Released in 1984, Krokus' "The Blitz" is a hard rock classic produced by Bruce Fairbairn, known for his work with The Scorpions. The album's evolution toward a more polished sound marked a pivotal phase in the band's career. With sound engineer Bob Rock and mastering by George Marino, the album's meticulous details and powerful tracks solidify its status as a timeless sonic masterpiece in the hard rock genre.
Released in 1984, "The Blitz" stands as one of the iconic albums in the discography of the Swiss hard rock band Krokus. Known for their powerful and energetic sound, Krokus reached new heights with this album, which was produced by the renowned Bruce Fairbairn.
The Band:
Before delving into the album's creation, let's take a brief look at Krokus. Formed in 1975, the band underwent several lineup changes before solidifying into a quintet featuring Marc Storace (vocals), Fernando von Arb (guitar), Mark Kohler (guitar), Chris von Rohr (bass), and Freddy Steady (drums). Krokus gained recognition in the late 1970s and early 1980s for their energetic live performances and a sound that blended hard rock with elements of metal.
The Blitz Era:
"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 involvement of producer Bruce Fairbairn, a Canadian known for his work with notable bands like Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, and AC/DC.
Bruce Fairbairn:
Bruce Fairbairn's collaboration with Krokus on "The Blitz" was not his first venture into the hard rock scene. Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, Fairbairn had previously worked with The Scorpions, contributing to the success of their album "Blackout." His experience and knack for bringing out the best in rock bands made him a perfect fit for Krokus during this crucial phase of their career.
Sound Engineering and Mastering:
Working alongside Fairbairn in the studio was sound/recording engineer Bob Rock, who later became a renowned producer in his own right. Rock's technical expertise played a crucial role in capturing the powerful and dynamic essence of Krokus' music during the recording sessions. The mastering engineer for "The Blitz" was none other than George Marino, a highly respected figure in the music industry known for his work with artists like Led Zeppelin and Metallica.
Album Details:
"The Blitz" is not just a collection of songs; it's an experience. The original custom inner sleeve included with the album features intricate details, complete lyrics for all songs, and captivating artwork and photos. This attention to detail enhances the listener's connection with the music, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the sonic world created by Krokus.
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Music Genre: Swiss Heavy Metal Rock |
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Album Production Information:
The album: "The Blitz" was produced by: Bruce Fairbairn. Bruce Fairbaim is a producer from Vancouver, Canada mainly known for producing albums for Krokus and The Scorpions. Sound/recording engineer Bob Rock . Bob Rock is a renowned music producer and sound engineer hailing from Winnipeg, Canada. Born on 19 April 1954, Rock's passion for music began at a young age, and he developed a strong interest in rock and heavy metal genres. Over the years, he has made an indelible mark on the music industry, working with numerous iconic bands and shaping the sound of some of the most influential albums in rock history. Rock's career took off in the 1980s when he started collaborating with various artists and bands. His reputation as a skilled producer and engineer quickly grew, and he became known for his ability to capture the raw energy and power of heavy metal music. One of his earliest notable collaborations was with the Swiss hard rock band Krokus, for whom he produced their successful album "Headhunter" in 1983. However, it was his work with the legendary band Metallica that truly catapulted Rock to international fame. In the early 1990s, Rock collaborated with Metallica as the producer on their self-titled fifth studio album, commonly known as "The Black Album". Released in 1991, the album was a massive success, selling millions of copies worldwide and propelling Metallica to new heights of mainstream popularity. Rock's production on the album was praised for its polished yet heavy sound, and it remains one of the best-selling rock albums of all time. Following the success of "The Black Album", Rock continued to work with Metallica on their subsequent albums, including "Load" (1996) and "Reload" (1997). His collaboration with the band played a significant role in shaping their evolving sound and experimenting with new musical directions. Rock's ability to adapt to different artistic visions while maintaining a high level of production quality became one of his trademarks. In addition to his work with Metallica, Rock has produced and engineered albums for several other major heavy metal bands. He worked with Mötley Crüe on their highly successful album " Dr. Feelgood " (1989), which showcased his knack for capturing the band's sleazy and aggressive sound. Rock also collaborated with Aerosmith on their comeback album "Permanent Vacation" (1987), which marked a resurgence in the band's popularity and featured several hit singles. Throughout his career, Bob Rock has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the music industry. He has received Grammy Awards for his work with Metallica and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Rock's talent and expertise as a producer and engineer have made him one of the most sought-after figures in the industry, and he continues to work with a diverse range of artists and bands, leaving his mark on the music world with every project he takes on. Bob Rock's passion for music, his innate understanding of rock and heavy metal, and his unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch production quality have cemented his status as one of the most influential music producers and sound engineers of his time. His contributions to the genre have left an indelible impact and have shaped the sound of countless iconic albums, making him a true legend in the world of rock music.
Mastering engineer: George Marino George Marino: legendary mastering engineer behind iconic albums by Metallica, AC/DC, and more. Explore his life and groundbreaking career in music. |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Aridsta 206 494 / LC 3484 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1984 Made in Germany / Holland (Gema / Stemra) |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: KROKUS - The Blitz |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "KROKUS - The Blitz" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "KROKUS - The Blitz" is:
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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 ).
Four portrait photos of the KROKUS band members on the album back cover
"The Blitz" Record Label Details: ARISTA 206 494 ℗ 1984 Arista Recods Sound Copyright
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 LP
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
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
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
Headhunter 12" Vinyl LP
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
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
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
Painkiller 12" Vinyl LP
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
"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)