Krokus - Painkiller - Swiss hard rock 12" Vinyl LP Album

Krokus's "Painkiller," an original Swiss pressing on 12" Vinyl LP, encapsulates the band's influence on the Swiss hard rock scene during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Marked by distinctive features like "+ML+" on the label and the Swiss-crossbow emblem, this collector's item reflects the dynamic era when hard rock flourished globally. The album cover, adorned with the national symbol, adds cultural identity to the band's powerful sound.This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

 

large album front cover photo of: Krokus - Painkiller Swiss prog hard rock

"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.

Music Genre:

  Swiss Prog Rock Hard Rock Music

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

Record Label & Catalognr:

  Mercury 6326 800
Packaging: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, and photos of Krokus' band-members.

Media Format:

  12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record 

Year & Country:

  1978 Made in Switzerland
Band Members and Musicians on: Krokus Painkiller
    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.

    more...

    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.

Complete Track Listing of: Krokus Painkiller
    Side One:
  • Killer
  • Werewolf
  • Rock Ladies
  • Bad Love
  • Get out of my Mind

    Side Two:
  • Rock Me, Rock You
  • Deadline
  • Susie
  • Pay It!
  • Bye By Baby
Album cover photos of : Krokus Painkiller
Photo of Front Cover 
Large Hires Photo
Photo of Album's Back Cover  
Large Hires Photo  
Photo of Album's Inner Cover  
Large Hires Photo
Close-up Photo of Record Label 
Large Hires Photo  
Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.

Headbanging through the Years: The Vinyl Discography of Krokus

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.

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

"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)