Los Angeles CA based heavy metal outfit LIGHTNING STRIKES are currently in the process of recording the follow-up to their eponymous 2016 full-length debut. Masterminded by founding member/drummer/producer, Karpis Maksudian, “The King Is Victorious” is set to feature a re-tooled line-up, including Japanese guitar virtuoso, Norifumi Shima, American bassist extraordinaire, Barry Sparks, up-and-coming Argentinian vocalist, Mariano Gardella, as well as returning keyboardist maestro, Derek Sherinian. In addition, Maksudian has worked with the 45-piece Moscow Symphony Orchestra on the album’s epic title track.
Norifumi Shima, whose neo-classical hard rock style has elicited comparisons to genre icons such as Ritchie Blackmore and Yngwie Malmsteen, is the founding member of CONCERTO MOON, one of Japan’s premier heavy metal bands. Barry Sparks is best known for his long affiliation with German guitar legend, MICHAEL SCHENKER, as well as his work with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, DOKKEN, TED NUGENT, SCORPIONS and Japanese superstars, B’z, among others. Sherinian has long been one of the most in demand keyboard players on the scene, with a resume that includes DREAM THEATER, ALICE COOPER, BILLY IDOL, and KISS. Says Maksudian: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have Norifumi and Barry on board for this album as well as Derek agreeing to participate once again. Barry is one of the absolute best and has been a pleasure to work with. His bass tracks are adding so much to the songs already. As for Norifumi – I’ve always had an interest in the Japanese metal scene and Concerto Moon has been a particular favorite of mine for some time. For Norifumi to agree to play on the new Lightning Strikes is a dream come true and an absolute honor. He has already completed his tracks in Tokyo and he sounds stellar! And Derek has come through again with flying colors – he is such an amazing player and always delivers at the highest level. I have also found a great, young vocalist in Mariano Gardella who may not be a household name yet but has a great set of pipes. I cannot wait for people to hear this record!”
Watch “Death Valley” by Lightning Strikes – (Feat Tony Martin ex Black Sabbath) Here
Originally formed in 1984, LIGHTNING STRIKES were the first metal band to feature an all Armenian-American line-up, well over a decade before the arrival of SYSTEM OF A DOWN. Maksudian revived the name with new personnel a quarter century after the initial breakup recording the group’s self-titled 2016 full-length debut with Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes (HANGAR, SINISTRA), guitarist Rob Math (LEATHERWOLF, SOUL SIGN), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (SONS OF APOLLO, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION), and former BLACK SABBATH vocalist, Tony Martin, who sang on and wrote the lyrics to ‘Death Valley’ and ‘301 AD Sins of Our Fathers’. Mixed by Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, JUDAS PRIEST, HALFORD), the album was well received and peaked on the Japanese Burrn! Magazine import charts at number 6.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightningstrikesrocks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightningstrikesrocks/
X: x.com/lsrocksofficial
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@lightningstrikesofficial387
