Krokus

Yes,,,,
I'm giving this 4 stars for most of its material...even though this anthology has all you would expect from a KROKUS catalog..it STILL...YET AGAIN!!!(AS ALL THEIR HITS PACKAGES DO),omits one of their most classic songs, "WINNING MAN". This song is what put Krokus on the radio in the U.S.,or at least in my hometown area of Cincinnati, Ohio. It also does not include "OUR LOVE", another radio hit here in the U.S. I feel it should include those songs.
The songs "WINNING MAN" and "BURNING BONES" from the HARDWARE CD (1981), "OUR LOVE" from THE BLITZ CD (1984), & "BYE BYE BABY" from the PAY IT IN METAL CD (1978). this way you won't have to go buy those 3 CD's to get these songs on CD's that were manufactured before all the "REMASTERING" craze of today!!

this collection of fine tunes from,in my opinion,one of the most under-rated groups of the 80's.It is great from beginning to end. Some real good covers and originals.Standouts are: "Ballroom Blitz","Long Stick Goes Boom","Bad Boys-Rag Dolls","American Woman","Midnite Maniac","Headhunter","Eat The RicH", and "Screaming In The Night".Pretty much all the songs,but just wanted to narrow it down. Too bad it didn't have "Our Love",from "The Blitz".Oh well.Get it if you love the 80's rock or just good R N R!!!!!!!!!!

Krokus is a hard rock band with distinct vocals hard edge guitars. The track, "Screaming in the knight", is, in my opinion, one of the best slow rock songs of all time. They put their mark on a few classic covers.

I wish it had a couple of more songs on it that I missed off of one of thier other albums.

Many moons ago, a review was written which recommended buying The Definitive Collection CD vs. Stayed Awake All Night - The Best of Krokus. Here and now, it is complete.

Krokus is an underrated hard rock/metal band from Switzerland. They have now recorded music in four different decades and continue to rock even as of the day this review is written.

This collection includes at least one track from the follow Krokus full-length CD's: Metal Rendez-vous, Hardware, One Vice at a Time, Headhunter, The Blitz, & Change of Address. In other words, it includes their music from what the public would consider "their best days" in the studios and on tour. This CD is of great sound quality. Audio technology has come a long way since the 80's and it is actually evident here.

They made some good songs better such as Ballroom Blitz & School's Out. Both of them were made heavier by Krokus, as it should be.

Their original songs are solid offerings, and as already mentioned, this collection is the most complete studio recording compliation to date for this group.

A few songs on here that I specifically recommend (besides the obvious ones like their covers and their biggest hits) are "She's Got Everything" "Night Wolf" & "Playin' The Outlaw."

This doesn't get 5 stars because I think they made a mistake in leaving out "Tokyo Nights" from Metal Rendez-vous and I would have included "Hot Shot City" from Change of Address. I also think that this would have been a good place to include a studio recording of "Lay Me Down" which was recorded (live) on their Alive and Screamin' CD.

But overall, this is actually the best from this band. It's a good way to get a feel for them if you are new to them, and it also allows you to have songs from their earlier recordings, which are generally tough to find on CD in the USA. Go pick up a copy.

Hi all you out there
It's a bit weaker than their "Headhunter" effort but nevertheless Marc Storace sings his heart out with a voice that has balls in out and certain grasps of gravel. The songs are all tightly performed to a very commercial but still rocking and rolling point. Good hooklines, solos and not really one songs that belongs into the waste department. The production shines on still after almost 25 years. This is called adult orientated rock in the States I suppose. Good stuff and the boys are from Switzerland (except bass player and drummer). And there still going strong today in little Europe. Midnite manicas - awake and have a bite!

I'm happy with my CD. Shipping was quick. I like not having to wait for anything through the mail.

I always loved Krokus and was never ashamed to admit I liked the bands I liked !

The Blitz is a great album with some super catchy tunes on it ! Midnight Maniac sounds as good today as it did back in the 80's as does Our Love.

Any true fan of Krokus or netal should own the Blitz without question.

For that matter check out all the other Krokus releases as well and pay no attention to no minds who rag the bands you love or used to love !

Ok I know Krokus weren't the most talented or original band that came out on the rock scene But who cares what matters is there are some catchy tunes on this album that get you singing and headbanging isn't that what 80's rock all about catchy tunes, singable choruses and crunchy riffs. This album was the first mainstream album that did loose some of their die hard metal audience just like what happened when MetallicA released their black album. Anyway there are some goodl Krokus songs like Our Love (will never die), Rock the Nation, Hot Stuff and their of The Sweets Ballroom blitz. If you are an 80's metal lover then go and buy this album but if you are more of a die hard rock fan then approach this album with caution

A sure way to not get any recommendations for your review is to slam something unmercifully, so I doubt that this review will get any recommends, but I just can't resist..

This album is GARBAGE.. (actually it is worse, but I'm trying to keep this review clean). This album represents everything that went wrong with heavy metal, as illustrated by the fact that one of the reviewers compared this album favorably with RATT...

Yeah 83 and 84 weren't bad years for Metal, Iron Maiden was jamming, Rainbow was still around, and Priest and the Scorps hadn't totally sold out, but to say that this album represents what was good about 1983-1984 is a joke.

This album is a pre-pubescent adolesent's wet dream.. Boys night out? Rock the nation? Ready to rock?.......... Please.. The only 2 even sort of decent songs are 'Out of control' and 'Ball Room Blitz'... Krokus always managed to do awesome jobs of covering other groups' song, as illustrated by Ballroom Blitz, School's Out and American Woman, but after Headhunter and One Vice at a time, they didn't write one song worth a darn..

Anyone giving this a good review never heard Headhunter or One Vice at a Time.. Krokus even kind of admitted that this album sucked by including only Midnight Maniac on their 'Alive and Screamin'' album. Most of the songs were from Headhunter ot OVaaT.

So please, I beg you.. DON'T BUY THIS CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!

Most metalheads regard this band of Swedes as just a silly Hard Rock band,kind of an AC/DC rip off.
Well,lo and behold they produce a gem!
"Headhunter" is the first(and last) time in the 80s that the band really comes together,combining there influences of AC/DC,Arena Rock and speed metal to create one of the early 80s funnest headbangs.
Loaded with most of the band's greatest songs including metal fistpumpers,"Eat the Rich" and the title track.
There cover of BTO's "Stayed Awake all Night" is excellent and this also features what is largely regarded as there best track,the classic,"Screaming in the Night".
If your a fan of Arena Metal and like the sound of classic PURE heavy metal,and don't care to think too hard about it,go with this classic.
It's a lot of fun for a rocker.

A must buy for Krokus fans. Screaming in the Night and Eat the Rich are the best tracks on the cd.

Great album by this hard rock band from Switzerland that came along with other New Wave metal greats from Europe such as Def Leppard and Scorpions.

This album is pretty much good old hard rock in the style of Def Leppard's 'High and Dry.' Every song on this album has good lyrics and music with decent vocals that resemble AC/DC's Bon Scott somewhat but a little more high pitched. 'Headhunter', 'Eat the Rich', 'Night Wolf', 'Ready to Burn', all have a good hard edge. 'Screaming in the Night' is one of the better power ballads from the early 80s too.

All in all, if you like AC/DC, early Def Leppard, or Scorpions, you will almost certainly love this album.

As one reviewer already said, Krokus are not my favorite band, however this release was a stellar effort indeed. It's got tons of energy and the tunes are solid. Screaming in the night is a great tune, but what really get my blood pumping are the opening tracks on this cd. Headhunter and Eat the Rich are awesome songs and really get this cd off to a fantastic start. I saw these guy in Montreal Canada way back when opening for Def Leppard and they were frikin' awesome!!

It's to bad they didn't stay with this sound and approach to their craft as this was by far their best release ever!

Krokus, for some reason, seem to be a band you either love or hate. I enjoy a lot of their music but this CD is their finest hour. From the moment you put this music on you are surrounded by great song writing and excellent melodies. The guitars are clear and crisp and the music is heavy. "Stayed Awake All Night","Night Wolf",and "Russian Winter" all pound it out and they aren't even the biggest hits on this gem. This CD is a must for every classic metal fan. If you don't already own this go buy it. If you're a Krokus hater you'll still appreciate what these guys accomplished here.

Krokus is an example of a band that got lost in the
80's garbage hair metal bands that were on MTv but were
much better. This album always reminded me of ACDC
style rock and I've always loved it! Every song is a
killer. Sounds like a greatest hits album. If you love
great hard rock like ACDC, UFO, Lizzy, Motorhead etc..
you'll love it!

I love this album. I also love Metal Rendez-Vous and Hardware. For those misinformed individuals that claim this is acopy of AC/DC with Brian Johnson, I beg to differ. Marc Storace (Lead Singer) has sung like this prior to 1982 when this album came out. He sung like this on Metal Rendez-Vous (1979) and Hardware(1981). Of course, the first Brian Johnson (AC/DC) album (Back In Black) did not come out until 1980. So now you critics can do the math, 1979 is earlier than 1980, right? So according to your logic Brian Johnson copied Marc Storace. Yes, that is right, your observations were totally absurd. Don't review an album, based on, if it sounds similar or not to another band. Base it on the quality of the album.

Now to my review, if you like head banging rock and roll, this album is definitely there. I don't know of any Krokus album that isn't worth buying. One Vice at a Time has the hit Long Stick Goes Boom which received a lot of Radio play. But the other songs on here really rock. Great vocals and great guitar work make this one of my favorites. Also check out "The Blitz", "Headhunter" and "Alive and Screamin" , you won't be disappointed.

Yes it does sound like AC/DC a lot, but I don't care. It's still heavy and it rocks hard! I've always liked this band, and they've put out some really good stuff over the years, such as "Metal Rendezvous" and "Headhunter". Overall, this is probably my favorite LP from the band. "Long stick goes boom", "Playin the outlaw","Bad boys,rag dolls" are all heavy,catchy tracks. Forget the similarities, just enjoy this for what it is: kick a** rock and roll

"One vice at time" is a very rattling album - too noisy and too loud. Maybe they all (band, producer, record company) thought this is how heavy metal should sound like, but I strongly believe they kind of destroyed many good song with this production. The previous "Hardware" is so much better, even if "One vice at a time" includes the great "Playing the outlaw", "Down the drain" (a song with high potential), and a good cover choice in "American woman".

... This album is nonetheless mostly for dedicated Krokus fans.

Other than "Back in Black," the AC/DC albums with Brian Johnson are lacking compared to those with Bon Scott at the mic. However, this was the first Krokus album I heard back in the early eighties, and Marc Storace's vocals match those of Brian Johnson, although I believe that Storace's vocals are a bit easier to understand.

Every song on here is great. "Long Stick Goes Boom" has the same feel as "Shoot to Thrill", "Bad Boys and Rag Dolls" is just plain straight-ahead AC/DC, and "Playing the Outlaw" gets closer to Bon Scott than Brian Johnson ever has.

Over all, it's a great rock album and shouldn't be discounted because it sounds like AC/DC. Rick Rubin was producing records that sounded like AC/DC in the late 80's/early 90's (see The Cult's "Electric" and The Four Horsemen's self-titled) but you didn't hear anybody complaining about THOSE albums.

Krokus was a Swiss hard rock/metal band that not many took too seriously. They weren't as 'low on the metal totem pole' as let's say Warrant or Trixter, but they had their detractors. Which is a crying shame since Krokus had some truly great songs with excellent 'grit your teeth' guitar riffing and song dynamics. Some of those tunes are on 'Metal Rendez-Vous'. I just had to pick this up on CD, since I had this album, and 'rocked out' to it bigtime in the early 80's. 'Tokyo Nights' and 'No Way' are 2 examples of great, nicely structured rock songs with excellent hard rock guitar riffs, and I could have sworn I even heard Sebastian Bach approve of these guys in a dream I had! Which makes Krokus all right by me! Great band, great CD! I only wish the CD was truly remastered.

not many albums can boast that every song is great. this is one of them. this album never got any credit. (...) I have a rock n roll encyclopaedia and krokus is not even listed (what a travesty).hardware and headhunter were good albums but they dont touch this album.

This was my first Krokus album i had ever heard, and the tape stayed in the tape deck for years. What a great album! 10 tracks that will be in your head forever. It's been 20 years ago that i first heard it, and it's still one of my favorite albums of all time.Maybe it's because it's one of my first rock albums that i had, but i still think that this album musically is a great rock album. No difficult guitar riffs and lyrics that you can remember after one time of listening. Just straight Rock 'n Roll!!!!! GREAT!!!!

This is definitely their best album. Like I said in the title these guys love AC/DC, but instead of just copying that band they add melody and complexity. Everything has been taken care of: good lyrics, catchy aggressive guitar riffs, (long) melodic solos, ballsy drums and a super vocalist. What more do you want ? The follow-up "Hardware" is their second best, but from then on the "party every day" took over from the "rock'n' roll all night" and they never got back to this level again. Metal Rendez-vous is Hard Rock at its best, so get this into your collection !

The first album where Krokus played "heavy metal." It isn't as aggressive nor as good as their next three albums, but it is very good nevertheless. (BTW, this album was recorded in '79 and released in '80.)

I am glad they produced this cd. The cd has all my favorite songs on it. I like it as much as their latest release. If you like Krokus and don't want to buy all their albums, This one has all the greats from them.

I know this is a terribly produced compilation, but this was my very first intro to the band, I still own this, but I am also seeking out a better compilation. DEFINITVE COLLECTION is a better choice, but this will always be my first.

Song-wise, based on the 10 that are here, they are almost all great tracks..except for the lackluster "Midnight Maniac" and unnecessary "School's Out" cover.

This compilation, or the creators of (this is not done by the band, this was done by thier former record label or a label that simply bought some song rights) protray Krokus as primarily a cover band, and this is SO not true. Where is "Tokyo Nights"? That song isnt even on THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION so you've really got to wonder about this. Plus there are no liner notes, no stories, no pics, nothing, so this really is a cash grab.

True it did grab my cash, but at the time, I was ignorant. I still enjoy this album for what it does have, and as only a casual fan of the band this and the other compilation will do. For others just starting out with Krokus, you now have the option to pick up the other compilation. If you are REALLY on a budget or only barely like this band at all, this album is all your collection needs. Again, for what it is, this album, in my opinion, is good enough. 8/10

There are actually 4 covers here, Stayed Awake All Night is an old BTO song. This album was a decent greatest hits when it came out 15 years ago, and still a good bargan bin buy for [$], but you are best getting the Import Krokus "Dirty Dozen" for the best hits off of Hardware, One Vice and Rendevous. Plus it leaves out School's Out. "Dirty Dozen" is more expensive but worth it.

One has to wonder who put this thing together and/or why they bothered!! Over all, this is a very weak collection. Who's idea was it to include all four of their cover songs, anyway?? What happened to Hardware?? One or more of the following three should have been included: Easy Rocker, Rock City, or She's Got Everything. And what about Metal Rendez-Vous?? Where are Bedside Radio and Tokyo Nights? I would have also included Playin' the Outlaw from One Vice At A Time! This review is over once you read the title again...That sums up this CD!!

I wonder who chose the songs for this compilation. First of all, the three cover songs (Ballroom Blitz, School's out, American Woman) are weak and should have been replaced with original Krokus songs. In fact, they are the only covers Krokus did through their ten album career. The rest of the songs are good, all taken from three albums (One vice at a time, The Blitz, Headhunter). But where are the tracks from albums like Metal Rendez-Vouz or Hardware. Songs like Bedside Radio, Tokyo Nights and Easy Rocker. If your interested in Krokus, buy one of their original albums released between 1980 and 1984 instead. They were a good hard rock band, with AC/DC influences. And a great singer (Mark Storace).

Despite the large amount of mixing and the gratuitous use of sound effects, this is a surprisingly good CD. It is clearly the most "pop" that Krokus ever was (and hopefully ever will be).

The remake of Winning Man is a good twist on the original. Bad, Bad Girl is a ballad and probably my least favorite song on here.

Krokus made use of contrast with songs such as "Everybody Rocks" & Speed Up." Both start out rather ambiguously, but come in strong and continue to be throughout.

Axx Attack has a good riff, a good tempo, and is lyrically solid as it speaks against war.

The other tracks talk about the typical 80's rock scene as they get into women and Rock 'n' Roll.

As a long time Krokus fan, it's easy to say that this CD is not entirely who they really are. The cover is even different and the standard written Krokus logo is not the same either.

I suppose, at this point, one would have to get the re-released version from 2002 unless you get it used. Some of it's enjoyable music and some of it's just amusing. But it's good for the collection.

A great release from an under appreciated band. Winning Man stands out as the best track.....very pleased with this effort from the band.

Hardware is Krokus' best album. Released in 1981, it was the album that broke Krokus in North America. Their earlier efforts, Pay It in Metal, and Metal Rendez-Vous were very rough around the edges. (Although Rendez-Vous did contain some very catchy tunes.) Hardware contained semi-hit single, Burning Bones. It received considerable airplay on CHOM-FM in Montreal, at least....

Many people thought this was AC/DC when they first heard it. The sound is very similar to Bon Scott-era AC/DC, including the vocals of Marc Storace, who was the son of an opera singer, and possessed a vocal range of several octaves. Most of the album is fairly uptempo. She's Got Everything picks up after opening track Burning Bones, and then leads into a very strong, mid tempo tune, Winning Man. Oddly enough, Krokus would re-record Winning Man on their 1987 release, Heart Attack- and not for the better. Mainly what made the songs on Hardware so good, was the slightly less commercial feel they had, in contrast to later Krokus albums. There are fun moments, such as side 1 closer, Smelly Nelly, and the very un-subtle Mr. Sixty-Nine. The rest of side 2 (again my vinyl years) has good hard rockers: Easy Rocker, Rock City and Mad Racket. All three are solid. The album ends with Celebration. An odd song which starts slowly with a lone guitar, foot-stomp drum sounds, and Storace's superb vocal work. It eventually explodes into full hard rock and ends with a chorus repeated over and over for a couple of minutes. Sound boring? No way! I defy you to listen to this song and not have it going through your head all day. This album had the classic Krokus lineup, with Storace, Fernando Von Arb (guitar), Chris Von Rohr (bass), Tommy Keifer (guitar)and Freddy Steady (drums)- And Freddy Steady has the greatest drummer name in rock history! How can you go wrong here? Buy it!

In my opinion this is Krokus very best album. The songs on "Hardware" are over all strong, especially "Easy rocker", "She's got everything" and "Rock city" that is similar to AC/DC's "Overdose". The vocals are in fact also very Bon Scott-like. At this time Krokus had a more raw sound, but became more polished a few years later. This album should be a real treat to any fan of traditional heavy metal á la Accept, Saxon, Iron Maiden among others.

Initially released by Ariola in 1981,this gem of an album features caustic guitar riffs,monster grooves a la Bon Scott,and even a little Scorpions melodicity thrown in for good measure.The Maltese-born Marc Storace did a great job behind the mic and complimenting very well Fernando von Arb's mean guitar work.

An awesome hard rock album. "She's Got Everything" is possibly their best song ever, its guitar solos are as good as Malmsteen or Hendrix!

Every song in the album is good, with "Fight On" and "Hellraiser" being very catchy.
Although I agree Krokus do not write very complex songs, this is by far some of their best material.
Marc Storace sounds very good, and the drummer is excellent.
I found myself playing the songs over and over, I didn't get tired of listening to them.

Even though "Stampede" was one of my favorite Krokus albums even without Mark Storace on lead vocals, "Hellraiser" is a really good bluesy heavy metal album.
Storace's vocals are very strong and I was always wondering why he did not sing songs which would demonstrate his excellent vocal abilities.
In "Hellraiser" his voice is the best it's been in a while.
All of the songs are typical Krokus songs, not complicated, just straight rock and roll.
If you are a Krokus fan this is an album that should be part of your collection.

If you enjoyed metal bands such as Krokus, Def Leppard, and Whitesnake in the 80's -- this is for you! It is a very surprising return to form and the band, including their original vocalist, is better than ever. I highly recommend this CD if you are on the fence with it.

It has been over thirty years since the Swiss band Krokus formed and they've changed a lot from their more 70's prog sound to the classic rock act they now are. Hellraiser sees them getting back in action with a renewed spirit, and those who enjoyed their earlier works such as Painkiller should take note.

Hellraiser is great classic rock with catchy, AC/DC-like riffs and strong vocal lines by Marc Storace. Tracks like "Hellraiser" and "Too Wired to Sleep" are amazing 80's rockers with enjoyable guitar licks and sing-along choruses, while the band does expose their more profound side on "Angel of My Dreams" whose great guitar tone and somewhat folky main melody are among the album's most memorable. Likewise, "Midnite Fantasy" is drenched in plenty of sound effects, a protruding bass groove, and catchy rhythm section. The band goes totally 80's on their ballad "Hangman" in a sort of Bon Jovi meets Blue Tears style, employing slight blues guitar lines and wrapping them around a repeated yet easy to enjoy vocal melody. They get significantly heavier with "Fight On", a metallic piece boasting effective rhythm guitars and crushing bass power. The acoustic-based "So Long" is another ballad that won't disappoint as Krokus really know how to craft a moving piece with wrenching vocals and forceful melodic arrangements. On "Spirit of the Night", not only does Storace let out a crazy scream but he also helps the rest of the band emulate the classic AC/DC sound and it works greatly. Check out the short but totally gripping tapping harmony by Mandy Meier and Dominique Favez -- it's amazing. There is plenty of diversity on this disc no matter what style of rock one may like best.

There is a reason why Krokus never really made it as big as some other bands from the 80's, but unlike most them, they've never gone stale or dropped musical integrity in favour of transient stardom. Therein lies the reason why their long-time fan base will check this album out and enjoy it immensely.

The Good
A galloping drum beat leads into some monster riffage on "Hellraiser." And if you know anything about Krokus, it's ALL about the killer riffs. You get more of them on "Too Wired to Sleep." Vocalist Marc Storace is his usual edgy and scratchy self. Nothing says hard rock like a voice like his. The group offers up some softer tones on "Angle of My Dreams," but still manages to keep it powerful. The riffs get darker and heavier on the anthemic "Fight On." I could easily see this one being used by a boxer or other sports athlete. Frantic drum blasts and chugga-chugga riffage overpower "Spirit of the Night." Apparently after 20 years or so Sorace's woman has turned from a midnight maniac to a "Midnight Fantasy." You'd think at his age he'd be in bed by then. It more jarring riffs on "Turnin' Inside Out." The group goes out with a boom on the somewhat clichéd rocker "Rocks Off."

The Bad
I'll be the first guy to admit that they're not the most complex of songwriters.

The Verdict
Krokus haven't changed a bit in their 30 years of existence; and I wouldn't want it any other way. If you've loved one Krokus album, you have to love them all.

This is relly a great cd from a very underrated band .Many people said krokus was an ac/dc wannabee band but I must say I actually like krokus even better than ac/dc,they were more versatile and had a better sound.This cd shows some of there greatest songs and how great of a live band they are too.Alot of bands just can't cut it live and I generally don't like live albums but this one is great,a must have for krokus fans

Even if you are not a fan of "live" CD's, this one is a must for all true Krokus fans!! Of these nine tracks, eight of them are some of their best and the previously unreleased title (Lay Me Down) is pretty rockin' as well. This is a good mix of songs from most of their studio recordings from "Metal Rendez-vous" through to "Change of Address." The only release not represented here is "Hardware." Most of the tracks stay pretty true to their original, studio versions. An exception would be Headhunter. It has a special ending which really rocks! You almost feel like you are there! In addition, lead singer Marc Storace also keeps the talking in between songs to minimum, something which seems to be a huge negative on other live recordings. Once again, this is a must-own for all Krokus fans!

I bought this album on cassette when it first came out way back in 1986. Ealier this year I bid and got a copy of this album on CD at Ebay. I'm glad it's finally been re-released, because this was one of Krokus' finest moments. The sound is great and the song selection is good. The only weakness to this album is the lack of music. These 9 songs come in at under 50 minutes, I would love to hear more songs. Maybe someday they can do like Cheap Trick did with Live at Budakon II and release more of what was played on that tour.

If you are a Krokus fan, buy this CD, you won't be disappointed. The same is true if you are just a casual fan.