Year : 1986 (Criminal Response Records Edition)
Style : Heavy Metal , Speed Metal
Country : United Kingdom
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 66 mb
Bio:
COBRA were formed in the early 80's from the ashes of TALON.Heavy Metal band from Lancaster, England (United Kingdom).Cobra was part of the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement.
Album:
Cobra is yet another in the row of countless NWOBHM bands who occupied metal scene in the ’80s. Their debut, ’’Warriors of the Dead’’ came up pretty late for NWOBHM standards, in 1985, when most of the bands did or didn’t make a breakthrough, and generally, the genre was fading away. This album is as raw and unrefined as it can get, in every depatment – production is raw, bad even for 1985 standards, vocalist Paul Edmonson sounds very restrained, occasionally even bad, the lyrics are pretty one-dimensional and down-to-Earth, no pretentiousness whatsoever. The music is a classical NWOBHM fare combined with speed metal. On several songs, it sounds very powerful and convincing, while on the most others it’s average and bland. It may appeal very much to die-hard fans of ’80s metal, since it carries big dose of nostalgia for the bygone times, the best for metal as a musical genre.Let’s start with highlights: the title track is a very good speed metal, except for Edmonson’s vocal lines, which are just dull. Other than that, it’s a true kickass opener. ’’Dying Man’s Song’’, although being a bit overlong, is the only ballad on the album, and it’s probably the most unrefined and unpolished ballad I’ve ever heard. Usually, ballads are supposed to be calm and gentle, so is this one. But, again, vocals and bad production make it sound very savage and untamed, which I find to be amusing. ’’We Rock You’’ is a total ’80s anthem with a truly unforgettable main riff and great, though short, melodic solo. Finally, the best by far – ’’Stand with Me’’. Now that’s heavy, fast, catchy and memorable – all at the same time. Especially good is the beginning with speed metal riff and solo, and then it becomes a total ’80s heavy metal with great chorus. Probably the best song this band has ever written.Unfortunately, there are some huge flaws as well. ’’On My Knees’’ and ’’Wildest Dreams’’ are undoubtedly glam-influenced, and they totally suck. Both are uninspired and hugely forgettable, the only difference is that the former is a mid-paced song, while the latter is speed metal. ’’Cobra’’ and ’’China Syndrome’’ are pretty good but still unmemorable. Edmonson’s performance on ’’Cobra’’ is by far the best and most convincing on the whole album, he completely nailed that song!Overall, with better vocalist and production, ’’Warriors of the Dead’’ would easily get 75-80 points, but those two aspects really drag down the album as a whole. Still, this record has a very charming atmosphere, total ’80s sounding. If you, like me, totally worship ’80s metal, then I recommend this album, it’s just another piece of your favourite music. You can’t go wrong with this, it’s a worthy adition to your collection.
Line-Up:
Paul Edmondson - Vocals
Steve Hughes - Guitars
Ian Beck - Guitars , Keyboards
Shaun Parker - Bass
Chris Greer (R.I.P. 2015) - Drums
Tracklist:
01. Warriors of the Dead 03:06
02. Cobra 03:08
03. Dying Man's Song 04:34
04. On My Knees 02:58
05. Wildest Dreams 03:15
06. We Rock You 03:43
07. Stand with Me 03:57
08. China Syndrome 03:45
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
