Krokus: Switzerland's Hard Rock Export

Krokus is a Swiss hard rock and heavy metal band that achieved international fame in the 1980s. Hailing from Solothurn, the group is best known for their platinum-selling album "The Blitz" and for cracking the American Top 40 with their anthemic cover of "Ballroom Blitz."

Early career

Krokus was formed in 1975 by bassist Chris von Rohr and guitarist Tommy Kiefer. Their early sound was rooted in blues-rock, as heard on their self-titled 1976 debut and the follow-up "To You All" in 1977.

Significant changes came in 1978 with the arrival of vocalist Marc Storace, whose powerful, raspy voice defined the band's classic era. This new lineup signed with the German label Ariola and released "Metal Rendez-vous" in 1980, which became a major success across Europe.

Breakthrough

The band's international breakthrough arrived in 1982 with the album "One Vice at a Time" on Arista Records. Fueled by the single "Long Stick Goes Boom," the album gained heavy rotation on MTV and entered the Billboard 200 chart in the United States.

This success was solidified in 1983 with the release of "Headhunter" on the same label. The album went gold in the United States and Canada, peaking at number 25 on the Billboard chart, powered by the hit "Screaming in the Night."

Key tracks

Long Stick Goes Boom — This hard-driving track was the lead single from their American breakthrough album "One Vice at a Time."

Screaming in the Night — The band's highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 42, and a staple of their live shows.

Ballroom Blitz — Their cover of The Sweet's glam rock hit became a radio and MTV favorite, propelling the 1984 album "The Blitz" to platinum status.

Headhunter — The title track from their most successful studio album featured a guest guitar solo by Accept's Herman Frank.

Bedside Radio — An earlier European hit from the "Metal Rendez-vous" album that showcased their transition to a heavier, more commercial sound.

The mid-80s saw Krokus maintain momentum with "The Blitz" (1984) and "Change of Address" (1986). After a period of lineup instability and a brief hiatus in the early 1990s, the band reunited with their classic members in the mid-2000s.

They have continued to record and tour, releasing albums like "Hoodoo" (2010) and "Big Rocks" (2017), proving their enduring appeal to the hard rock faithful. Their catalog has earned multiple gold and platinum certifications across Europe and North America.

Fans of Krokus often appreciate the high-energy rock of AC/DC for the similar blues-based riffing and powerhouse vocals. The Swiss band also shares a melodic metal approach with Scorpions, another European act that conquered America. Listeners might enjoy the anthemic, driving sound of Accept, who emerged from the same era of heavy European rock. The raw, energetic style is also echoed by fellow rockers Rose Tattoo.

Krokus remains a fixture on classic rock FM stations and dedicated hard rock radio streams. Their signature hits from the 1980s receive regular airplay, keeping their music alive for long-time fans and new listeners discovering the era.

The music of Krokus can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover the Swiss hard rock legends through the classic rock and metal radio stations available on onairium.com.