Year : 2013
Style : Hard Rock
Country : USA
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 169 mb
Bio:
King Kobra was formed in 1983 when legendary drummer Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Rod Stewart) approached Mark Free to add his vocals to some tracks he had previously written and recorded with guitarist Earl Slick (John Lennon, David Bowie). Three songs - "Overnite Love Affair," "Fool In The Rain" and "You Are My Life" - were strong enough to secure King Kobra a deal with Capitol Records. Producer Spencer Proffer, however, insisted on all new material for the band's major label debut, and the demos were scrapped, never to be released.With an album to make, Appice and Free started auditioning players and writing songs. Guitarist Mike Wolfe came aboard and immediately kicked in some song ideas of his own. Keel's guitarist David Michael Phillips was then brought in, followed by wild-man bassist Johnny Rod. Before he was able to record a single note, Wolfe bailed out to open a recording studio, and was quickly replaced by Mick Sweda. The line-up of Free, Phillips, Rod, Sweda and Appice would go on to record two solid albums for Capitol - Ready To Strike and Thrill of a Lifetime. For the next three years, King Kobra toured the world over, barnstorming North and South America - as well as parts of Europe and Japan - supporting such formidable headliners as KISS, Iron Maiden and Queensryche. During this time, the band attempted to re-introduce their original demos into the fold, adding Rod's basslines, but sidelining them again before they were able to include Phillips and Sweda.In 1986, Rod accepted an invitation to join W.A.S.P., and was replaced by Lonnie Vincent. Two new songs were cut - "Lonely Nites" and "Young Hearts Survive" - but were abruptly haulted when Free became dissatisfied with the direction of King Kobra was going. Stepping in for Free, vocalist Marq Torien, Appice, Phillips, Sweda and Vincent wrote and recorded six fresh tracks, including "Your Love Is A Sin." Unfortunately, the combination was short-lived as Torien, Sweda and Vincent went on to form Bulletboys, taking along tunes like "Kissin" and "For The Love Of Money" for their own major label debut.Undeterred, Appice and Phillips pressed forward and initiated vocalist Johnny Edwards (who would later migrate to Foreigner), bassist Larry Hart and guitarist Jeff Northrup - core members of a group called Northrup. Combining their ideas and talents, they recorded King Kobra III for Appice's own Rocker Records label. Songs like "Perfect Crime," "Mean Street Machine," "#1," "Red Line" and "Walls Of Silence" exhibited a new maturity and growth in the band's sound. But it was not to last. This time, Appice received a call from John Sykes and Tony Franklin to join Blue Murder, and after five years, King Kobra was solemnly laid to rest.When you think of King Kobra, a vision of four bleached blondes out in front with one of rock's preeminent drummers in the driver's seat may come to mind. Beneath the hype and heady days of the 80's hard rock scene, however, there were true, inherent surges of brilliance from bands like King Kobra who boasted strong songs, precision chops and exuberant performances. Amidst the shuffle, plenty of ideas would never see the light of day. For King Kobra, much of their most powerful material fell into a well of lost years, and is exclusively presented here for the very first time. For fans of a period when the hair was big and the notes were fat, it's a treat worth the wait.
Album:
King Kobra II (or II) is a 2013 album by the hard rock band King Kobra. It was the second release by the band King Kobra since its reformation by founding member Carmine Appice (of Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne and Blue Murder).It features most of the original lineup, with the exception of new member Paul Shortino on vocals; Shortino had previously appeared on the band's 2011 self-titled reunion album. Shortino and Appice are joined by original members Johnny Rod, Mick Sweda, and David Henzerling.With founding member and drummer Carmine Appice leading the way, King Kobra made their come back in 2011 with a self-titled sixth album. It was a solid hard rock effort proving that, even after 25 years, King Kobra could still deliver the goods. They're back with the follow up, titled II, a seventh album actually; confused yet? Don't be. The larger question is whether this album has the same strength as the previous one.After a spin or two, my initial answer is 'yes and no' or 'maybe;' it's definitely one of annoying ambivalence. I could even say it's different than the previous album, but that doesn't say enough wither. II is still classic hard rock, straight Eighties stuff, maybe even a step back into late Seventies on some tunes. One thing that seems pumped up is the blues aspect as on Deep River or Have a Good Time, by example.While the album is definitely fluid, following that blues hard rock vein, there's a certain curious detachment between songs. I guess that's what makes it different: the songs are varied and then interesting. But I'm probably over thinking this thing.Fundamentally, there are some really good rockers here. The best include Have a Good Time, Hell on Wheels, Running Wild, The Crunch, and the infectious and catchy Knock Them Dead, such a great chorus. They should cut a video for this song. King Kobra gives you two pseudo-ballads with the soulful reminiscing of Take Me Back and the milder AOR melodic rock of Got It Coming, with singer hoping to recover his lost love. Perhaps the most curious song here is The Ballad of Johnny Rod (an ode to or by the bass player, I suppose) which mimics some guitar licks from ZZ To,p ala La Grange, and turns on a real rock boogie groove.So in the end, to answer the question: Is II as good as it's predecessor? Dodging the question, I'll simply say I liked it and if you liked the previous album then, by all means, get this one. You won't be disappointed.
Line-Up:
Paul Shortino – vocals
David Michael-Philips – guitar
Mick Sweda – guitar
Johnny Rod – Bass
Carmine Appice – Drums
Tracklist:
01. Hell On Wheels
02. Knock 'Em Dead
03. Have A Good Time
04. The Ballad Of Johnny Rod
05. Take Me Back
06. When The Hammer Comes Down
07. Running Wild
08. The Crunch
09. Got It Comin'
10. Deep River
11. Don't Keep Me Waiting
12. We Go Round
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
