{"id":51742,"date":"2026-02-18T14:30:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T22:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/?p=51742"},"modified":"2026-02-18T14:30:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T22:30:42","slug":"lightning-strikes-release-their-sophomore-album-the-king-is-victorious","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/2026\/02\/lightning-strikes-release-their-sophomore-album-the-king-is-victorious\/","title":{"rendered":"LIGHTNING STRIKES Release their Sophomore Album &#8216;The King Is Victorious&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-51673\" src=\"http:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pr2026-01-19-lightning-01-1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Lightning Strikes - The King Is Victorious (Official Music Video)\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Day70mZdSXU?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><span id=\"isPasted\">LOS ANGELES, CA (February 18, 2026) &#8212;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s1\">\u00a0T<span id=\"isPasted\">he Los Angeles, CA based heavy metal outfit LIGHTNING STRIKES have released their sophomore album \u2018The King Is Victorious\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"isPasted\">It all started in early 2021\u2026 What began as a spark in Los Angeles quickly turned into a full-blown, global-spanning heavy metal mission. I laid down the thunderous drum tracks in L.A., setting the heartbeat of this album\u00a0in motion.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, on the other side of the planet, Norifumi Shima was igniting Tokyo, Japan with blazing guitar tracks that tore through the silence like lightning across the sky.<\/p>\n<p>Over in Germany, Mariano Gardella was forging his vocals with precision and fire. Deep in Texas, Barry Sparks locked in the low-end thunder, shaking the ground with seismic bass lines. And back in Los Angeles, Derek Sherinian was summoning pure magic from the keys, adding that cinematic storm to the sound.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Different cities. Different time zones. One unstoppable force. A global metal alliance \u2014 built track by track, continent by continent \u2014 until the sound became larger than borders, louder than distance, and powerful enough to shake the world.<\/p>\n<p>To complete this project, as a Producer I encountered some challenges \u2014 not because of the musicianship, but because of everything happening around it. Coordinating artists across different time zones required patience, flexibility, and constant communication. On top of that, every single musician involved was actively committed to their own bands and major projects, each with demanding schedules and responsibilities.<\/p>\n<p>There were moments when sessions had to be postponed, files had to wait to be exchanged, and plans had to be adjusted. But what made this journey special was the level of professionalism and mutual respect among everyone involved. We all understood that great work sometimes requires waiting. Rescheduling wasn\u2019t a problem \u2014 it was simply part of the process.<\/p>\n<p>In projects like this, delays are not obstacles; they are expected realities. What matters most is the shared vision and commitment to the final result. And thanks to everyone\u2019s dedication, patience, and professionalism, we were able to overcome every logistical challenge and bring this project to life exactly as it deserved.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s1\"><span id=\"isPasted\">Watch the video:\u00a0<a id=\"isPasted\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Day70mZdSXU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/Day70mZdSXU<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Stream the album:\u00a0<a id=\"isPasted\" href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/album\/4De9sAG42xeTYm2Zxz2Hpt?si=JTiH1jZcRd-RRr_-SpRM6w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/album\/4De9sAG42xeTYm2Zxz2Hpt?si=JTiH1jZcRd-RRr_-SpRM6w<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"isPasted\" class=\"default\">Karpis Maksudian shared some thoughts on love that was put into creating\u00a0\u2018The King is Victorious\u2019, \u201cThe excitement of the release comes from knowing this isn\u2019t just another project. It\u2019s the one people have been waiting on. The one that shows growth. The one that proves your sound evolved. The one that separates you from everyone else.\u00a0The album was built on passion, fire, and brotherhood \u2014 and I\u2019m beyond grateful to the warriors who stepped into the storm with me.\u00a0A special, thunderous thank you to the legends who played on the title track \u201cThe King Is Victorious\u201d without hesitation, without conditions \u2014 just pure love for the music and the metal spirit:\u00a0Rowan Robertson, Mark Zavon, Craig Goldy, Norifumi Shima, Takehiko &#8220;Shake&#8221; Kogure, Dario Mollo, Mariano Gardella, Rob Math, Barry Sparks, Derek Sherinian, Michael T. Ross and the Moscow Symphony Orchestra.\u00a0Now it is time to let the world hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The bulk of 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\u00a0maestro, Derek Sherinian (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, SONS OF APOLLO), who guested on the group&#8217;s debut album, also making an appearance.<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;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 &#8216;Death Valley&#8217; and &#8216;301 AD Sins of Our Fathers&#8217;. Mixed by Roy Z, the album was well received and peaked on the Japanese Burrn! Magazine import charts at number 6.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Track Listing:<br \/>\n<\/strong><span id=\"isPasted\">Fear Of Unknown<br \/>\n<\/span>Voices In My Head<br \/>\nClash Of Battalions<br \/>\nThe King Is Victorious<br \/>\nAim and Shoot<br \/>\nLucid Dreams<br \/>\nNew Beginning<br \/>\nMasquerade Suite (Instrumental)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Musicians:<br \/>\n<\/strong>Karpis Maksudian &#8211; Drums\/USA<br \/>\nShima Norifumi &#8211; Lead Guitar\/Japan<br \/>\nBarry Sparks &#8211; Bass\/USA<br \/>\nMariano Gardella &#8211; Vocals\/Germany<br \/>\nDerek Sherinian &#8211; Keyboards\/USA<br \/>\nProducer: Karpis Maksudian<br \/>\nEngineer: Dario Mollo<\/p>\n<p>Facebook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/lightningstrikesrocks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/lightningstrikesrocks\/<\/a><br \/>\nInstagram: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lightningstrikesrocks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lightningstrikesrocks\/<\/a><br \/>\nX: <a href=\"http:\/\/x.com\/lsrocksofficial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">x.com\/lsrocksofficial<\/a><br \/>\nYouTube: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@lightningstrikesofficial387\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.youtube.com\/@lightningstrikesofficial387<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-51674\" src=\"http:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pr2026-01-19-lightning-02.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"234\" srcset=\"http:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pr2026-01-19-lightning-02.jpeg 600w, http:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pr2026-01-19-lightning-02-480x187.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p>For all inquiries, contact:<\/p>\n<p>MICHAEL BRANDVOLD MARKETING &amp; MANAGEMENT<br \/>\nMichael Brandvold |\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:me@mikebrandvold.com\">me@mikebrandvold.com<\/a>\u00a0| 415-200-8483<\/p>\n<p>Michael Brandvold Marketing\u2026 Artists, Managers &amp; Labels We Help You Succeed With Your Next Album Release or Tour | Album Release Marketing | Tour Marketing | Publicity | VIP Programs | Social Media Management.<\/p>\n<p>Michael has worked with W.A.S.P., Biohazard, Foghat, Babylon A.D., BraveWords Records, Eonian Records, Perris Records, Johnny O\u2019Neil, Rock Candy Magazine Jordan Rudess, Greg Kihn, KISS, ACCEPT, SOiL, Tantric, Killer Dwarfs, Dream Theater, Little Caesar, Narada Michael Walden, Motley Cr\u00fce, Rod Stewart, Madonna, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna and Britney Spears to name only a few.<\/p>\n<p>If you are interested in speaking with Michael about what he can do to assist with your marketing needs contact him online at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:me@mikebrandvold.com\">me@mikebrandvold.com<\/a>\u00a0| 415-200-8483<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; LOS ANGELES, CA (February 18, 2026) &#8212;\u00a0\u00a0The Los Angeles, CA based heavy metal outfit LIGHTNING STRIKES have released their sophomore album \u2018The King Is Victorious\u2019.\u00a0 It all started in early 2021\u2026 What began as a spark in Los Angeles quickly turned into a full-blown, global-spanning heavy metal mission. I laid down the thunderous [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1209,"featured_media":51673,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3037],"tags":[3779,3469,2172,3361,3855,3862,3957,3777,3859,3861,3856,3858,3778,3860,2901,3464,3854,3853,3857,3042],"class_list":["post-51742","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-the-king-is-victorious","tag-barry-sparks","tag-black-sabbath","tag-client-news","tag-dario-mollo","tag-derek-sherinian","tag-karpis-maksudian","tag-lightning-strikes","tag-maksudian","tag-mariano-gardella","tag-mark-zavon","tag-michael-t-ross","tag-moscow-symphony","tag-norifumi-shima","tag-press-releases","tag-rob-math","tag-rowan-robertson","tag-roy-z","tag-takehiko-shake-kogure","tag-tony-martin"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pr2026-01-19-lightning-01-scaled.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51742","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1209"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51742"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51742\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51743,"href":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51742\/revisions\/51743"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51742"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51742"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelbrandvold.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51742"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}