Great Metal Albums of 1984: Krokus- The Blitz

Sometimes when an artist comes out with a great song, people expect them to duplicate it every time. This was the case with Swiss metal band Krokus in 1984. A year earlier, they completely blew me and many other metalheads away with their classic song, “Screaming in the Night.” That is definitely in my top 20 as all time favourite songs. However, in 1984, when Krokus released their album, “The Blitz,” many expected another song with the blow away potential as “Screaming in the Night.” Unfortunately, no such song exists on the album and as a result, a lot of people went off Krokus.

Despite the fact that there is no song that completely blows me away on “The Blitz,” I still enjoy listening to the album. There are still some very good songs on here. I’ll be the first to admit that the first single, “Midnight Maniac,” does not compare to the all time great but it has a catchy chorus which I still find myself singing now and again. I have been singing more lately as I have gotten reacquainted with the album. I only wish the guitar solo was a little longer.

Good 80s style metal continues on after “Midnight Maniac” with “Out of Control” and my vote for hidden gem on the album, “Boys Night Out.” This is a great hard rocking song, so much so that I can’t believe that it was co-written with Bryan Adams! The guitar solo on it is longer, at least the appropriate length a decent guitar solo should be. Things continue on nicely after that. “Our Love” has a cool intro and I think that Marc Storace does his best singing on it. It helps that there is a good metal rhythm behind him on the song. “Out to Lunch” is another hidden gem on the album, a good rocker. It’s chorus is just as catchy as “Midnight Maniac” and has a better guitar solo.

The one low point is their cover of The Sweet’s classic, “Ballroom Blitz.” I’m not impressed with it and that could be down to the fact that I saw Krokus live before listening to the album. From what I remember, they nailed it on that night and the recorded version isn’t up to it. Fortunately, three great rockers come after to erase any lack of impression I have on account of “Ballroom Blitz” and so, the album ends on a good high. In fact, “Rock the Nation” is a rather good song that has some cool guitar playing. I can say the same for “Hot Stuff” and “Ready to Rock” is a more credible closer. I do like the live feeling the song has.

Track Listing:

1. Midnight Maniac
2. Out of Control
3. Boys Night Out
4. Our Love
5. Out to Lunch
6. Ballroom Blitz
7. Rock the Nation
8. Hot Stuff
9. Ready to Rock

Krokus

Marc Storace- lead vocals

Fernando Von Arb- guitar, backing vocals

Marc Kohler- bass

Jeff Klaven- drums, percussion

Note: On the tour for “The Blitz,” Marc Kohler would move to guitar and the bass duties would be taken over by Andy Tanas.

Before I close out on what a misunderstandingly good album “The Blitz” is, let me share a bit from “Rock and Roll Children.” When Krokus played live in the story, Marc Storace accepts a joint from someone in the crowd and takes a sly puff on it before handing it back. That actually happened! I know because I was in the fifth row. Anyway, this is an album that deserves a listen or a second chance as it’s better than what some thought at the time.

Next post: Sammy Hagar- VOA

To get Rock and Roll Children, go to: https://book-fm.cf/print/free-download-rock-and-roll-children-by-michael-d-lefevre-pdf.html