And another B-list (and don’t take that the wrong way, several were very good and underrated) hair metal band has reformed, trying to make a comeback by releasing new music instead of just jumping on the nostalgia bandwagon. Anyway...I always liked some of King Kobra’s music, the debut was solid, follow up "Thrill Of a Lifetime" and “III” both had several good tunes, you had Carmine Appice (from the Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne bands, Blue Murder) on drums, and bassist Johnny Rod who went on to W.A.S.P. They also had a hit with the song ‘Iron Eagle’ which appeared on the soundtrack for the movie.

King Kobra in 2011 doesn’t sound much different from they did in the 80s, the lineup now is all the original guys minus singer Mark Free (who is now a woman changing his name to Marcie) with Paul Shortino (Rough Cut, ex-Quiet Riot)as his/her replacement.

Album opener ‘Rock This House’ is an upbeat hard rocker very much in the spirit of their debut and ‘Turn Up The Good Times’ hits with a little swagger, but if you wanna know if Paul fits ‘Live Forever’ really embraces the melody line, chorus, and his rough yet soulful voice. Nice job. ‘Tear Down The Walls’ is another one that recalls "Ready To Strike" with the crunchy riff and mid pace stomp and ‘This Is How We Roll’ delivers some rippin guitar leads. A little bit of the blues injects ‘We Got A Fever’ and Carmine’s punchy drums drives ‘Top Of The World’ and its catchy chorus. Lone ballad ‘Cryin Turns To Rain’ isn’t that good and just breaks up the tempo amongst the eleven rockers.

Good stuff and a solid return.