Kobra and The Lotus at PNC Bank Arts Center July 26

Kobra and The Lotus at PNC Bank Arts Center July 26

By Brian Aberback

Fans who come out early to the Kiss-Def Leppard concerts on Saturday, July 26, at the PNC Bank Center and Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Jones Beach are in for a pleasant, and heavy, surprise. Canadian metalers Kobra and The Lotus are opening the shows with a high-energy set of powerful metal complete with crunching guitars and piercing vocals that recall the traditional heavy anthems of Judas Priest infused with modern touches. The band, led by singer Kobra Paige, released its third album, "High Priestess," on July 1.

The album’s leadoff track, “War Horse,” sets the pace with galloping guitars and bass and Paige’s powerful vocals, including several impressive high notes. Other album standouts include the infectious crunch of “Soldier” and the triumphant “Visionary.” 

We spoke with Kobra Paige.

 Patch: You’re currently touring with Kiss and Def Leppard. Kobra and The Lotus is significantly heavier than either band. Have audiences been receptive?

Paige: So far it’s been a very positive experience. The people who are there when we start playing have come for everything, so they know there’s something new coming up. Sometimes we’re a bit of a surprise but after a couple of songs the audience catches on. It’s been amazing and so fun to be in amphitheaters and arenas and having the space to run around onstage. Our show is very high-energy. We bring everything we’ve got.

Patch: This month Kobra and The Lotus released its third album, "High Priestess." What can you tell us about the album in terms of how the band progressed from its last effort two years ago?

Paige: I think the biggest difference is that it’s a little more versatile in terms of style. There’s a lot of different textures with both the instruments and vocal dynamics. There’s a bunch of different vocal styles. There’s chanting, whispering. In some sections I sing a little softer but there’s also high wailing. I’m using different parts of my voice that I haven’t used before. For each song we try to create a picture and a mood, try and find a way to make it a cinematic experience in the listener’s mind. 

Patch: What inspires your lyrics?

Paige: I write about emotions and experiences that I have or witness in people’s lives, emotions and feelings. The songs can be dark, about hitting rock bottom, but there is hope in some of the songs. Those songs show that people aren’t necessarily going through tough times alone, that they have support. 

 Patch: Can you tell us about your musical background?

Paige: I had classical vocal and piano training for most of my youth and younger teenage years. I studied theory for eight years. Then when I was 15 I saw Judas Priest on the Painkiller tour and that changed everything. I’ll never forget the energy in the arena and hearing Rob Halford’s voice. I thought, ‘wow, there’s a place for me and I don’t have to go in a classical direction.’ Metal was something I could apply my voice to that felt more authentic to who I am. I got a band together the next day. 

Patch: The band has a very powerful video for the song "Soldier." Can you tell us about that song?

Patch: It’s a very rhythmic song. It sounds like marching. It’s the story of a man who is in war and can’t shoot a kid. He makes a benevolent choice and ends up dying for it. It’s a tribute to everyone who has gone to war and is still fighting or going to fight. I think that a lot of people take for granted all the people that have given their lives to ensure that we have safety.

www.kobraandthelotus.com

Kobra and The Lotus opens for Kiss and Def Leppard at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel on Saturday, July 26, and at Jones Beach on Wednesday, Aug. 6. For tickets go to www.ticketmaster.com.