 KROKUS
Hellraiser
Locomotive Records 2006
www.krokusonline.com
What's the 4-1-1?
Switzerland’s version of AC/DC releases their 21st album.
Genre
Hard rock / 80s metal / melodic
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.
Did You Know?
“Hellraiser” appeared in the European motion picture Handyman.
Rating:  out
of 5
Related Reviews:
Krokus - Rock the Block
--George Dionne
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