Search - Krokus :: Hellraiser

Krokus are back...

Murat Batmaz | Istanbul, Turkey | 04/23/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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."

One of the best Krokus albums

Lucky | USA | 05/12/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Return to Form

Ken Springer | Temecula, CA USA | 05/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."