Houston’s Night Cobra Debut New EP In Praise of the Shadow By Bob Kelpie Houston has bred a lot of great bands. When people think about Houston, they focus on bands such as ZZ Top, King’s X, and mainstream bands like that, but let me tell you, they also turn out some of the heaviest bands you’ve ever heard too. One of those bands is Night Cobra. Night Cobra is certainly getting the Heavy Metal Scene talking in Houston right now. Their spectacular take on Heavy Metal is somewhat reminiscent of the “real” Metal we were experiencing in the 80s. Their special blend of Rock ‘N’ Roll and Heavy Metal will definitely set them apart from the rest. Their music is infused with a sonic tapestry that will blow your head off your soldiers and fill you with some of the heaviest riffs you’ve ever heard. Their 4-song debut EP, In Praise of the Shadow has got to be one of the heaviest pieces of music we’ve heard in a long time. This is the kind of music that will have you raising your fist in the air and bobbing your head till your brain shakes loose. It’s great to hear this young band return to the roots of Metal, but infuse it with a style so unmistakably all their own. Songs like “Chains of the Beats,” “Escape From Earth,” “In Praise of the Shadow,” and “Nightmare Eternal” will restore your faith in the power of Metal. It’s plain to see that these guys are in for the long haul. They’re here to make their voices
up with it. It will definitely get you pumped known. If you are really in tune with the Metal up for some more Night Cobra!!! scene, then you probably know who these Night Cobra is Christian Larson guys are. They all have a dignified pedigree in (vocals), Bill Fool and Brandon Barger Metal. The band features past and current (guitars), Trevi Biles (bass) and The Mighty members of bands such as Necrofier, VenomCheech (drums). ous Maximus, Killer Hearts, and The Satanic Overlords of Rock N Roll. I’ve seen the Satanic Overlords of Rock N Roll in a small club in Houston, Texas called Rudyard’s British Pub, and these guys were unbelievable. With members from bands like that in Night Cobra, there is no doubt in my mind that this could well be the future of Heavy Metal. But don’t just take my word for it, when Night Cobra premiered their EP In Praise of the Shadow through CVLT Nation, CVLT proclaimed “I threw on the new EP from Houston, TX’s Night Cobra called ‘In Praise of the Shadow’ and fist pumped a hole in my wall! I don’t know about you, but as soon as I hit play on this new metal punk classic I can barely type because my fingers just want to dance on my invisible strings. Normally I’d say this is road warrior music, but these days I’d settle for a loud stereo and the road in my mind.” I have to admit, I feel pretty much the same about the new EP. It is definitely a force to be reckoned with and one that will leave your brain screaming for more. For myself, I really need to hear more from this band, but for now an EP will have to suffice. If you get a chance, buy this EP and burn your CD player September 2020 • Rock and Blues International 77
