Vyper – Prepared To Strike 1984 / 2008 Retrospect Records, MP3+FLAC

We all know how great the 1984 metal explosion was, with so many great bands releasing CLASSIC albums during that time. It was at the height of the glam / sleazy craze that VYPER, a Kansas City act, left to join the troops led by Ratt, Motley Crue, Quiet Riot… This little-known band released a real gem in this rock genre during that same year.

Vyper was produced by Eric Greif, alias Griffy, who would later become very active on the thrash scene and was also known for his close collaboration with Motley Crue manager Allan Coffman (Leathür Records). “Prepared To Strike” was released in 1984 by Greenworld Records in the USA, and as the label worked with Dutch outfit Roadrunner, the album found a good number of buyers in Europe.

VYPER were much heavier and more metallic-sounding compared to a majority of the ’80s glam metal movement. Actually, they often approaches the heaviness territory of W.A.S.P. and Lizzy Borden, the sorts of glam outfits that were essentially equally intense to most of the straight-up heavy metal at the time.
As requested, this is the Retrospect Records CD reissue of ”Prepared To Strike”, including as bonus tracks the EP Vyper released in 1985 before disbanding.
Vyper show off a real metallic understanding of early ’80s hard rock, complete with big solos, a big drum sound, and effective, soulful vocals from Christy Black. The end result is another quality band that somehow got picked over during those commercial rock days.

VYPER consisted of Michael Scott (drums), Robbie Saint (guitars), Jacky Foxx (guitars), Christy Black (vocals), and Rik Brock (bass). For the “Prepared To Strike” album the band members are completely decked out in the normal US 1983-1984 attire… spandex, leather pants, aqua-net hair, and of course ribbons and ties on their arms, wrists, heads, and cut off jackets.
Unfortunately, this American act managed to release this LP ”Prepared to Strike” in 1984, and one EP (‘Afraid of The Dark’ 1982) before disappearing from the scene. Vyper, suffered from the familiar situation of their record label going tits-up and later in the band’s life there was two versions of Vyper touring, ala LA Guns, Ratt and so many other hard rock bands in recent years.

Looking at the original year of its release, you know what you’ll expect. Roaring guitars, some high pitch screaming, thick harmonies, wild solos. In terms of sound, this one bounces between melodic-edged hard rock and NWOBHM-influenced melodic metal. You can hear a Judas Priest influence on the song ‘Dealer’, and for the most part the guitar sound is heavier than you would usually hear on American glam metal / hard rock circa 1984.
Christy Black sure can’t lie about RATT’s influences here, his voice is reminiscent of Stephen Pearcy most of the times, and some tracks like “I’m Not Waiting” or “Can’t Stop Dreamin’” are definitely in the same league with songs from ‘Out of The Cellar’.

“Diamonds” is a pure explosive heavy metal tune with some great riffage all over the song, but “Dealer” is even better. The song is probably the heaviest track here and Black’s hellish scream is the song’s highlight. “Cold As A Stone” is flashy as diamond commercial melodic rock with an AOR touch, and had potential to become radio hit.
Bonus tracks “She’s Nasty”, “Drivin’ Me Insane”, and “Time Flies” taken from the EP are other favourites.

Vyper fell through the same cracks as other notable underdogs such as First Strike, Dagger, etc, mostly due to record company troubles – because as band the had all for success.
“Prepared To Strike & Afraid Of The Dark” are enjoyable ’80s records and undoubtedly a keeper in your book. This is good & rare stuff – if you like your Sunset Strip glam hard rock to have a heavier edge to it, you’ll enjoy VYPER.
Highly Recommended

Bonus tracks: 13, 14 & 15
Tracks 11, 13 and 14 are from “The Dark” EP.

1 I’m Not Waiting 3:40
2 Cold As A Stone 5:13
3 Diamonds 3:19
4 Nighttime Is Wild 5:28
5 Runnin’ With The Pack 3:50
6 Can’t Stop Dreamin’ 4:18
7 Dealer 4:09
8 Climbing Up The Walls 4:25
9 Drivin’ Me Insane 4:09
10 She’s Nasty 4:43
11 Daddy’s Girl 3:46
12 Go Down Rockin’ 3:48
13 Afraid Of The Dark 3:54
14 Time Flies 3:37
15 Dealer (Original Demo)

turbo thx buks! FLAC