COOPER, ALICE constrictor P-13405

The Shock Rock Return: Alice Cooper’s ‘Constrictor’ (P-13405)

Today’s entry highlights the album that brought the Godfather of Shock Rock back from the dead. We are examining the 1986 Japanese Promo Sample pressing of Constrictor by Alice Cooper, released on MCA Records with the catalog number P-13405.

Friday the 13th and the Metal Makeover

Released on November 28, 1986, Constrictor marked Alice Cooper’s grand return to the music scene after a three-year hiatus and a battle with alcohol. Musically, the album represented a dramatic shift from his experimental early-80s work to a muscular, radio-ready heavy metal sound that fit perfectly with the hair metal explosion of the era. This new sound was largely shaped by guitarist Kane Roberts, whose “Rambo”-like appearance and heavy riffing became central to Cooper’s new image. The album is most famous for the track “He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask),” which served as the theme song for the horror movie Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. Other highlights include the crushing opener “Teenage Frankenstein” and the anthem “The World Needs Guts.” Notably, the album also features bassist Kip Winger, who would soon launch his own successful band.

Warner-Pioneer Promo Edition

This specific copy is a highly collectible Promo Sample manufactured by Warner-Pioneer Corporation. It differs from the standard retail version through specific industry indicators:

- Promo Labels: The vinyl disc features labels marked with Japanese characters for “Sample” and “Not For Sale,” indicating it was distributed to radio stations and critics before the street date.
- Sample Sticker: A numbered “Sample” (見本盤) sticker is affixed to the back cover, verifying its status as a promotional copy.

Complete Japanese Packaging

The packaging is a treat for collectors of 80s rock memorabilia. It comes housed in a single sleeve featuring the iconic cover art of a boa constrictor wrapped around Alice’s neck. The release is complete with the original Obi strip and two inserts: one featuring English and Japanese liner notes, and another dedicated to Japanese lyrics. It is a pristine snapshot of the moment Alice Cooper reclaimed his throne.