New LIGHTNING STRIKES Album, 'The King Is Victorious', Set to Feature All-Star Contributions and Moscow Symphony

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!"

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.

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Coyote Eyes Releases “Lightning Strikes” A Mesmerizing Blend of Acoustic and Orchestral Magic

Coyote Eyes, the musical project led by singer-songwriter, Jo Eubanks, has released her latest single, "Lightning Strikes," today. This new single, penned by Coyote Eyes herself, marks an artistic collaboration with the accomplished musician and producer, Jared Chance Taylor, for the second time. Thematically, "Lightning Strikes" explores the intriguing concept that life's

path may be guided by the belief that "if it's meant to be, it will be," ultimately leaving the course of destiny to fate. The song delves into questions of faith, destiny, and the interplay between preordained destinies and the choices individuals make to shape their own futures.

Coyote Eyes reflects on the dichotomy of life experiences, where some individuals seem to effortlessly navigate life's challenges, enjoying harmonious relationships, successful careers, financial stability, and fulfilling family lives. These individuals, often likened to artists who are "discovered" just by walking down the street or who embark on lifelong love affairs from their first encounter, seem to effortlessly align with the universe. "Lightning Strikes" ponders whether it's easier to have faith or trust in a larger cosmic plan when everything consistently falls into place. Conversely, the song acknowledges those who face greater trials and tribulations, struggling for years to find love or stability, while seemingly encountering closed doors in their pursuit of dreams. "Does that mean that 'the universe' doesn't want them to have all those things? Or that their fate isn't happiness, love, and abundance?" Coyote Eyes wonders.

"Lightning Strikes" originated as a humble composition, featuring Coyote Eyes’ soulful vocals intertwined with the sounds of a piano, exuding a raw and heartfelt acoustic vibe. However, the song evolved into a breathtaking auditory journey, characterized by lush instrumentals, including the incorporation of live strings. Coyote Eyes expressed her personal admiration for the song's beautiful orchestration, which envelops listeners in an emotional and immersive experience. She particularly highlighted Jared Chance Taylor's ingenious use of synthy bass, reminiscent of an '80s romantic drama, as a captivating element in the song's second verse.

Listen to "Lightning Strikes":

https://open.spotify.com/track/39VdTqJoIUeu1tcvw8LI9l?si=41eea1fa8bff454c

Credits:
Written by JoAnn Davis Eubanks (Coyote Eyes) Produced by Jared Chance Taylor Strings by Andrew Joslyn
Mixed by Andrew Dixon

MORE INFO:
Coyote Eyes is the dark pop alter ego of New York bred Jo Eubanks, a multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. With a hauntingly captivating musical style characterized by lush soundscapes, ethereal vocals, and eerie piano melodies, Coyote Eyes weaves a spellbinding tapestry that is equally tragic and seductive. Coyote Eyes began training to be a classical singer in early childhood, and by 16 she was already capturing label attention for her distinctive, emotionally charged voice which held “the pain of a 30 year old woman inside a child’s body.” However, she felt compelled to break free from the constraints of societal expectations, pushing the

boundaries of her creative authenticity in a world that demanded conformity. In 2018, she emerged as Coyote Eyes, a powerful and enigmatic persona unafraid to delve into the depths of the human experience. In traditional lore, the coyote is the one creature which cannot be categorized; it is an enigma, a dichotomy, a living riddle. As such, Coyote Eyes emerged from her fascination with duality in all its forms, which she explores both sonically and thematically. She performs regularly in both New York City and LA at Rockwood Music Hall, Mercury Lounge, The McKittrick Hotel, Viper Room, and with Breaking Sound and Hunnypot Live.