Cobra Spell | Anthems Of The Venomous Hearts EP | (Independent)

 

Cobra Spell is a multinational heavy metal band founded by guitarist Sonia Anubis, formerly of Crypta and Burning Witches. Formed with a vision to revive and modernize the sleaze and glam metal spirit of the '80s, the band has steadily built a cult following since their debut EP "Love Venom" in 2020. Known for their flashy visuals, dual-guitar-driven sound, and throwback flair, Cobra Spell blends classic rock attitude with modern punch. Over the years, the lineup has evolved, culminating in the addition of vocalist Kristina Vega, whose entrance marked a significant sonic shift for the band. With "Anthems Of The Venomous Hearts", the band reimagines older material originally sung by a male vocalist, now delivered with renewed energy through Vega’s voice.

"Anthems Of The Venomous Hearts" is an EP that reconnects Cobra Spell with their own recent past. This release doesn’t aim to move forward musically but rather to reaffirm the band’s identity under a new vocal presence. The EP carries the same neon-lit energy and melodic muscle the band has become associated with—driven by Anubis’ consistently sharp guitar playing and melodic sensibility.

The new vocal approach from Kristina Vega adds a different personality to the songs. Her delivery is confident and vibrant, and although these tracks were initially constructed with a male voice in mind, her presence feels natural, not imposed. There's a subtle transformation that doesn't rewrite the music but certainly shifts its emotional temperature. In that sense, the songs don’t feel like mere rehashes—they carry a slightly different perspective, one that feels more electric and urgent.

The production is compact and thick, benefitting from Alejandro Gabasa Barcoj’s crisp mix. The guitars have a warm, saturated edge without overpowering the synth textures or the vocals. The percussion is tight and balanced, giving the songs momentum without overwhelming their melodic character. There's a slick, urban night-rider quality to the sonics that suits the EP’s nostalgic themes and re-imagined attitude.

“Poison Bite” and “Addicted To The Night” embody the group’s sleaze metal core, carried by high-tempo riffing and gang-shouted choruses. “Shake Me” leans toward classic glam rock, while “Accelerate” pushes closer to speed metal. The Japanese-language version of “Flaming Heart” (“Moeru Kokoro - 燃える心”) is a thoughtful bonus, not only as a gesture toward their international fans but also as a fun reinterpretation that adds variety to the otherwise English-language release.

There’s an overall sense of confidence throughout this EP. It doesn't sound tentative or overly nostalgic. Instead, it affirms Cobra Spell's intent: to draw from the past without being enslaved by it. The result is a fast, flashy, six-song ride that has more presence than many full-lengths. This EP likely won’t change anyone’s mind who isn’t already into the band’s style, but for those who are, it’s a revitalized, high-voltage release that hits exactly where it needs to.

Score: 7/10