Sometimes, we have the clear idea that a band within Rock/Metal styles doesn't need to fit in a new musical format. Allow me to explain. There's no need to start something new in terms of a new Metal style. You must be creative to be different from the others that came before you. That's all, just don't be a clone of someone and all will be fine. So having this all in mind, you can bet on Swedish band SUNSTRIKE to be a great name on their musical style soon, because "Ready to Strike" is an excellent album! Musically, they play that form of melodic Hard Rock/AOR that we usually have heard back on the 80s, in the United States scene. That same feeling we have when hearing excellent bands as WINGER, EUROPE and FIREHOUSE, but these Swedish guys understood the style's inner soul, so it sounds new and fresh, pulsing with energy and presenting a musical work done with very good taste.

The sound production was done in a very good way, making their music sound alive, full of energy and hooking. This is because it has that clean sound that AOR music needs, but grasping some heavy moments and the needed amount of distortion. It is clear that the band knew the musical tunes they wanted to use during the recordings. Then, we have no complains about this point. They have an excellent set of songs on "Ready to Strike," all of them being good and having their own value. But for the first time on the album, I truly recommend you to listen carefully "Head over Heels" (a hooking and tender Hard Rock, guided by melodic vocals and excellent guitars, with a very good chorus), the nasty AOR (if it's possible to exist such label) "A Piece of the Action" with its hooking chorus and heavy work on bass guitar and drums, the fine and tender "Hurricane" (I could say that this song is so good that reminds me old classics from the style, due the focus on guitars and keyboards), the beautiful ballad "I Stand by You" with its deep melancholy and excellent chorus (made with fine vocal and backing vocals tunes), and the accessible weight presented on "Heaven". Let the good times roll, and listen to this album at the highest volume you can!