KROKUS – Dirty Dynamite

The Swiss Metal legends, Krokus, are back with their 17th album Dirty Dynamite. This album is very much a continuation of their 2010 comeback release Hoodoo, which featured the majority of their classic line-up from the early 1980’s when Krokus gained much of their mainstream success. It is filled with straightforward Classic Hard Rock songs that resemble the sounds of 1970’s era AC/DC.

Krokus have spent the last two years working on Dirty Dynamite under the guise of band founder and bassist Chris Von Rohr, who also produced the album. Krokus reportedly spared no expense with the creation of this album. It was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. Using the influence of the aura surrounding the studio, Krokus definitely went back to their roots, taking inspiration from The Beatles, The Who, and The Rolling Stones. When talking about the upcoming release of Dirty Dynamite, Von Rohr was quoted as saying, “We didn’t spend all that time on golf courses or tennis courts. No, we just wanted to make the best album yet, the magnum opus of the new Krokus era.”

Dirty Dynamite is more or less a Traditional Rock album and not quite the “magnum opus” that Von Rohr speaks about. The compositions are not up to par with their great albums like Metal Rendez-Vous and Headhunter. However, Dirty Dynamite does hold a place in Krokus history as a band that has progressed many years to become comfortable with a sound to which they can excel.

The album starts off with a mediocre tone on the opening track “Hallelujah Rock N’ Roll.” With a standard Rock riff and unexciting vocals, this vibe carries throughout the album. There are regurgitated themes used by The Stones and AC/DC that gives Dirty Dynamite a very unoriginal feel. For a band that was able to produce hard hitting songs like “Bedside Radio” and “Long Stick Goes Boom”, Krokus has clearly lost some of their edge.

On a positive note, long time vocalist Marc Storace still sounds to be in his prime. Now in his 60’s, Storace’s voice is still very fresh and crisp. His three octave range has always made him a very unique singer, and it is obvious Storace has taken good care of his asset as his vocals have considerably more character today than in years past.

Materially, there is a plethora of Bluesy Rock standards throughout the album. Krokus has become known for performing covers of Classic Rock songs. The offering on Dirty Dynamite is redo of The Beatles’ “Help”, performed in a slow and melancholy tempo.

Krokus’ legacy will certainly be as a leader of Hard Rock, their stamina and perseverance are commendable. However, fans of the “old” Krokus will have a tough time wrapping their heads around Dirty Dynamite. True fans will appreciate everything this album has to offer, both musically and spiritually.