Lightning Strikes: ‘The King is Victorious’ Digital and CD and LP 18th February 2026 Disk Union. USA / Japan Heavy Metal band.
Karpis Maksudian is back with his amazing band. Mariano Gardella (Vocals from Germany) is delivering the high notes and melodies. There is this touch from the greatest singers in one man’s voice. Shima Norifumi (Guitars from Japan) is lifting up the sound with his ability to play like two guitarists.
Barry Sparks on bass from the USA, is right on the lead with the drums. Derek Sherinian – on Keyboards also from the USA, brings that special touch bands from the seventies had givien the colors to an era forever loved. This is not to forget the guests who lifted this masterpiece to the top.
Rowan Robertson, Mark Zavon, Craig Goldy, Norifumi Shima, Takehiko “Shake” Kogure, Dario Mollo, Mariano Gardella, Rob Math, Barry Sparks, Derek Sherinian, Michael T. Ross and the Moscow Symphony Orchestra. They are a big part of this brilliant sound and hard work.
Have a taste:
Influences: Dio, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Yngwie Malmsteen, Dokken, Quiet Riot, and many more.
The album was recorded by Maksudian, a Japanese guitar virtuoso, Norifumi Shima (CONCERTO MOON), American bassist extraordinaire, Barry Sparks (MSG, Yngwie Malmsteen), and up-and-coming Argentinian vocalist, Mariano Gardella, with keyboard maestro, Derek Sherinian (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, SONS OF APOLLO), who guested on the group’s debut album, also making an appearance.
This album is just a beauty, a perfection in the Metal world. The cover artwork is mindblowing and gives you the wish to listen up that masterpiece.
A must-have for any Heavy Metal lovers 100/100.
