King Kobra - Ready To Strike (1985) (Rock Candy Remastered 2017)
Posted: 20 Mar 2017, 12:50
King Kobra - Ready To Strike (1985) (Rock Candy Remastered 2017)
Year : 1985 (Rock Candy Remastered 2017)
Style : Melodic Hard Rock
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + scans + Video
Size : 139 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:
Fronted by the unique Marcie (Mark) Free, KING KOBRA was one of the outstanding acts from the '80s US Melodic Hard Rock scene. Their two first, most celebrated albums, have been 'Remastered & Reloaded' by Rock Candy Records for our pleasure.Criminally underrated during the hair metal heyday - King Kobra certainly deserved a huge success - the band combined the killer drumming of legend Carmine Appice with the talents of vocalist Mark Free (later Marcie Free), guitarists David Henzerling and Mick Sweda, and bassist Johnny Rod, the band’s first and best known lineup.The first of the two albums reissued & remastered by Rock Candy Records is King Kobra's debut, 1985’s "Ready To Strike", and this is easily the more heavy, aggressive release of the two.Musically they received plaudits for their compelling energy infused riffs, shout-it-out-loud hooks and high-flying vocals.Produced by Spencer Proffer (Quiet Riot, WASP, Cheap Trick) and signed to Capitol Records, the band’s debut album "Ready To Strike" won them the attention of fans and critics alike by delivering one of the year’s best records.This album rocks hard, while at the same time definitely accessible and catchy. A great mix of heavy and melodic sounds, there are plenty of highlights to be had here, including the anthem 'Hunger', standing out with its melodic driven moments and arena-ready chorus.There's a great rocker in 'Tough Guys', a punchy killer tune on ‘Piece Of The Rock’, while the title track has that awesome atmosphere with its intriguing intro.Another favorite is the hard rocking 'Shadow Rider', and even the great semi-power ballad in the form of 'Dancing With Desire'.Exactly why the band never quite took off has long been the subject of debate, with potential reasons ranging from emphasis in the music industry shifting, to the band getting the short end of the stick when it came to their publicity and representation from their record label. Regardless, the group was shortchanged and never achieved the possible commercial success.Mick Sweda (and later members Marq Torien and Lonnie Vencent) would later jump ship and enjoy later success in Bulletboys, but even then, it has been stated in interviews with Appice that that band’s success with their first album resulted from their reworking of in-progress King Kobra songs!Ready To Strike" should have been a major chart buster, but sadly, this was not to be. But, all the more reason it is worth rediscovering here with this very good Rock Candy remaster.Mark / Marcie Free performance is jaw-dropping, the drums are a blast, and the songs kick major ass.Certainly this record is one of the best examples of mid-80s US hard rock ever created.
Line-Up:
Mark Free - lead and backing vocals
David Michael-Philips - guitars, backing vocals, synths
Mick Sweda - guitars, backing vocals, synths
Johnny Rod - bass, backing vocals
Carmine Appice - drums, backing vocals, percussion
Tracklist:
01. Ready to Strike 5:19
02. Hunger 3:24
03. Shadow Rider 4:02
04. Shake Up 3:28
05. Attention 3:41
06. Breakin' Out 3:57
07. Tough Guys 4:19
08. Dancing With Desire 5:33
09. Second Thoughts 3:45
10. Piece of the Rock 3:32
+ Video "Hunger" (Official Video)
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
Year : 1985 (Rock Candy Remastered 2017)
Style : Melodic Hard Rock
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + scans + Video
Size : 139 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:
Fronted by the unique Marcie (Mark) Free, KING KOBRA was one of the outstanding acts from the '80s US Melodic Hard Rock scene. Their two first, most celebrated albums, have been 'Remastered & Reloaded' by Rock Candy Records for our pleasure.Criminally underrated during the hair metal heyday - King Kobra certainly deserved a huge success - the band combined the killer drumming of legend Carmine Appice with the talents of vocalist Mark Free (later Marcie Free), guitarists David Henzerling and Mick Sweda, and bassist Johnny Rod, the band’s first and best known lineup.The first of the two albums reissued & remastered by Rock Candy Records is King Kobra's debut, 1985’s "Ready To Strike", and this is easily the more heavy, aggressive release of the two.Musically they received plaudits for their compelling energy infused riffs, shout-it-out-loud hooks and high-flying vocals.Produced by Spencer Proffer (Quiet Riot, WASP, Cheap Trick) and signed to Capitol Records, the band’s debut album "Ready To Strike" won them the attention of fans and critics alike by delivering one of the year’s best records.This album rocks hard, while at the same time definitely accessible and catchy. A great mix of heavy and melodic sounds, there are plenty of highlights to be had here, including the anthem 'Hunger', standing out with its melodic driven moments and arena-ready chorus.There's a great rocker in 'Tough Guys', a punchy killer tune on ‘Piece Of The Rock’, while the title track has that awesome atmosphere with its intriguing intro.Another favorite is the hard rocking 'Shadow Rider', and even the great semi-power ballad in the form of 'Dancing With Desire'.Exactly why the band never quite took off has long been the subject of debate, with potential reasons ranging from emphasis in the music industry shifting, to the band getting the short end of the stick when it came to their publicity and representation from their record label. Regardless, the group was shortchanged and never achieved the possible commercial success.Mick Sweda (and later members Marq Torien and Lonnie Vencent) would later jump ship and enjoy later success in Bulletboys, but even then, it has been stated in interviews with Appice that that band’s success with their first album resulted from their reworking of in-progress King Kobra songs!Ready To Strike" should have been a major chart buster, but sadly, this was not to be. But, all the more reason it is worth rediscovering here with this very good Rock Candy remaster.Mark / Marcie Free performance is jaw-dropping, the drums are a blast, and the songs kick major ass.Certainly this record is one of the best examples of mid-80s US hard rock ever created.
Line-Up:
Mark Free - lead and backing vocals
David Michael-Philips - guitars, backing vocals, synths
Mick Sweda - guitars, backing vocals, synths
Johnny Rod - bass, backing vocals
Carmine Appice - drums, backing vocals, percussion
Tracklist:
01. Ready to Strike 5:19
02. Hunger 3:24
03. Shadow Rider 4:02
04. Shake Up 3:28
05. Attention 3:41
06. Breakin' Out 3:57
07. Tough Guys 4:19
08. Dancing With Desire 5:33
09. Second Thoughts 3:45
10. Piece of the Rock 3:32
+ Video "Hunger" (Official Video)
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/