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 Information:

  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.

    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.

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 is a Swiss rock band known for their hard-hitting, high-energy sound and catchy choruses. They have sold over 14 million albums worldwide.
KROKUS Band Description:

  Krokus is a Swiss rock band formed in 1975 in Solothurn, Switzerland. The band has released 18 studio albums, sold over 14 million copies worldwide, and is considered one of the most successful Swiss rock bands. Krokus is known for their hard-hitting, high-energy sound, and their dynamic stage presence.

  History:

  Krokus was founded by guitarist Tommy Kiefer and drummer Chris von Rohr in 1975. The band's early years were marked by frequent lineup changes, but in 1979, they released their third album, "Metal Rendez-vous," which became a huge commercial success in Switzerland and launched the band's international career. The album featured the hit single "Bedside Radio" and showcased Krokus' hard-rocking sound and catchy melodies. The band continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s, including "Hardware" (1981), "One Vice at a Time" (1982), and "Headhunter" (1983).

  Krokus' success in the 1980s was due in part to their ability to blend elements of classic hard rock with the emerging heavy metal genre. The band's sound was characterized by heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and catchy choruses. Krokus' lyrics often dealt with themes of rebellion, independence, and freedom, and their music was popular with audiences who were looking for an escape from the pressures of everyday life.

  In the late 1980s, Krokus' popularity began to wane, and the band went through a series of lineup changes. In 1995, the band released "To Rock or Not to Be," which marked a return to their hard-rock roots. The album was a commercial success in Switzerland, but it failed to reignite the band's international career. Krokus continued to release albums throughout the 2000s and 2010s, but their popularity remained largely confined to Switzerland and other European countries.

  Musical Style and Achievements:

  Krokus' musical style is characterized by their high-energy hard-rock sound, which incorporates elements of heavy metal, blues, and classic rock. The band's guitar-heavy sound is driven by Tommy Kiefer's virtuosic playing, which is often compared to that of AC/DC's Angus Young. Krokus' lyrics often deal with themes of freedom, rebellion, and independence, and the band's music is known for its catchy choruses and sing-along hooks.

  Krokus' commercial success in the 1980s made them one of the most successful Swiss rock bands of all time. The band's album "Headhunter" sold over 2 million copies worldwide and was certified platinum in the United States. Krokus' live performances were also highly regarded, and the band played sold-out shows in stadiums and arenas around the world.

  Impact on the Swiss and Global Rock Music Scene:

  Krokus' success in the 1980s paved the way for other Swiss rock bands to gain international recognition. The band's high-energy sound and dynamic stage presence inspired a generation of young Swiss musicians, many of whom went on to form their own bands and pursue careers in rock music. Krokus' impact on the Swiss music scene is still felt today, and the band is considered a national treasure.

  Krokus also had a significant impact on the global rock music scene. The band's high-energy sound and catchy hooks influenced countless other bands, and their music remains popular with fans of classic hard rock and heavy metal. Krokus' legacy is evident in the many tribute bands and cover bands