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King Kobra: We Are Warriors
King Kobra - We Are Warriors Album Art

King Kobra: We Are Warriors

Classic Hard Rock
4.0/5.0

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Cleopatra Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 04.08.2023 | Released: 11.08.2023

After a 10 year absence, King Kobra returns to give fans a new studio album, We Are Warriors. Drummer Carmine Appice formed the band after he left Ozzy's outfit in 1983. The appearance was short-live with three albums in six years. Appice resurrected King Kobra shortly again in 2000, with a stronger emergence coming in 2010. KKIII dropped two albums, the eponymous King Kobra and King Kobra II, 2011 and 2013 respectively. The lack of subsequent recordings was largely due to other commitments by band members. Now, Appice returns with another revised King Kobra with veterans and new members: bassist Johnny Rod vocalist Paul Shortino are joined by Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo and former Dio member Rowan Robertson.

King Kobra - Click For Larger Image

King Kobra

Not unfairly, King Kobra is a throw back band, pure classic melodic hard rock rooted in the Eighties big hair, glam, and arena rock heyday. Yet, also their style is informed by some subtle blues from the previous decade. The songs can twist between slow grooving, hard hitting, and melodic rockers. And then blur the lines of all. On to the album then.


Honestly, I thought the album got off to a slow start with Music Is A Piece Of Art and Turn Up The Music, song titles which seem to suggest a statement is being made. I thought the latter should have had more bump, enthusiasm; both have some bluesy groove. Then things shifted with Secret And Lies, Drownin', and One More Night, all with lively straight-up melodic rock vigor. These are three of the best songs here.

A cover of Nazareth's Love Hurts comes next wherein KK nails it completely, especially Paul Shortino's vocals. However, then it's back to some slow grooving tunes with some blues undercurrents, Dance (but not a dance number) and Darkness. I'll finish with the title track, which you can watch above. We Are Warriors is essential King Kobra: bit heavy, melodic, plenty of rhythm and groove, and notable arena anthem bump.

All in all, King Kobra's latest, We Are Warriors, finds the band in their classic rock form, delivering hard, sometimes heavier, sometimes a bit bluesy, melodic hard rock. If you dig the band, you will definitely want this album. Recommended.

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The Take Away

All in all, King Kobra's latest, We Are Warriors, finds the band in their classic rock form, delivering hard, sometimes heavier, sometimes a bit bluesy, melodic hard rock. If you dig the band, you will definitely want this album. Recommended.

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