Kobra and the Lotus
Encyclopedia
Kobra and the Lotus is a female fronted heavy metal
band from Calgary, Alberta
, Canada
. The musical style is often compared to classic NWOBHM, Iron Maiden
, Dio
, and early Metallica
or Iced Earth
.
). The trio added drummer Griffin Kissack midway through recording Out of the Pit. Kobra and the Lotus put the initial studio tracks on MySpace in summer 2009 and were approached by Metal Hammer
to include Kobra Paige in the 2010 Metal Hammer Maidens of Metal Calendar with Simone Simons
, Epica
and Cristina Scabbia
, Lacuna Coil
.
After and extensive Canadian tour the band parted ways with Matt Van Wezel (guitars) and bassist Ben Freud. These musicians were replaced in 2011 by Peter Dimov and Tim Brown on bass and lead guitar, just prior to their 2011 European summer tour, and remains the current line up.
The 2010 tour also had a profound effect on the vocals of lead singer Paige. The vocal evolution is very distinct between the videos "Cynical Wasteland" from the first album and "Welcome to my Funeral" from the upcoming second album.
, CMW
, Rock of Ages Fest (UK), Hard Rock Hell Road Trip Ibiza (ES), Sirens of Metal Festival (USA), and Sled Island
Festival. They’ve played with 3 Inches of Blood
, Primal Fear (band)
, Stratovarius
, Praying Mantis (band)
, Demon Hunter
, Marya Roxx, Amanda Somerville
and Goddo
. Their Cynically Wasted tour 2010 included 132 dates across the UK, Canada and the US in the summer of 2010. Kobra and the Lotus are on the bill for Hard Rock Hell
again in 2011 and an extensive European tour in the fall supporting U.D.O.
"Ace of Spades" features a cameo of Rik Emmett
formerly of power rock trio Triumph
, "Snake Pit" Director Tessa Bullen, Dirty Quinn Productions, "Cynical Wasteland" Director Elvis Prusic, "Ride Like Sugar" Director Britt Delara, "Welcome to my Funeral" Director Britt Delara, The Field
in Toronto, Greg invited long time friend Rik Emmett
to record a guitar solo to the only cover song on the album, a remake of Motörhead anthem Ace of Spades
. After playing their first 2009 Canadian tour, Paige's vocal style had changed significantly and the band approached Kevin Shirley
to rerecord the vocals and remix the album. The remix was so different that many industry writers thought the band had brought in a new lead singer. The album was released during Canadian Music Week
2010 by Sonic Unyon
Distribution and Code 7 Distribution. Producer Nick Blagona (Deep Purple
) rerecorded the vocals and remixed the last track of the album "Legend" .
Kobra and the Lotus released their debut Album Out of the Pit in March 2010, in Canada on Sonic Unyon
Distribution and in the UK with Code 7 Distribution. The album was a popular release on campus radio charts across Canada and several US internet Metal radio stations.
The band recorded their second album January to April 2011, with producer Julius Butty
then headed to Europe for a UK summer tour.
During 2011 singer Brittany Paige started using the name Kobra Paige.
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band from Calgary, Alberta
Alberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. The musical style is often compared to classic NWOBHM, Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
, Dio
Dio (band)
Dio was an American heavy metal band from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Formed in 1982 and led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio, after he left Black Sabbath with intentions to form a new band with fellow former Black Sabbath member, drummer Vinny Appice. Naming the band Dio made sense from a commercial...
, and early Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
or Iced Earth
Iced Earth
Iced Earth is an American heavy metal band from Tampa, Florida. Originally formed under the name "Purgatory" in 1984, Iced Earth has released a total of ten studio albums, one live album, three EP's, two compilations and boxsets...
.
Biography
In late 2008, Kobra and the Lotus was formed by classical singer Brittany Paige and guitarists Matt Van Wezel and Chris Swenson. The trio started recording their first songs in Calgary, initially produced by transplanted Toronto musician Greg Godovitz (GoddoGoddo
Goddo is a Canadian band formed in 1975. Goddo had mixed major label success from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s. After reforming in 1989, they revived their career with several new studio and 'best of' packages...
). The trio added drummer Griffin Kissack midway through recording Out of the Pit. Kobra and the Lotus put the initial studio tracks on MySpace in summer 2009 and were approached by Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer is a monthly heavy metal music magazine published in the United Kingdom by Future Publishing, and in several other countries by different publishers. Metal Hammer articles feature both mainstream bands and more unusual acts from the whole spectrum of heavy metal music...
to include Kobra Paige in the 2010 Metal Hammer Maidens of Metal Calendar with Simone Simons
Simone Simons
Simone Johanna Maria Simons is a Dutch coloratura mezzo-soprano singer who is the lead vocalist of symphonic metal band Epica.-Biography:...
, Epica
Epica (band)
Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen subsequent to his departure from After Forever. They are known for their symphonic sound and the use of female vocals and male growls performed by Simone Simons and Mark Jansen, respectively. All six members write...
and Cristina Scabbia
Cristina Scabbia
Cristina Adriana Chiara Scabbia is an Italian singer, best known as one of the two vocalists in the Italian gothic metal band Lacuna Coil. She also writes an advice column in the popular rock magazine Revolver, alongside musician Vinnie Paul. Scabbia is featured in a Megadeth song, "À Tout le...
, Lacuna Coil
Lacuna Coil
Lacuna Coil is an Italian gothic metal band from Milan. Formed in 1994, the group has had two name changes since being previously known as Sleep of Right and Ethereal and was inspired by the combination of gothic imagery and music...
.
After and extensive Canadian tour the band parted ways with Matt Van Wezel (guitars) and bassist Ben Freud. These musicians were replaced in 2011 by Peter Dimov and Tim Brown on bass and lead guitar, just prior to their 2011 European summer tour, and remains the current line up.
The 2010 tour also had a profound effect on the vocals of lead singer Paige. The vocal evolution is very distinct between the videos "Cynical Wasteland" from the first album and "Welcome to my Funeral" from the upcoming second album.
Live
Kobra and the Lotus have played Hard Rock HellHard Rock Hell
Hard Rock Hell is a three day music festival currently held at Pontin's Holiday Village, Prestatyn, Wales. The idea of holding the festival at in a holiday camp gives the organisers pre-built venues and stages and because of the on-site accommodation allows them to hold a multi day festival over...
, CMW
Canadian Music Week
Canadian Music Week is an industry conference and music festival held over four days in various venues throughout Toronto, Ontario, Canada.-History:...
, Rock of Ages Fest (UK), Hard Rock Hell Road Trip Ibiza (ES), Sirens of Metal Festival (USA), and Sled Island
Sled Island
Founded by Zak Pashak in 2007, The Sled Island Music and Arts Festival is an annual independent festival held in over thirty venues in downtown Calgary, Alberta. Sled Island allows many generations of festival goers to gather for four days each year to celebrate the wealth of creative talent that...
Festival. They’ve played with 3 Inches of Blood
3 Inches of Blood
3 Inches of Blood is a Canadian heavy metal band formed in 2000 in Vancouver, British Columbia, currently consisting of Cam Pipes, Justin Hagberg, Shane Clark, and Ash Pearson...
, Primal Fear (band)
Primal Fear (band)
Primal Fear is a German power metal and speed metal band formed in 1997 by Ralf Scheepers and Mat Sinner . Sinner & Scheepers formed the band after Ralf was not hired as Rob Halford's replacement in Judas Priest...
, Stratovarius
Stratovarius
Stratovarius are a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire and Gamma Ray, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal and symphonic...
, Praying Mantis (band)
Praying Mantis (band)
Praying Mantis are an English rock band. Although a part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene, they pursued a musical direction more melodic and AOR-sounding than their contemporaries.-Career:...
, Demon Hunter
Demon Hunter
Demon Hunter is an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington, started in 2000 by brothers Don Clark and Ryan Clark. All of Demon Hunter's members are Christians and express their love for Jesus in many of their songs. Although the brothers created the band, only one remains, Don Clark...
, Marya Roxx, Amanda Somerville
Amanda Somerville
Amanda Somerville is an American singer-songwriter and vocal coach.- Personal life :Somerville was born in Flushing, Michigan, and attended Flushing Senior High School and the University of Michigan in Flint, Michigan...
and Goddo
Goddo
Goddo is a Canadian band formed in 1975. Goddo had mixed major label success from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s. After reforming in 1989, they revived their career with several new studio and 'best of' packages...
. Their Cynically Wasted tour 2010 included 132 dates across the UK, Canada and the US in the summer of 2010. Kobra and the Lotus are on the bill for Hard Rock Hell
Hard Rock Hell
Hard Rock Hell is a three day music festival currently held at Pontin's Holiday Village, Prestatyn, Wales. The idea of holding the festival at in a holiday camp gives the organisers pre-built venues and stages and because of the on-site accommodation allows them to hold a multi day festival over...
again in 2011 and an extensive European tour in the fall supporting U.D.O.
Video
Their 3rd music video "Cynical Wasteland" was included for rotation on Much Music and Much Loud in May 2010, and in rotation on Aux (TV channel) June 2010. Their 5th Music Video and new song "Welcome to my Funeral" from their upcoming second album, is gaining widespread European and Canadian support. Current videos out by the band:"Ace of Spades" features a cameo of Rik Emmett
Rik Emmett
Richard Gordon Emmett is a vocalist, guitarist, and founding member of the Canadian rock band Triumph. Emmett left Triumph in 1988 to pursue a solo career. His first solo album, Absolutely, was released in 1990 and became a moderate hit across North America thanks to the hits "When a Heart...
formerly of power rock trio Triumph
Triumph (band)
Triumph is a Canadian hard rock power trio that was popular in the late 1970s through the 1980s. Eight of the band's albums were certified gold or higher, and Triumph was nominated for multiple Juno Awards, including Group of the Year Award in 1979, 1985, 1986 and 1987.Like their fellow Canadians...
, "Snake Pit" Director Tessa Bullen, Dirty Quinn Productions, "Cynical Wasteland" Director Elvis Prusic, "Ride Like Sugar" Director Britt Delara, "Welcome to my Funeral" Director Britt Delara, The Field
Studio
The band recorded the first album Out of the Pit in Calgary in early 2009. During the mixing of the album at Metalworks StudiosMetalworks Studios
Metalworks Studios is a music recording studio in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1978 by Gil Moore of the Canadian rock group Triumph.-Music Artists:*Alexisonfire*Adriana Lombardo*Jason Dawson*Kate Voegele*Demi Lovato*Fair to Midland...
in Toronto, Greg invited long time friend Rik Emmett
Rik Emmett
Richard Gordon Emmett is a vocalist, guitarist, and founding member of the Canadian rock band Triumph. Emmett left Triumph in 1988 to pursue a solo career. His first solo album, Absolutely, was released in 1990 and became a moderate hit across North America thanks to the hits "When a Heart...
to record a guitar solo to the only cover song on the album, a remake of Motörhead anthem Ace of Spades
Ace of Spades
At least in English-speaking countries, the ace of spades is traditionally seen as the highest card in the deck of playing cards, although the actual value of the card varies from game to game...
. After playing their first 2009 Canadian tour, Paige's vocal style had changed significantly and the band approached Kevin Shirley
Kevin Shirley
Kevin Shirley is a music producer and mixer for many artists, such as the bands Journey, Iron Maiden, Rush, Led Zeppelin, Joe Bonamassa, Marya Roxx, Dream Theater, Tyler Bryant, Mr. Big, and Europe.-Biography:...
to rerecord the vocals and remix the album. The remix was so different that many industry writers thought the band had brought in a new lead singer. The album was released during Canadian Music Week
Canadian Music Week
Canadian Music Week is an industry conference and music festival held over four days in various venues throughout Toronto, Ontario, Canada.-History:...
2010 by Sonic Unyon
Sonic Unyon
Sonic Unyon Recording Company is an independent record label based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The retail store is located on Wilson Street near James Street North)...
Distribution and Code 7 Distribution. Producer Nick Blagona (Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre...
) rerecorded the vocals and remixed the last track of the album "Legend" .
Kobra and the Lotus released their debut Album Out of the Pit in March 2010, in Canada on Sonic Unyon
Sonic Unyon
Sonic Unyon Recording Company is an independent record label based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The retail store is located on Wilson Street near James Street North)...
Distribution and in the UK with Code 7 Distribution. The album was a popular release on campus radio charts across Canada and several US internet Metal radio stations.
The band recorded their second album January to April 2011, with producer Julius Butty
Julius Butty
Julius "Juice" Butty is a Canadian record producer. He was a 2007 nominee for the Jack Richardson Producer of the Year Award.- Producer credits :* Kristin Nicholls Band* Alexisonfire* The Gorgeous* Sleeper Set Sail...
then headed to Europe for a UK summer tour.
During 2011 singer Brittany Paige started using the name Kobra Paige.
Current members
- Brittany Paige (renamed Kobra Paige in 2011) – vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
(Since 2009) - Chris Swenson – rhythm guitarRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
, (Since 2009) - Griffin Kissack – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(Since 2009) - Peter Dimov – bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(Since 2011) - Tim Brown – lead guitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
(Since 2011)
Former members
- Ben Freud – bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(2009–2010) - Matt Van Wezel – lead guitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
(2009–2010)
Albums
- New 10 track album with 3 bonus tracks recently recorded with producer Julius ButtyJulius ButtyJulius "Juice" Butty is a Canadian record producer. He was a 2007 nominee for the Jack Richardson Producer of the Year Award.- Producer credits :* Kristin Nicholls Band* Alexisonfire* The Gorgeous* Sleeper Set Sail...
expected for release in early 2012 - Out of the Pit (Kobra Music Inc., 2010)