Rohr continues to work as a producer and is considered a living legend in the Swiss music scene.
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