By Rob Thompson
Peru's Cobra were formed in 2005 and on To Hell, their second release, they play a mix of classic NWOBHM metal ('Rough Riders') with a dash of speed ('Beware My Wrath') and a sprinkling of US style power metal. Firstly, there is absolutely nothing original about Cobra. The songs on To Hell sound like they could have been written by Iron Maiden for the Killers album. The look of band is circa 1983. The production values displayed on this record are only marginally better than you would find on a metal album released by an independent label in the mid-1980s. Even the name of the band isn't all that original. So then is this album terrible? No, it’s completely brilliant! What the lads from Cobra have managed to do is make To Hell feel like a re-release of long forgotten gem. They capture the look, sound, style (and probably smell) of the most brilliant era of heavy metal and bring it bang up to date.
Every track is excellent on this no frills, straightforward, metal album. There are absolutely no pretensions or attempts made at progressive meanderings at all. The galloping riffs, the twin guitars, the metal “help my crotch is on fire” high pitch screams from Harry “El Sucio”, Augusto Morales Steve Harris-like chugging bass, the galloping riffs and pounding drums all go to make one hell of a release. In fact I’d go so far to say that this is in my top five albums of 2014 so far.
It’s beyond me why more bands don’t actually play real heavy metal; I mean traditional heavy metal where the listener is treated to excellent vocals, raw power and amazing guitars. Sure there’s a time and place for other sub-genres and incoherent bellowing but there is a lack of bands who want to emulate the masters of yesteryear.
So in summary, To Hell showcases some quality old school metal and I truly hope they find a bigger audience with this release. And let’s hope that more bands start playing this type of authentic, honest and naturally heavy metal too!
