Tag: vyper

As far as I’m aware, Vyper only recorded this EP and the album Prepared To Strike (which I have reviewed earlier), which the track Diamonds is from.

The title track opens up the EP in fine form with a kick ass LA style glam anthem and is definitely my favourite here. Diamonds takes references from NWOBHM as THAT riff rears its head again at the intro. Time Flies has the double kick beat of Motorhead’s Overkill but with way more over the top guitar noodling and a sleazy metal vibe. Great fun tune! All too soon the four tracks are over as Daddy’s Girl closes out the record with a Ratt-style rocker.

I remember that conversations with the record companies took place about replacing LP’s with EPs as the main format because it would be easier to keep the quality of the songs higher. I sort of get that point for bands like Vyper, but I do like the album format. Anyhoo, these are a fun four tracks that I haven’t heard in a long while.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

There are a couple different covers for this record so some people think they released two albums, but originally this was the only version, plus an earlier independent EP release.

I am a sucker for any band with a killer guitar player and back in the day I would buy albums on this criteria alone. Although, I’m not sure who plays what parts on this record, whether it be Jacky Foxx or Robbie Saint, there are some killer leads laid down on this album.

Varying from melodic hard rock to metal, this record is a whole bunch of fun with influences varying from NWOBHM to Diamond’s prime time hair like on Cold As Stone, and my favourite track Dealer with that full on metal assault. Vyper should have done more songs like this because they do it quite well. Double kicks blasting away, high pitch screaming, and max riffage with the inevitable ripping solos.

If nothing else, this album is a whole bunch of fun.

8/10 from The Grooveman.