Artist: KING KOBRA
Album: II (CD)

Release date: 2013
Media type: CD

KING KOBRA's long-awaited self-titled reunion album, released on Frontiers Records in 2011, left no doubt that this was a band to be reckoned with. Even though nearly 25 years had passed since the original lineup recorded the landmark "Ready To Strike" and "Thrill Of A Lifetime" LPs, the energy and immediacy of the bands lightning attack had not diminished one iota and fans responded in kind.

"We chose to name this album 'II' because it is both the second album of our reformation with Frontiers Records as well as the second generation of the band with Paul Shortino as lead vocalist," says guitarist David Michael-Philips. "Paul's unique style gives the band a new feel apart from what we were in the 80s with original singer Mark/Marcie Free. I think the 're-boot' naming gives Paul the credit he deserves while paying homage to our original singer and sound."

The thick, soulful vocals of Paul Shortino, dual guitarists Mick Sweda and David Michael-Philips, and the thundering bass and drums of Johnny Rod and Carmine Appice delivered an album that, while easily carrying on the tradition of the first two releases, brought a contemporary twist to a signature melodic, hard rock style.

"The '70s' flavor of this new album was a conscious move to incorporate our influences into the music," says David Michael-Philips, while Carmine Appice adds "KING KOBRA was a band in the '80s with great players... and had roots in the '70s also.. We tried to make a cool combination of both, which I think we achieved with this new album."

Produced by David Henzerling with Carmine Appice and Paul Shortino, "II" digs into KING KOBRA hard rock roots to create an album that has all the swagger and swing of the classic '70s albums (think MONTROSE, BAD COMPANY, DEEP PURPLE and even Carmine's own legendary CACTUS) with a crystal clear sound that combines the best of both analogue and digital recording techniques. From the tight and punchy "Have A Good Time" to the 8-minute epic "Deep River", "II" shows a more mature band confident of its songwriting ability performing with the technical prowess garnered over years of experience.

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

LINE-UP:

Paul Shortino - Vocals
David Michael-Philips - Guitar
Mick Sweda - Guitar
Johnny Rod - Bass
Carmine Appice - Drums