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.
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 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.
|
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 |
|
Complete Track Listing of: Krokus Painkiller |
|
Album cover photos of : Krokus Painkiller |
Photo of Front Cover |
Photo of Album's Back Cover |
|
Photo of Album's Inner Cover |
|
Close-up Photo of Record Label
|
|
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. |
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 LPFounded 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 LPThe 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 LPIn 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 LPBy 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 LPIn 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 LPIn 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 LPSwiss 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)