Flirting with symphonic rock, pop and new age - A review of Kobra and the Lotus' Prevail II

Kobra and the Lotus' Prevail II is a slight improvement over the first chapter of the duology. While the second part is even more melodic and mellow than its predecessor, it has a clearer guiding line and much better flow. On the other side, the album goes even further in its experimentation as the traditional heavy metal band includes more new age and pop influences in its eclectic and intriguing sound.

''My Immortal'' is such a courageous song. It's an appeasing track with soft vocals recalling a mixture of new age singers Enya and Loreena McKennitt. While the title of the aforementioned song might recall symphonic rock band Evanescence, ''Heartache'' actually recalls the music of said band with its uplifting voals, strong pop vibe and dreamy piano melodies. ''Human Empire'' sees the band enter symphonic metal territory since the track is particularly adventurous, epic and rich, recalling veterans like Epica.

There are still a few more aggressive tracks on the album for fans of traditional heavy metal like the engaging opener ''Losing My Humanity'' or the fast and oppressive ''You're Insane'' that combines vivid instruments with melodic vocal lines and catchy sing-along passages that could make this song a future concert highlight.

However, Prevail II doesn't really qualify as a heavy metal record overall and even someone who is interested in new age and pop elements might think that the cheesy acoustic version of ''Let Me Love You'' with its predictably stereotypical vocals is going a little bit too far. Overall, I would categorize this release as melodic rock album.

Prevail II represents two steps in a new direction. The first step leading towards a more melodic, mellow and focused guiding line is very positive. The second step that flirts with symphonic rock, pop and new age might go a little bit too far. If the band could find a balance between the first and the second part of the duology, it could finally define its genuine own identity.

In the end, it would have been better to release one single strong record instead of two albums with some filler material. A potential track list of one single record entitled Prevail could have looked like this:

1. Hell On Earth

2. Manifest Destiny

3. My Immortal

4. Human Empire

5. Victim

6. Heartache

7. You're Insane

8. Prevail

Final rating: 77%