KING KOBRA – Ready To Strike [Rock Candy remastered] 2017

ALTHOUGH THE AMERICAN market place was bursting with many great, hip thrusting rock bands during the 1980’s, some of them multi-platinum sellers such as Mötley Crüe, Quiet Riot and RATT, there was always, we thought, room for talented new contenders. For King Kobra this was an invitation from heaven, launching onto a landscape that was primed for production of killer hard rock, shifting enormous quantities of it, and ruling the airwaves. Formed in California in 1984,by seasoned drummer Carmine Appice (Cactus, Beck Bogart & Appice, Rod Stewart) and featuring vocalist Mark Free (Unruly Child), guitarists John Michael Philips & Mick Sweda (Bulletboys) and bassist Johnny Rod (WASP), the band won instant attention for their unique look – four blondes and one brunette. 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’, was originally issued in 1985, and won them the attention of fans and critics alike by delivering one of the year’s best records. Tracks such as ‘Hunger’, ‘Tough Guys’, ‘Piece Of The Rock’ and the title track itself, made for an arresting and compelling moment in a genre that is often underappreciated and misunderstood. Certainly this record is one of the best examples of mid 80’s hard rock ever created.

01 – Ready To Strike
02 – Hunger
03 – Shadow Rider
04 – Shake Up
05 – Attention
06 – Breakin’ Out
07 – Tough Guys
08 – Dancing With Desire
09 – Second Thoughts
10 – Piece Of The Rock

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

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