Lightning Strikes - Lightning Strikes

2017 release. Southern California's Lightning Strikes unleash their full-length debut album through Pure Legend Records. Originally formed in 1985, Lightning Strikes were part of the then red hot L.A. metal scene and issued a now highly collectable 7" single, but became a casualty of war when line-up problems beset the band's first incarnation and led to it's early demise. It would be another quarter century before founding member/drummer Karpis Maksudian decided to pick up the pieces as it were and resurrect the dream. Joined by bassist Cat Tate (Snew, Red Again), another member of the original Lightning Strikes line-up, he began working on new material while pulling in a number of A-list players to fulfill his vision. Enter guitarist extraordinaire, Rob Math (Leatherwolf, Player) and Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes (Hangar), a recommendation by noted guitarist/producer Roy Z, who became the other two main protagonists in the new Lightning Strikes. Maksudian also reached out to Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Kiss) to add keyboards and brought in a pair of stellar guest vocalists, Tony Martin of Black Sabbath fame, who is heard on 'Death Valley' and '301 AD Sin of Our Fathers', as well as Noah, flamboyant frontman for Japanese rockers Avanchick, who adds a far Eastern flavor on 'Kamikaze.' Mixed by Roy Z (Judas Priest, Bruce Dickinson, Helloween) and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Halford, Yngwie Malmsteen, Anvil), Lightning Strikes provides the listener with a formidable old school heavy rock experience, rooted in the vintage sounds of Rainbow and Deep Purple (the seldom covered 'Our Lady' is Lightning Strikes' hat tip to the British masters) and classic '80s power metal with an epic touch as espoused by Martin era Black Sabbath.