This year marks the 30th anniversary of the classic Krokus album “Headhunter“, and in celebration the Swiss metal icons are releasing “Dirty Dynamite“, an album which embraces the band’s early sound while finding them bluesier than ever. This month vocalist Marc Storace checked in to talk about the new album, recording at the famous Abbey Road Studios, and the return addition of guitarist Mandy Meyer. He also shares his memories of recording the band’s seminal 1983 “Headhunter” album which featured the trademark track, “Screaming in the Night”.
Originally formed in 1974 by bassist Chris von Rohr, the band had more of a progressive style. It was not until Storace took over vocal duties from Von Rohr in 1980 that the band began to change its sound and settled into a signature that might be hailed as an edgier AC/DC. The band’s debut with Storace, “Metal Rendez-vous” also included longtime and current lead guitarist Fernando von Arb. The record reached triple platinum status in its home country of Switzerland, and featured the hits ”Heatstrokes” and ”Bedside Radio” which are still concert staples.
From 1980 to 1986 Krokus would release six classic hard rock albums including the band’s first two gold records in America, “Headhunter” (1983) and “The Blitz” (1984), offering up a string of hits including “Eat The Rich”, “Our Love”, “Screaming in the Night”, “Stayed Awake All Night”, “Long Stick Goes Boom”, “Midnite Maniac” and vintage covers like The Guess Who’s “American Woman”, Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” and The Sweet’s “Ballroom Blitz”.
The classic line-up, which would also feature guitarist Mark Kohler and drummer Freddy Steady would begin to come apart, and like most hard rock and metal bands fell victim to the grunge movement of the 90s. However, Krokus never quit, and in various incarnations kept recording and touring for 20 more years before fate would bring the seminal line-up back together. What resulted was 2010′s “Hoodoo” which fit right into the band’s early 80′s sound.
On March 5, the band releases its 16th studio effort, “Dirty Dynamite“, an album which finds the band returning to its bad boy boogie and blues roots, perhaps more so than ever. Storace says the band feels really good these days and the only things that can derail the band now are age and health. Drummer Freddy Steady stepped down as age began taking away some of his power. Helloween drummer Daniel Löble will fill in for much of the band’s 2013 touring. Guitarist Mandy Meyer, who worked with the band back in the 80s and again on the 2006 “Hellraiser” album joined as the group’s third guitarist for “Dirty Dynamite“, adding depth to the sound.
You can listen to our full 30 minute interview with Marc Storace below, check out our 2010 interview with Marc and read our review of “Dirty Dynamite” here.
Music is the universal language: Speak it loudly!
Rustyn Rose is a veteran music journalist who owns and operates Metalholic Magazine and Metalholic Radio.
Comments