Screaming in the Night

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins the epic power ballad "Screaming in the Night" by Krokus from their 1983 album Headhunter! This track, a cornerstone of Swiss hard rock, hit #21 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and stayed there for 12 weeks, marking it as Krokus' biggest hit at the time. Its dark, melodic intensity, clocking in at 6:38, carries a vibe reminiscent of early '80s fantasy epics like Conan the Barbarian, with lyrics about vengeance and a lover's tragic fate. The song’s production, helmed by Tom Allom, known for his work with Judas Priest, gave it a polished yet raw edge, with Marc Storace’s soaring vocals and the twin guitar attack of Fernando von Arb and Mark Kohler stealing the show. Fun fact: Judas Priest’s Rob Halford lent backing vocals to another Headhunter track, "Ready to Burn," adding some serious metal cred to the album.

Digging into the song’s lore, "Screaming in the Night" was a deliberate move by Krokus to craft a radio-friendly ballad without losing their heavy metal roots. According to fan discussions on the Krokus Fans Facebook Group, the band aimed for a track that could resonate with mainstream audiences while keeping the gritty energy of their live shows. The music video, shot on San Francisco’s Baker Beach, is a wild ride, featuring a quasi-religious parade with tormented figures pulling a cart and the band tied up before rocking out in a cage. Fans on Krokus’ X account have shared nostalgic posts about how the video’s bizarre imagery hooked them on MTV back in ’83. One metalhead on the Encyclopaedia Metallum fan site called it “one of the best heavy metal songs of the '80s,” praising its “barbarian vengeance” vibe and Storace’s fierce delivery.

Now, let’s rewind to how Krokus got their start. Formed in Solothurn, Switzerland, in 1975, the band began as a progressive rock outfit founded by bassist Chris von Rohr and guitarist Tommy Kiefer, both ex-members of the band Kaktus. Initially, they leaned into a softer, experimental sound, with their self-titled debut in 1976 featuring Kiefer on lead vocals. By the late ’70s, von Rohr took over as frontman, adding keyboards and percussion to their evolving style. The real game-changer came in 1980 when Marc Storace, formerly of Eazy Money, joined as lead vocalist for the Metal Rendez-vous album. His powerful, Bon Scott-esque voice shifted Krokus toward the hard rock/heavy metal sound that defined their '80s peak. With Fernando von Arb on guitar and a string of lineup changes, Krokus built a reputation for high-energy performances and fist-pumping anthems, earning moderate success in North America and gold status for Headhunter in the U.S.

For more Krokus action, check out their official website for tour updates and merch, though the band announced their retirement in 2018 with a final tour delayed by the pandemic. Stay connected with their Facebook and Instagram for throwback photos and fan interactions, and follow their X account for the latest buzz. Zoo Freaks can also join the Krokus Fans Facebook Group to swap stories and vinyl finds, or dive into the Encyclopaedia Metallum page for deep cuts and discography details. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!