Cobra - Warriors of the Dead nwobhm 12" Vinyl LP Album

Album Description:

In the world of heavy metal history, few genres have left a mark as indelible as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Emerging in the late 1970s and reaching its zenith in the early 1980s, NWOBHM birthed a plethora of iconic bands that reshaped the landscape of rock music. Among these luminaries stands COBRA, a band that wielded its debut 12" vinyl LP album "Warriors of the Dead" as a potent weapon in the NWOBHM movement. Released in 1985, this album marked a defining moment for the band and the genre as a whole.

A Debut That Resonates with Power

"Warriors of the Dead" represented COBRA's triumphant entry onto the heavy metal scene. The album was a testament to the band's prowess in combining raw energy with musical precision. This debut release showcased COBRA's ability to craft memorable riffs, anthemic choruses, and lyrics that delved into themes of fantasy, mythology, and the supernatural—a signature characteristic of NWOBHM.

The album's recording sessions took place at Linden Sounds, where the band members poured their passion and dedication into creating a sonic experience that would resonate with metal enthusiasts. The production captured the raw intensity of COBRA's live performances, allowing listeners to feel the music's visceral impact.

Visualizing the Power: Terry Greer's Album Cover

Every great album deserves an iconic album cover, and "Warriors of the Dead" was no exception. The artwork, designed by Terry Greer, perfectly encapsulated the album's themes of adventure, battle, and the mystical. The cover featured a dynamic illustration that depicted a warrior figure clad in armor, wielding a sword, standing against a backdrop of an otherworldly landscape. This imagery instantly drew in listeners and beckoned them to explore the sonic journey within the grooves of the vinyl.

The Criminal Response: Label and Legacy

Released under the Criminal Response Records label, "Warriors of the Dead" found its way into the hands of eager fans who were hungry for new sounds and fresh energy in the heavy metal domain. The album's impact was felt far beyond its release, as it continued to inspire generations of metal musicians and enthusiasts. COBRA's debut LP contributed to the rich tapestry of NWOBHM, solidifying the band's place in the history of this influential movement.

Masters of Sound: COBRA's Lineup

Behind the sonic assault of "Warriors of the Dead" stood a group of talented musicians who infused the album with their distinctive styles and collective energy:

- Paul Edmundson (Lead Vocals): Edmundson's powerful and emotive vocals brought the lyrics to life, adding depth and emotion to the album's storytelling.

- Chris Greer (Drums): The driving force behind the band's rhythm, Chris Greer's drumming provided the backbone upon which the rest of the music was built.

- Ian Beck (Guitars, Keyboards): Beck's mastery of both guitars and keyboards added layers of complexity to COBRA's sound, contributing to the album's dynamic range.

- Shaun Parker (Bass): Parker's basslines grounded the music with a heavy, resonating groove, giving the songs a strong foundation.

- Steve Hughes (Guitars): Hughes' guitar work added the fiery, searing solos and intricate riffage that are a hallmark of classic metal.