KROKUS The Blitz Swiss Heavy Metal Hard Rock Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information #vinylrecords

Album Description & Collectors Information:

In the world of rock music, few albums possess the raw power and electrifying energy that Krokus' "The Blitz" emanates. Released in 1984, this iconic album, produced by the legendary Bruce Fairbairn, continues to captivate listeners with its heavy riffs, infectious melodies, and dynamic performances. Accompanied by the impeccable sound engineering of Bob Rock and recorded at the renowned Little Mountain Sound in Vancouver, Canada, and mastered by the exceptional George Marino, "The Blitz" stands as a timeless gem in the world of rock music history.

Before delving into the musical journey within, let us first appreciate the visual masterpiece that adorns the cover of the USA Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album of "The Blitz". The eye-catching artwork, created by world-renowned artist Chris Achilleos, depicts a fierce, mechanized monster standing atop a futuristic metropolis. Its fiery eyes and menacing presence mirror the sheer power and intensity of the music contained within.

At the helm of production, Bruce Fairbairn, known for his work with renowned rock bands, infused "The Blitz" with his distinctive touch. Fairbairn's expertise in capturing the essence of a band's sound shines through in the seamless integration of the album's diverse elements. His ability to harness the raw energy of Krokus while maintaining clarity and balance throughout each track showcases his immense talent and deep understanding of the rock genre.

The sound/recording engineer, Bob Rock, deserves equal praise for his exceptional work on "The Blitz". Rock's meticulous attention to detail ensured that every guitar riff, bassline, and drumbeat resonated with power and precision. By skillfully capturing the band's live energy, Rock brought an unparalleled authenticity to the recording, allowing listeners to experience the sheer force of Krokus in all its glory.

The choice to record at Little Mountain Sound in Vancouver, a studio renowned for its high-quality productions, was a stroke of genius. This legendary facility had seen the likes of AC/DC, Bon Jovi, and Aerosmith grace its halls, and its stellar reputation was well-deserved. Little Mountain Sound's state-of-the-art equipment and acoustically treated rooms provided the ideal environment for Krokus to unleash their musical prowess. The synergy between the band, the production team, and the studio undoubtedly played a crucial role in crafting the album's remarkable sound.

To complete the album's sonic brilliance, the mastering engineer George Marino took the reins. Marino, a legend in his own right, brought his wealth of experience to the table, having worked with iconic artists such as Led Zeppelin, Guns N' Roses, and AC/DC. His expertise and attention to detail were instrumental in refining the overall sound of "The Blitz" and ensuring that it would resonate with listeners on a profound level. Marino's contribution to the album's sonic landscape cannot be understated.

This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos.

Music Genre:

Swiss Heavy Metal Hard Rock

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.

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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.

Recorded at Little Mountain Sound, Vancouver.

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.

Record Label & Catalognr:

Arista AL 8-8243

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play Gramophone Record
Album weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1984 Made in USA

Band Members and Musicians on: Krokus The Blitz

Marc Storace - Lead Vocals

Marc Storace, born in Malta in 1951, is a Swiss vocalist best known for his iconic work with the hard rock and heavy metal band Krokus . His powerful vocals, passionate delivery, and impressive range have made him a legend in the music industry.

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Early Career and Rise to Fame:

Storace's musical journey began in the 1960s with various bands, including TEA, before joining Krokus in 1979. His arrival marked a turning point for the band, leading them to their most successful era. With his instantly recognizable voice, he became the face and voice of Krokus, contributing to their global success with albums like "Metal Rendez-vous" (1980), "Hardware" (1981), and "One Vice at a Time" (1982).

Chart-topping Hits and International Recognition:

Singles like "Bedside Radio," "Long Stick Goes Boom," and "Screaming in the Night" became international hits, solidifying Krokus' place in rock history. Storace's electrifying stage presence and captivating vocals made him a fan favorite, earning them a dedicated following worldwide.

Brief Departure and Return to Krokus:

In the early 1990s, Storace embarked on a solo project called "Storace," releasing an album and performing under that name. However, he reunited with Krokus in 2002, leading them to renewed success with albums like "Rock the Block" (2003) and "Hoodoo" (2010).

In 2021, Storace launched his solo career under the moniker "STORACE," releasing his debut album "Live and Let Live" to critical acclaim. He continues to tour extensively, both as a solo artist and with Krokus, captivating audiences with his timeless vocals and undeniable stage presence.
Fernando Von Arb - Guitars
Mark Kohler - Guitars
Jeff Klaven - Drums

Complete Track Listing of: "The Blitz"

Midnite Maniac
Out of Control
Boys Nite Out
Our Love
Out To Lunch

Ballroom Blitz
Rock the Nation
Hot Stuff
Ready to Rock

KROKUS - Alive and Screamin'

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

KROKUS - Change of Address

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

KROKUS - Early Days 12" Vinyl LP

KROKUS - Early Days album front cover vinyl record

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

KROKUS - Hardware (Multiple International Versions)

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)

KROKUS - Headhunter

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

KROKUS - Heart Attack

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

KROKUS - Metal Rendez-Vous

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

KROKUS - One Vice at a Time (European and Swiss Releases) 12" Vinyl LP

KROKUS - One Vice at a Time (European and Swiss Releases) album front cover vinyl record

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)

KROKUS - Painkiller

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

KROKUS - Pay It In Metal

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

KROKUS - The Blitz (German and USA Releases)

"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)

Krokus - The Blitz - USA Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album