"KROKUS - Pay It In Metal" is the Swiss Heavy Metal band's third full-length album, boasting diverse releases with distinct album covers. Originally titled "Pain Killer," the 12" Vinyl LP showcases KROKUS's signature sound, delivering a heavy metal experience. Released in a pivotal era, the album captures the essence of the band's musical evolution, contributing to the rich tapestry of European metal during its time.
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, energetic performances, and catchy hooks, "Pay It In Metal" remains a beloved classic among metal enthusiasts.
One notable aspect of "Pay It In Metal" is the existence of multiple releases, each featuring a different album cover. This gave fans the opportunity to choose their favorite artwork, making the album a collector's item. The album has also been known as "Pain Killer", adding to the mystique and intrigue surrounding its release.
Recorded at Manor Studios in Oxford, England, "Pay It In Metal" showcases the band's intense energy and powerful musicianship. From the opening track to the closing notes, Krokus delivers a relentless barrage of heavy metal goodness. The album features a mix of blistering guitar solos, pounding drums, and soaring vocals, all combining to create an explosive listening experience.
"Pay It In Metal" is an album that exemplifies the classic sound of early heavy metal. It draws inspiration from the likes of Judas Priest, AC/DC, and other pioneering bands of the genre, while also infusing Krokus's unique style and energy. The album captures the rawness and energy of a band on the rise, hungry to make their mark in the metal world.
Released in the Netherlands in 1978, "Pay It In Metal" quickly gained a devoted following and helped establish Krokus as one of the leading forces in European heavy metal. The album's release marked a turning point in the band's career and set the stage for their subsequent success.
This album was recorded at: Manor Studios, Oxford
Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
Mercury – 6326 800
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1978 Netherlands
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"Pay It In Metal by Krokus" Blue Colour Mercury Record Label Details: Mercury – 6326 800, Made in Holland ℗ 1978 PolyGram Records Sound Copyright
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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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
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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.
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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
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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)
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
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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
Learn more
"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)