When
AC/DC exploded on the charts in the early '80s (thanks to the blockbuster classics
Back in Black and
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap), there suddenly seemed to be legions of groups that sonically emulated the group -- especially their "
Bon Scott era." Included in this "pack" were
Rose Tattoo,
Angels (also known as
Angel City), and Heaven. But the one that enjoyed the most success stateside was Switzerland's
Krokus, thanks in part to a plumb opening spot on
Def Leppard's sold-out
Pyromania tour, and moderate hit albums (1983's
Headhunter and 1984's
The Blitz). But the group (which was fronted by
Marc Storace, undoubtedly one of the more interesting-looking singers in metal history) was unable to sustain its success and, throughout the '90s and early 21st century, would reunite for new albums and tours, with various members coming and going. 2003's
Rock the Block was the first
Krokus release to see
Storace behind the mic in some time, and unlike when they were obviously trying to score a glossy radio hit in the mid-'80s,
Rock the Block sees a band that has gotten back to its
AC/DC roots, as evidenced by such tracks as "Mad World" and "I Want It All." ~ Greg Prato