On this day November 9 1985, King Kobra released their debut album Ready to Strike in the US, a powerful entry into the 1980s hard rock and metal scene. Formed by renowned drummer Carmine Appice, who had played with legends like Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne, the band combined technical skill with a strong sense of melody and energy. With Mark Free’s soaring vocals and bold production, Ready to Strike captured the excitement and spirit of a new band ready to make its mark.
The album included standout tracks such as Hunger, Shadow Rider, and the title song Ready to Strike. Its polished sound and radio friendly hooks gave King Kobra the potential to reach a wide audience, and the group quickly built a following among fans of the rising glam and hard rock movement. Though the band didn’t achieve the commercial breakthrough some predicted, the album remains a well loved gem that represents the ambition and musicianship of the era.
80s insight: Ready to Strike embodied the energy of 80s metal, when big vocals, driving guitars, and attitude ruled the airwaves and every new band seemed destined for stardom.
The album included standout tracks such as Hunger, Shadow Rider, and the title song Ready to Strike. Its polished sound and radio friendly hooks gave King Kobra the potential to reach a wide audience, and the group quickly built a following among fans of the rising glam and hard rock movement. Though the band didn’t achieve the commercial breakthrough some predicted, the album remains a well loved gem that represents the ambition and musicianship of the era.
80s insight: Ready to Strike embodied the energy of 80s metal, when big vocals, driving guitars, and attitude ruled the airwaves and every new band seemed destined for stardom.
