KROKUS – Once upon a Metal time there was the 1980’s… and Krokus Rocked that decade like there was no tomorrow. Krokus released seven studio albums during those colorful ’80’s, power packed with plenty of memorable songs. If I was to make a “master list” of “must” Hard Rock and/or Heavy Metal Bands from this funtastic decade of the ’80’s, Krokus would no doubt be among my top picks. I recently grabbed ahold of a very cool and addicting greatest hits CD from Krokus to listen to – Headhunter Blitz, released in 2002 on BMG Special Products.
I picked this CD up years ago for two substantive reasons: 1. It’s Krokus for Metal sakes, 2. The ten songs on Headhunter Blitz are a fabulous sampling of an ultra great decade of Krokus albums. Below I’ll give some Metal insight to the ten songs heard on Headhunter Blitz, a modest tribute to an Old School – good times – Hard Rockin’ Band that is still Rockin’ better than ever in 2010!
1980 saw the release of Metal Rendez-vous, with Heart Attack closing out the decade for Krokus in 1988. In between these two albums were the more famous titles within the Krokus catalog of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. There are not too many bands these days, that would or even could release seven studio albums in one decade. Krokus did… and their 1980’s albums are worth every penny you may spend on them today.
In 1982, Krokus began making headway into the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal hearts of fans with One Vice at a Time. Long Stick Goes Boom and the cover song American Woman, (originally made famous by The Guess Who), are the two most popular tracks that jump out and grab me still, as if I am hearing them for the first time.
Released in 1983, Headhunter became the highest U.S. chart topping album in the entire Krokus catalog, retaining thus status to this very day in 2010. I can recall walking the hallways of my old high school, back in ’83, with the Headhunter vinyl underneath my arm, like it was a text book. In essence, it was… to me. Metal be thy name, that Headhunter album “taught” me a thing or two about real Rock ‘N’ Roll.
From the power ballad of Screaming In The Night, to the Heavy Metal onslaught of the title song Headhunter, this Krokus album shall forever be heralded by me as a complete and great album of Hard and Heavy songs. Eat The Rich is another standout song heard on Headhunter, it’s lean, loud and heavy! Throw in the bluesy heaviness of Stayed Awake All Night and my Metal point is exemplified with ease here.
The Blitz being released in 1984, only made Krokus all the more appealing to FM radio and MTV. Marc Storace showcases his vocal talents with the melodic power ballad Our Love, the melodic Hard Rocker Midnite Maniac and once again a credible cover song with Ballroom Blitz, (originally made famous by Sweet).
If you would like to see the classic Our Love music video from 1984, just click the link below:
KROKUS – “OUR LOVE” MUSIC VIDEO FROM 1984!
1986 came along with once again… another memorable and melodic Hard Rock offering from Krokus! Change Of Address carried over the Hard Rock and ’80’s Arena Rock accessibility with the songs Hot Shot City and Burning Up The Night… with plenty of chorus and big guitar sound. School’s Out is the cover song on this album and Krokus doesn’t disappoint, with their style and attitude only accentuating it’s lyrics and theme. Alice Cooper’s original School’s Out is legendary… this Krokus cover is classic. Change Of Address is a Krokus album that captured that mid ’80’s wide openness of mainstream Hard Rock/Heavy Metal vibe. Despite whatever reviews may have circulated over the decades, regarding Change Of Address, I just so happen to really, really, really like this Krokus album, so let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal done.
I strongly urge and/or recommend any fan of Old School, 1980’s Hard Rock, Arena Rock and Heavy Metal to get their ears into the Krokus catalog of albums! A greatest hits such as Headhunter Blitz makes for an excellent start for new fans to become acquainted with Switzerland’s biggest and best band to ever cross the Atlantic.
Track Listing For Headhunter Blitz:
Midnite Maniac
Eat The Rich
Ballroom Blitz
Headhunter
American Woman
School’s Out
Stayed Awake All Night
Long Stick Goes Boom
Hot Shot City
Screaming In The Night
Metal Odyssey Note: The classic Krokus lineup from the 1982 album – One Vice At A Time is back together in 2010! With their NEW album release – Hoodoo. If you need some Metal guidance into how great this new Krokus album, Hoodoo, really is… just click on the link below to read my review:
KROKUS “HOODOO” – CASTS A HARD ROCKIN’ & HEAVY METAL CLASSIC SPELL!
The One Vice At A Time, classic Krokus lineup, as they are in 2010:
Marc Storace – vocals
Chris Von Rohr – bass, vocals
Fernando Von Arb – lead guitars, vocals
Mark Kohler – rhythm guitars
Freddy Steady – drums
LONG LIVE KROKUS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!
Stone.
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.