I have been thinking over quite a lot about what I am honestly expecting from a Metal band to do in order for me to become its devoted slave for life. Well, slave might be a bit strong word so I will go with faithful follower through fire and ice. Back when I was twelve years old, IRON MAIDEN was actually the first band in the series of subsequent acts that made me their constant devotee for life. As for what I am expecting, I wanted a band to amaze me, while not being too banal about it, and make me come back to it often. I don't think that my anticipation rate is that overwhelming or special, as I know other folks that would have expected the same. Without babbling too much about my earlier years picks since I started writing reviews, in order not to endure you with past details, I think that I might have found my personal glorious top of the tops for 2012. I have been following the Canadian Speed / Heavy Metal band STRIKER since their early EP, "Road Warrior", and I felt that something will one day burst through that old school front. Their signing to Napalm Records continued my estimation for their future success and when I got their new, and second album, "Armed To The Teeth", I was witness to the incoming of a Metal legend, of course if they will keep it that way to reach that level. With this iconic album, I found out aggression, melodic sense, toughness and elegance all bathing in the same old school hot container of leathery 80s Speed / Heavy Metal dipped with slight Thrash portions.

Right from the astounding melodies of the opening blazing sensation of "Forever" that brought me back to EXCITER, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and for some reason even a twist of the old TWISTED SISTER, maybe probably thanks to the voice pattern of the soon to be a god vocalist, Dan Cleary. I have to admit that I haven't come across such a flowing nature, without reaching the ends of being a catchy overrated sellout, in a long time. Through this single track alone STRIKER were able to thrust me into daydreaming of what would have happened if I was actually older enough, and in the right place in the world, to enjoy all the mass of bands that swarmed the scenes back in the 80s, especially in the US and Canada. Furthermore, this baby knocked me out with it elegant toughness, especially in the riffing that interacted well with the triumphant chorus. Thefollowing illustration of "Let It Burn" showcased that continuing flow the thing to come. Man, while listening to this one I was still stuck in the solos section of the previous track, though this one didn't let me down as well, and also what a stunning chorus. However, as far as I am concerned every chorus on its own is in a mega high level of greatness. With such a vocalist and such addictive rhythms of steel and burning high flying solos that can only be traced to the glorious years of Metal, anthem like sing-along features and incredible chants of victory can be achieved. "Land Of The Lost", "Fight For Your Life" and "It Could Be Worse" didn't catch me off guard within their vicious circles but those made me hit the play button over it more than a few times. Like my own personal anthems of the day, these marvelous songs crossed me back and forth, tormenting me with joy (wow that is a weird sentence but I will live this one hang).

Track after track of "Armed To The Teeth", STRIKER, as if carving their name into my skin (which was already carved, metaphorically speaking of course, by older bands), made me their fan. Their playing manner, musical direction and quality of both material and production grasped me to attention that they could be the next thing in the varied Metal scene of the present. As for my early expectations, STRIKER didn't go too banal on me about their material, sure that they didn't came forward with anything new, but their material is thrilling, storms with wild energies with youth and with a great prospect for the future to come. I salute this band and dare them to go astray off their current course - "Fight For Your Life... Or You Will Never See Tomorrow".