Black Cobra are a band with a sense of purpose. It’s evident if you listen to
any of the sludge punk duo’s onslaught filled and rhythmically rewarding
records that the band cut their teeth on many great bands before them and are
keen to carry the torch. A little bit Melvins, a bit of Karp riff charge and
yet a much more rawboned execution with an emphasis on a live sounding
insistence ensures this band could play with any metal or punk band and more
than hold their own.
Some people wrongfully think of legends Earth as a one style band. While, for
instance, “Badgers Bane” and, say, “Tibetan Quaaludes” both feature long,
droned out guitars with an emphasis on feel, there are still lots of subtle
differences related to the year of composition, intent of meaning, etc. Black
Cobra, like Motorhead or Black Tusk, also get kind of pigeonholed as a rad but
mostly one trick pony but that sells their action packed performances and
kinetic records far short.
Let’s check out new sci-fi infused record Imperium Simulacra (order HERE).
“Challenger Deep” arrives victoriously, charging in with giant balls. I am
loving how the vocals, particularly on title track “Imperium Simulacra” are
kind of sounding more and more like a punk rock version of Venom these days ,
a bit more tangible to understand and more snarled. As always the band are
tight as fuck, rattling out fist pumping anthems that tow the line between
poison spitting High On Fire charge and locked in machine gun snare and payoff
riff build (particularly during “Eye Among The Blind”).
Read more and hear “Obsolete” BELOW.