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 was a highly acclaimed Senior Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound in New York City. Born on 15 April 1947, in the Bronx, New York, he became one of the most experienced and influential sound mastering engineers in the world. With his unparalleled expertise, Marino played a significant role in shaping the sound of countless albums across various music genres. From a young age, Marino displayed a deep passion for music and an innate talent for audio engineering. He began his career at Capitol Records in New York, where he worked as a mastering engineer and honed his skills in audio post-production. In 1973, Marino joined Sterling Sound, a renowned mastering facility founded by Lee Hulko. It was here that he would leave an indelible mark on the music industry. Over the years, George Marino mastered an extensive catalog of albums for a wide range of artists and musical styles. His meticulous attention to detail and exceptional ear for sound allowed him to consistently deliver exceptional quality and clarity in his work. He possessed an intuitive understanding of how to enhance the dynamics, balance, and overall sonic experience of each record he touched. During the 1980s, a pivotal era for heavy metal music, George Marino worked on numerous influential albums in the genre. His mastering contributions to these records played a crucial role in shaping the iconic sounds of heavy metal during that decade. Some notable albums he mastered include:
These albums, among many others, showcase Marino's contribution to the heavy metal genre's sonic landscape during the 1980s. His meticulous mastering work ensured that these records had the power, clarity, and impact necessary to captivate listeners and establish their enduring legacies. George Marino's career spanned over four decades, during which he received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. His expertise and mastery of sound engineering made him a highly sought-after professional, and he worked with a diverse range of artists, including AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Coldplay, and many more. Tragically, George Marino passed away on 4 June 2012, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most skilled and respected mastering engineers of his time. His dedication to his craft, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled expertise continue to inspire and influence audio engineers and musicians worldwide. George Marino's contributions to the art of sound mastering remain an enduring testament to his extraordinary talent and passion for music. |
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Record Label Information: 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 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