Led by legendary drummer Carmine Appice, the heavy metal band King Kobra also included vocalist Mark Free, guitarists Earl Slick and Mick Sweda, and bassist Johnny Rod. Debuting in 1985 with Ready to Strike, the group released two more LPs -- Thrill of a Lifetime and King Kobra III -- before disbanding; Rod subsequently joined W.A.S.P., while Sweda later turned up in the Bullet Boys. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide