Post by jptheprofessor on Jan 25, 2007 20:54:02 GMT -5
KROKUS – HELLRAISER (Locomotive Records) Started over 30 years ago, Swiss rockers Krokus enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame and fortune in the midst of the 80’s hair metal craze, enjoying MTV notoriety and scoring a few modest hits, the biggest being a cover of Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out.” Krokus’ mainstream popularity waned after the mid 80’s, and although they have continued to put out albums with various line-ups since, they’ve largely been forgotten except in 80’s metal circles. Their latest album, Hellraiser, is the first album since their mid-70’s beginnings without guitarist Fernando Von Arb, who left the band prior to the album’s recording due to complications from wrist surgery. With one-time touring guitarist Mandy Meyer rejoining the group to replace Von Arb, Krokus churns out a sound similar to what they delivered at their 80’s peak; a streamlined, hard-rocking sound chock full of catchy, crunchy guitar riffs and topped by the Bon Scott-like howl of Maltese-born singer Marc Storace. As with their peak 80’s output, Krokus’ current sound retains some similarity to AC/DC-like raunch rock, best displayed on the title track “Hellraiser,” “Too Wired to Sleep,” “No Risk No Gain,” “Turnin’ Inside Out” and “Rocks Off!” Songs like the slower “Angel Of My Dreams, and the mid-tempo crunchers ”Fight On,” “Midnite Fantasy,” “Justice” and “Love Will Survive” demonstrate Krokus’ classic 80’s metal sound. The group also delivers a pounding speedbanger on “Spirit Of The Night,” and a competent power ballad in “So Long.” The components that worked for Krokus in the 80’s still work here; infectious song hooks brought to life with crunchy riffs and tasty leads, booming drum beats and pulsating bass; with Dennis Ward’s production giving it all full thunder and power. Marc Storace’s voice holds up well, still possessing range and even sounding slightly smoother than it did 20 years ago; and displaying ample personality and swagger. Although Hellraiser likely won’t bring Krokus back to the popularity heights they enjoyed in the 80’s, it’s a respectable album with its fair share of memorable moments that connoisseurs of classic-flavored hard rock and metal should enjoy.