Shakra

We've all been waiting for it haven‘t we really, the new record from Swiss Hard Rock powerhouse Shakra? But just 19 months after their critically acclaimed “Fall” album, this band now returns with “Infected” and off we go again. After their ass-kicking performances on the extensive HAMMERFALL / STRATOVARIUS tour, it's now for real: one listen and you're indeed “Infected”!
The band, of course, knows exactly what they need to do to satisfy their fans. Stunning Hard Rock anthems full of power and passion, neither sounding old-fashioned nor denying their traditional roots – that’s “Infected”.
The band's goals were definitely higher than in previous years though. “We had very clear and definite aims,” says spokesman Mark Fox. “Infected” had to be the best album in the history of SHAKRA. Not only did we want to write the best songs but also to create the best sound possible with the best cover artwork and the coolest band pictures”. In addition to this, Fox has written really good lyrics this time and it seems that the title “Infected” now perfectly sums up just what keeps SHAKRA still going strong: all members have a “virus” you just can't shift!
With their first releases “Shakra” (1998), and “Moving Force” (1999), and by touring with GREAT WHITE and URIAH HEEP, the early career of this Swiss band was a steep learning curve with dramatic success but the real breakthrough came with their third record “Power Ride” (2001) when singer Pete Wiedmer was forced to leave the band because of ill health and his replacement, the young Mark Fox, stepped into his impressive shoes. Mark immediately put his stamp on the following album “Rising” (2003), which saw SHAKRA rise higher on the career ladder than ever before and even hit the German and Swiss album charts! But it was out on the live circuit that Fox really delivered. The band played several concerts and festivals, one of which was the prestigious “Bang Your Head” event and all doubters were silenced. Critics in the press were further silenced in 2005 as the band then released the album “Fall” which also charted in Switzerland. With the controversial video clip for the song “Chains Of Temptation” showing singer Fox giving himself a heroine injection, this band was the talk of the Metal scene.
And, after supporting IRON MAIDEN at the Swiss “Spirit Of Rock” festival, SHAKRA then took the now famous decision to tour through 12 countries with HAMMERFALL and STRATOVARIUS.... A new star was born.
Every night, SHAKRA showed their incredible power on stage before huge audiences and gained a lot of new fans. Further highs were still to come. The band played a huge show in Zurich with GUNS ´N´ROSES in 2006.... ! But, now it's time for "Infected" which was recorded in Thom Blunier´s Power Ride Studios. You'd better be ready - SHAKRA are back and hungry again!
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