Vyper- Prepared To Strike (Uk)

We all know how great 1984 was, with so many great bands releasing CLASSIC albums during that time. It was at the height of the glam/sleaze craze that Vyper, a Missouri act, left to join the troops led by Ratt, Motley Crue, Quiet Riot… This little-known band released a real gem during that same year, and not to be confused with pre-Angra band Viper from Brazil. Vyper was produced by Eric Greif, alias Griffy, who would later become very active on the thrash/death scene and was also known for his close collaboration with Motley Crue manager Allan Coffman (Leathr Records). “Prepared to strike” was released in 1984 by Greenworld Records in the USA, and as the label worked with Dutch outfit Roadrunner, the album found a good number of buyers in Europe. The band consisted of Michael Scott (drums), Robbie Saint (guitars), Jacky Foxx (guitars), Christy Black (vocals), and Rik Brock (bass). For the “Prepared To Strike” album the band members are completely decked out in the normal early ’80s attire… spandex, leather pants, aqua-net hair, and of course ribbons and ties on their arms, wrists, heads, and cut off jackets. Unfortunately, this American act managed to release one E.P (Afraid of The Dark) and one LP (Prepared to Strike) before disappearing from the scene. Kansas City, Missouri band Vyper, suffered from the familiar situation of their record label going tits-up and later in the band’s life there was two versions of Vyper touring, ala LA Guns, Ratt and so many other hard rock bands in recent years. Looking at the original year of it’s release, you know what you’ll expect. Roaring guitars, some high pitch screaming, thick harmonies, wild solos, and stuff like that. In terms of sound, this one bounces between AOR-edged hard rock and NWOBHM-influenced melodic metal. You can hear a Judas Priest influence on the song Dealer, and for the most part the guitar sound is heavier than you would usually hear on AOR/hard rock. Christy Black sure can’t lie about RATT’s influences here, his voice is reminiscent of Stephen Pearcy most of the times, and some tracks like “I’m Not Waiting” or “Can’t Stop Dreamin'” are definitely in the same league with songs from “Out of The Cellar”. “Diamonds” is a pure explosive heavy metal tune with some great riffage all over the song, but “Dealer” is even better. The song is probably the heaviest track here and Black’s hellish scream is the song’s highlight. “Cold As A Stone” is flashy as diamond, commercial melodic rock, and has potential to become radio hit. “She’s Nasty”, “Drivin’ Me Insane”, and “Time Flies” from the EP are another favourite. Vyper show off a real metallic understanding of early ’80s hard rock, complete with big solos, a big drum sound, and effective, soulful vocals from Black. The end result is another quality band that somehow got picked over during those commercial rock days. Vyper fell through the same crack as other notable underdogs such as First Strike, Dagger, and Judas Priest. “Prepared To Strike & Afraid Of The Dark” are awesome and undoubtedly a keeper in your book. This is good & rare stuff – if you like your Sunset Strip glam rock to have a heavier edge to it, you’ll enjoy this new reissue (with a new booklet and mastering) after 20 years it has been reissued by Retrospect Records.

Tracklist:

1. I’m Not Waiting
2. Cold As a Stone
3. Diamond
4. Nighttime Is Wild
5. Runnin’ with the Pack
6. Can’t Stop Dreamin’
7. Dealer
8. Climbing Up the Walls
9. Drivin’ Me Insane
10. She’s Nasty
11. Afraid of the Dark
12. Time Flies
13. Daddy’s Girl