KING KOBRA is a hard rock band that many will remember in the early eighties. They released only 3 albums "Ready to Strike" (1985), "Thrill of a Lifetime" (1986) and "King Kobra III" (1988). The band dissolved right after their third album, with all its members following separate but successful careers. But as it seems the band resurrected from its ashes and reunited. Good for us! It's a pleasure to see in 2011 the original line up back together, apart from Mark (Marcie) Free. Listening to their new material left me wondering where the hell where these guys all of these years!

Carmine Appice himself says about this album that it should have been their 2nd one after their success with "Ready to strike". I cannot say I disagree with that. It's the 80's all over again! It's perfect mixture of AOR, hard rock, and sleaze-glam metal. Not one of the tracks can be characterized as weak. On the contrary we are talking about solid ,fierce, and "steamy" rock melodies and lyrics. Without Mark Free in the vocal section, the magnificent Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot) takes his place, amazes and leaves you ecstatic.

The vibe that comes from tracks as "Live Forever", "Midnight Woman" (where the heck is my black leather mini skirt and high heels?) and "Top Of The World" cannot be passed unnoticed. The fiery guitar playing of the killer duo David Michael-Philips and Mick Sweda and the unrelenting drumming of Appice, easily leaves you with your brains on the wall. Also the chemistry between the members  and the energy that flows is really strong and quite obvious throughout the whole album.

Yes I admit spinning the album once too many times and it happens to be in the top of my list for this year. No, it's not just another average, lukewarm and "all for money" reunion. Young at heart and in mind, KING KOBRA state loudly that they are back.