Vyper "Prepared To Strike" CD

Vyper is an excellent band in my opinion, and this, their debut and only official full-length (to my knowledge) is a rare nugget of well written hard rock/heavy metal. Great melodies, and some killer guitar work by Jacky Foxx & Robbie Saint, coupled with very “chanty” and memorable choruses make this an album to remember.
Prepared to Strike sells Vyper as excellent songwriters, and i would place them a cut above many of the later bands attempting to play a similar brand of predominantly Hard Rock orientated Melodic “Metal”. Memorable tracks are numerous on this sensational album. “Nighttime is Wild” is one of many hook-heavy anthems with some great riffage being traded between the above-mentioned axe-wielders, and packed with Christy Black’s (It’s a guy, despite the name) Vocal Talents. Tracks like “Running with the Pack” are heavier and are no doubt what give the band its “metal” qualifications, and are again equipped with great choruses. “Dealer” is another heavier track with some speed-metal riffage and solidly “metal” subject matter and soaring screams by Black. Watch for the scorching guitar leads in this one.
Many of the tracks and especially the guitar solos remind me of Dokken, and i am also often reminded of London, Night Ranger and even Krokus at times by the songs. The album is a perfect mix of hard rock numbers and scorchers, which is rare to find done this well. Many tracks like “Diamonds” are enthusiastic, fast-paced and upbeat, sure to amp one up for an evening of partying and beer-swilling, and again give you plenty of the band’s “metal” edge.
While the album is certainly impressive, surprisingly, this hard working Kansas-City act failed to make an impression, and broke up not long after the release of their second release, the EP Afraid of the Dark. In my opinion it’s rare to come across a band playing in this style so well, and have so little success. For those of you not afraid of a little melody in your metal, those who are fans of bands like Dokken, perhaps, this one should surely go over well. A great collection of cuts, and an instant classic which will have you rockin’ out on a very regular basis. Get it now!

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