LIGHTNING STRIKES Announce Guest Guitar Armada For 'The King Is Victorious'

Los Angeles CA based heavy metal outfit LIGHTNING STRIKES have announced a guest guitar armada of world class axe slingers to fortify their upcoming sophomore effort, 'The King Is Victorious', set for release later this year.

The album's monumental title cut, which features the 45-piece Moscow Symphony Orchestra, will include lead spots from Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD), Rowan Robertson (DIO, BANG TANGO), Rob Math (LEATHERWOLF, SOUL SIGN), Dario Mollo (VOODOO HILL, Tony Martin), Mark Zavon (KILL DEVIL HILL, 40 CYCLE HUM), and Takehiko 'Shake' Kogure (RED WARRIORS, REBECCA). In addition, Michael T. Ross whose credits include Aldo Nova, Lita Ford and ANGEL will contribute keyboards. Says drummer/producer/mastermind Karpis Maksudian: "Once 'The King Is Victorious' started taking shape and its epic scope became clear, I knew I wanted tons of guitar to reflect the vibe of the song. And there is nothing better to manifest a battle scene than having guitar players chopping heads!  I couldn't be more stoked that my old friends Z, Rob and Dario said yes immediately and I was able to get Rowan, Mark, Shake and Mike as well. These guys are all awesome!"

The bulk of the album was recorded by Maksudian, Japanese guitar virtuoso, Norifumi Shima (CONCERTO MOON), American bassist extraordinaire, Barry Sparks (MSG, Yngwie Malmsteen), and up-and-coming Argentinian vocalist, Mariano Gardella, with keyboardist maestro, Derek Sherinian (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, SONS OF APOLLO), who guested on the group's debut album, also making an appearance.

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. Co-founder 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 (SINISTRA, HANGAR), the aforementioned Rob Math and Derek Sherinian, 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, the album was well received and peaked on the Japanese Burrn! Magazine import charts at number 6.

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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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