REPTILE SMILE, the Stockholm-born hard rock band that has been shaking the European scene since 1988, is back with their highly anticipated album ”Mark III”, released by Lions Pride Music.
Formed in the late ’80s by guitarist / songwriter Martin Karlegård and drummer Michel Maiden, REPTILE SMILE quickly rose to prominence after signing with CBS Records in 1989.
Their debut single “Shove ‘em Down” and the album Automatic Cool propelled them into the limelight, with the track “2000 Miles” gaining heavy rotation on MTV. The follow-up album Who Makes the Rules in 1991, featuring the hit single “Wild Life,” further established the band’s reputation.
Now after many years REPTILE SMILE is back with their third album properly titled “Mark III”, a collection of hot rockers which marks the band’s powerful resurgence, combining re-imagined / re-recorded classics with previously unreleased tracks, and it’s a delight for fans old and new hard rock.
After releasing their second LP in 1991, REPTILE SMILE experienced a period of lineup changes, relentless touring, and eventual disbandment in the mid-90s, the band’s music continued to resonate with fans, leading to sporadic reunions and a renewed interest in their earlier work.
This renewed interest culminated in a decision by Martin Karlegård in 2010 to re-record some of the band’s classic tracks with a new line up, including Michel Maiden on drums, Andreas Karlegård on bass, and Fredrik Björk on guitar.
”Mark III” represents the culmination of this journey, blending the band’s classic hard sound with a modern edge. Recorded at Submob Studios in Stockholm and mixed and mastered by Martin Karlegård, the album is a sonic tribute to Reptile Smile’s enduring legacy.
The lineup for ”Mark III” includes original vocalist Peter Schapiro, Martin on guitars and backing vocals, Andreas Karlegård on bass and backing vocals, and Michel Maiden on drums, with guest appearances by Fredrik Björk and Jan Lissnils on lead and rhythm guitars.
The album’s production, overseen by Martin, is a reflection of the band’s commitment to quality and authenticity. The front cover, created by Chris Siloma for C.S.M.&P. Designs in Thessaloniki, perfectly capture the band’s aesthetic and the album’s spirit.
”Mark III” showcases a powerful, rejuvenated REPTILE SMILE sound that stays true to the band’s roots – that’s sweaty bluesy hard rock with a pinch of sleaze – while exploring new sonic territories. With Peter Schapiro‘s commanding vocals leading the charge, the band serves refreshed versions of the best tracks from their two 1990 & 1991 albums, plus new songs – which in fact many were written in the late ’80s.
Highly Recommended
01 – Self Righteous Bastard
02 – Stay Tuned to My Station
03 – Minding My Own Business
04 – Holiday in the City
05 – Push Has Come to Shove
06 – Automatic Cool
07 – 2000 Miles
08 – Shove ‘Em Down
09 – Hush Hush
10 – Senorita Lucy
11 – Rattlesnake Valley
12 – Pour ‘Em Right Up
13 – Freight Train
Peter Schapiro – lead vocals
Martin Karlegård – guitars and backing vocals
Andreas Karlegård – bass and backing vocals
Michel Maiden – drums
guests:
Fredrik Björk – guitars
Jan Lissnils – guitars