LIGHTNING STRIKES Announce “Fear of Unknown” the First Video from their Upcoming Album 'The King Is Victorious' Due on February 18th!

Today, the Los Angeles, CA based heavy metal outfit LIGHTNING STRIKES have released a music video called “Fear of Unknown” from their upcoming sophomore album ‘The King Is Victorious’, which is set for release on February 18th. “Fear of Unknown” video is now available to watch: https://youtu.be/BOmP-4ujf3M

Karpis spoke about the single “Fear of Unknown”, ““Fear of Unknown” is about the fear that can cripple your mind and can take your capabilities away if you are week minded, something that you don’t see, but that fear lives in your head and reminds you that your life can end at any point. Your brain can’t calculate why you are scared and as soon as you are getting weak and useless then fear of unknown will take you away.”

Karpis continues, “It was written by me mid 2021. I recorded the drum tracks about that time, then Barry Sparks came into the project, he was very excited and energized to be part of the project, he even made a compliment and said it’s sounds like Black Sabbath and he will do some Geezer Butler style bass. The song was finalized in early 2025 after Norifumi Shima recorded his guitar track and added his signature guitar solo. Then Mariano Gardella completed the lyrics and recorded his dream vocals by giving the song a very unique prespective. Finally, let’s not forget about the maestro on the keyboard, Derek Sherinian who I have worked with previously on my 1st album, he also came into project and added his signature keyboard tracks and solo.”

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 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.

Track Listing:

Fear Of Unknown

Voices In My Head

Clash Of Battalions

The King Is Victorious

Aim and Shoot

Lucid Dreams

New Beginning

Masquerade Suite (Instrumental)