Kobra and the Lotus – Prevail I

album by:
Kobra and the Lotus
Version:
mp3
Price:
£7.99

Reviewed by:
Rating:
5
On 6 May 2017
Last modified:6 May 2017

Summary:

Kobra and the Lotus's first release with Napalm Records Prevail I is a musical triumph; from the incredibly polished production through to the originality of each song. Through hard work and perseverance Kobra and the Lotus truly have Prevailed. This newly evolved sound, and their ability to pull it off live to perfection, will see then to continue to grow and get the recognition they deserve in the rock and metal scene.

Prevail I is part 1 of Canadian Hard Rock/Metal band Kobra and the Lotus‘s upcoming double album release; a big and a brave move from the band that few newer bands have attempted to do.  However I feel with their incredibly high work ethic it is gonna pay off and showcase what a talented and creative band they are.  I have been watching this band a number of years since I saw them first at Bloodstock Festival 5 years ago, having toured extensively and gone from strength to strength with each album, Prevail I is another huge leap forward for Kobra and the Lotus.

Kicking off with Gotham, a song I was lucky enough to hear at it’s live debut at Femme Festival 2016 as well as track 2 TriggerPulse also having its live debut that night.  Whilst at heart still containing all the ingredients I have come to love from Kobra and the Lotus, there is something so new inspiring giving a glimpse at how they have grown and evolved their sound, yet remained true to their sound.  Partly due due to this album being such a beautifully well produced, and the addition of more synths/samples in the mix.

You Don’t Know is next up which has just had a video released, from the snare build-up into the main riff I’m already sold on this track.  What makes this one stand out to me is it is by far the most raw and personal lyrically from Kobra Paige; this is echoed through with the music video also.  Continuing on and picking up the pace is Specimen X (The Mortal Chamber) with a good helping of double bass and fast paced riffs yet again changing up the pace, also an instrumental section halfway which finishes off with an incredible guitar solo.  At the midpoint of the album we come to Light Me Up which takes things down a notch in the intro, yet builds to be an impressive power ballad, which adds all the more to the diversity of the album.

Manifest Destiny is an absolute favourite of mine, partly as this track just oozes so much positivity it is a perfect pick me up. Also this track seems to have tapped into the vein of fellow Canadian Musician Devin Townsend in his Epicloud era. An absolute highlight and I really applaud Kobra and the Lotus for trying something different, it works so well.  What really stands out to me as I listen to Victims, which has Brad Kennedy on bass absolutely slaying it on the bass led verses; there is no ‘filler’ on this album, each track is a stand alone epic which comes together and makes Prevail I so special.

When I had my first play through of this album I listened to Check The Phyrg and repeated it 3 or 4 times before I could carry on; this instrumental track is just phenomenal; you have to turn it up loud and bask in it’s perfection.  It is 4 minutes 11 seconds of an all out guitar duel with classical hints laced through-out.  I have always been in awe at what a gifted and original guitarist Jasio Kulakowski is, this just cements his place as one of the top guitarists out there.  Hell on Earth musically has more of a familiar feel to it which is more reminiscent of High Priestess. With the addition of Kobra also adding in some spoken word vocals mixed in with her incredible and unique vocal range it’s another step into the unknown and a highlight on the album. Finishing off with title track Prevail, an all out anthem of positivity combining all that I have come to love about Kobra and the Lotus. I am now even more eagerly awaiting the vinyl to arrive I bought as part of their Pledge Music campaign.

Kobra and the Lotus’s first release with Napalm Records Prevail I is a musical triumph; from the incredibly polished production through to the originality of each song.  Through hard work and perseverance Kobra and the Lotus truly have Prevailed.  This newly evolved sound, and their ability to pull it off live to perfection will see then to continue to grow and get the recognition they deserve in the rock and metal scene.

Members –

Kobra Paige – Vocals
Jasio Kulakowski – Guitars
Brad Kennedy – Bass
Marcus Lee – Drums

Links –

https://www.facebook.com/pg/KobraAndTheLotus

http://kobraandthelotus.com/

Kobra and the Lotus's first release with Napalm Records Prevail I is a musical triumph; from the incredibly polished production through to the originality of each song. Through hard work and perseverance Kobra and the Lotus truly have Prevailed. This newly evolved sound, and their ability to pull it off live to perfection, will see then to continue to grow and get the recognition they deserve in the rock and metal scene.

About Kris White

Music Journalist @ www.planetmosh.com, Bassist at FyreSky, EK13 Photography, Creator at Poisoned Cogs