June 14th, 2018 - The Power Of Love Prevails II

Good evening!  The Meista here tonight pairing a Power of Love India Pale Ale from Mother Earth Brew Company and "Prevail II", the latest from the amazing Kobra And The Lotus... a follow up to their incredible 2017 album, "Prevail I"!

Album Info:

• Artist: Kobra And The Lotus
• Title: "Prevail II" 
• Recorded: 2017 and 2018 at Hansen Studios in Denmark
• Release date: April 27th, 2018 (5th studio album by Kobra And The Lotus)
• Record company: Napalm Records
• Production: Jacob Hansen
• Album cover art: Dino Tomic and Soloman Media
• Personnel: Brad Kennedy (bass), Jasio Kulakowski (guitars), Marcus Lee (drums), and Kobra Paige (vocals)
• Guest musician: Jurekk James (guitars) 
• Musical style: Heavy metal, power metal, hard rock with elements of thrash metal, power pop, and symphonic metal
• Sound: Like all of their albums, the sound on "Prevail II" is massive... complex, deep, and totally rocking!  Kulakowski is fast becoming one of my favorite guitar players!  He is versatile, charismatic, and precise while still laying down some fiery fast, aggressive fret work!  Kennedy and Lee are a thunderous juggernaut of rhythm and might!  Live, these two are mesmerizing to watch... especially Lee... an amazing live drummer!  And what can I say about Kobra's incredible voice that hasn't already been said?  She embodies the might and power of Rob Halford, the range of Dio, and the beauty of Ann Wilson!  I cannot get enough of this album!!
• Major themes: Insanity, regret, self-destruction, anger, love, loss, isolation, pain, perseverance, heroism, hope, etc. 
• Tracks:   

1. "Losing My Humanity"
2. "Let Me Love You"
3. "Ribe"
4. "My Immortal"
5. "Human Empire"
6. "Heartache"
7. "Velvet Roses"
8. "Modern Day Hero"
9. "You're Insane"
10. "White Water"
11. "The Chain" (Fleetwood Mac cover)
12. "Let Me Love You" (Acoustic Version/Bonus Track)

 Brew Info:

• Brewery: Mother Earth Brew Company (Vista, California)
• Website: http://motherearthbrewco.com/
• Brew: Power Of Love India Pale Ale
• Style: American India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Serving: 12 ounce can
• ABV: 6.7% 
• IBUs: 67
• Ingredients: Pale 2- Row, White Wheat, Medium Crystal, and Acidulated malts with Mosaic, Simcoe, and Amarillo hops
• Pour: The Power Of Love pours a clear golden-orange with a firm, foamy 1+ finger, off-white head with good sustain and sticky, sudsy lacing.
• Nose: The nose is a blend of citrus, tropical fruit, sweet malt, and light earthiness.  There are aromas of ripe melon, peach, mango, fresh orange juice, cream, grapefruit rind, caramel, and light pine resin.
• Taste: The taste of the Power Of Love follows the nose with lots of hop-forward citrus, tropical fruit, malt, and peppery flavors.  There are notes of tangerine, pink grapefruit, orange peel, black tea, soft caramel, and black pepper.
• Mouthfeel: Medium in body and moderately carbonated, the mouthfeel of the Power Of Love is very crisp, slightly bitter, refreshing, and very drinkable with a clean, somewhat dry, and slightly bitter and peppery finish. 

Overall pairing: The Mother Earth Power Of Love and a very punchy, yet complex and delicious concoction... much like Kobra And The Lotus' "Prevail II"!  Both are demand your full attention from the opening notes!  Both are wonderfully engaging!  And both kick ass!  And if you get the chance to see Kobra And The Lotus... GO!!  This band should be so much bigger than they are!

Cheers!!  Hails!!