Lightning Apparently Does Strike Twice!

80's metal rises from the ashes....

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Chris Jennings in News

Source // Lightning Strikes

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Southern California’s Lightning Strikes are finally set to 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. They then became a casualty of war when line-up problems beset the band’s first incarnation and led to their early demise.

It would be another quarter century before founding member/drummer Karpis Maksudian decided to pick up the pieces and resurrect the dream. Joined by bassist Cat Tate – 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 and Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes – a recommendation by noted guitarist/producer Roy Z – who became the other two main protagonists in the new incarnation of Lightning Strikes! Maksudian also reached out to Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) to add keyboards and brought in a pair of stellar guest vocalists in the shape of 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 flavour to “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 80’s power metal with an epic touch as espoused by Martin-era Black Sabbath.

Lightning Strikes’ self-titled album will be available on CD from November 18th, 2016.

Tracklisting:

1. VICTIM
2. CAN’T CROSS THE RAINBOW
3. 301 AD SINS OF OUR FATHERS
4. FEAR
5. DEATH VALLEY
6. BERMUDA TRIANGLE
7. DOKI NO SAKURA
8. KAMIKAZE
9. STAY WITH ME
10. OUR LADY
11. WE DON’T ROCK ALONE

Line-Up:

Nando Fernandes – vocals
Cat Tate – bass
Rob Math – guitars
Karpis Maksudian – drums

Special Guests:

Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) – keyboards
Tony Martin (Black Sabbath) – vocals
Noah (Avanchick) – vocals