Krokus – Dirty Dynamite (2013)
After listening to this album multiple times, I searched and searched for the right words to use in order to describe it to you. There were only two words that kept popping up in my head: Holy shit. I kept listening to it and every time the only words that kept coming out of my mouth were, “Holy shit!”
Let’s just get this part out of the way immediately: The obvious comparison that you are going to notice is AC/DC. Yes, if you didn’t know any better, you’d think this was never before released Bon Scott era AC/DC. But you know better and there are enough slight differences that will make you realize it. Besides, this album is so good, you’ll forget about that comparison pretty quickly.
The album opens with the awesome rock anthem aptly titled “Hallelujah Rock n’ Roll.” After that, it’s just one solid rock song after another. For me, this is exactly what rock and roll is all about: dirty, sweaty tunes that make you move. I couldn’t stop tapping my foot, and I couldn’t wipe the stupid grin off of my face while listening to this album. I’m pretty sure that if anyone would’ve seen me while I was listening to this album, they would’ve thought I was completely insane. Song after song after song and my smile got bigger, my foot pounded harder and the only I could say was, “Holy shit!”
AC/DC may be the strongest influence, but it’s certainly not the only influence you’re going to hear. Go Baby Go will take you back with it’s retro/rockabilly vibe. Hardrocking Man has hints of early Rolling Stones. And bluesy rock is in just about every other nook and cranny of this album.
And then there’s their cover of the Beatles’ “Help.” This one threw me for a loop. Honestly, I didn’t even recognize it the first time I heard it; my husband had to clue me in. Wow. Just wow. I know a lot of people are very particular about cover songs, and I’m one of those people. Most are purists and prefer no one, no matter who the artist, touch or even attempt to cover the catalogue of their favorite band. I’m sure Beatles fans would start a riot over this one. To me, Krokus’ cover was TOTALLY different. They turned this song into one of the most amazing 80’s ballads I’ve ever heard. Like…it would’ve been included on Monster Ballads. Depending on which side of the fence you’re sitting on, this could be a good thing or it could be totally sacrilegious.
Krokus outdid themselves on this one. From start to finish, this album is fantastic. I kept listening to it not only because I had to review it, but also because I wanted to. It’s been a while since I’ve wanted to put an album on repeat all day; this is one of those albums.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Hallelujah Rock n’ Roll
02. Go Baby Go
03. Rattlesnake Rumble
04. Dirty Dynamite
05. Let The Good Times Roll
06. Help
07. Better Than Sex
08. Dog Song
09. Yellow Mary
10. Bailout Blues
11. Live Ma LIfe
12. Hardrocking Man
Krokus is:
Marc Storace – Lead Vocals
Chris Von Rohr – Bass, Vocals
Fernando Von Arb – Guitar, Vocals
Mark Kohler – Guitar
Mandy Meyer – Guitar
Reviewed by Christine Sixx
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