Krokus Hellraiser

Personnel: Marc Storace (vocals); Mandy Meyer (guitar); Stefan Schwarzmann (drums).
Audio Mixer: Dennis Ward.
Recording information: Digital Arts Studio, Basel, Switzerland; House Of Audio, Winterbach, Germany; Mandy's Soundsurgery-Studio, Merlischachen, Switzerland.
Photographer: Stefan Jermann.
Thirty years after their self-titled debut album first appeared, Krokus are back for more with 2006's Hellraiser. Prior to the album's recording, the group suffered quite a blow when longtime guitarist Fernando Von Arb (who had appeared on seemingly just about every single Krokus album) had to exit the band due to complications from wrist surgery. But instead of packing it up and calling it a day, Krokus has decided to soldier on, with Mandy Meyer (who played with the band during the mid-'80s) taking Von Arb's spot. Singer Marc Storace remains behind the mic, and on such tunes as the album-opening title track and "No Risk No Gain," he still seems to be evoking the spirit of AC/DC's Bon Scott. Elsewhere, the dual guitars of "Angel of My Dreams" bring to mind Iron Maiden. Hellraiser finds Krokus following the same game plan that made them headbanger favorites for a spell during the mid-'80s. ~ Greg Prato

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop