From Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, STRIKER are quickly gaining ground in the industry; even backing up METALLICA during a few live shows. Just a few songs in, it wasn't hard to see that this popularity is fully deserved. Blending 80s Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, and a dash of Speed Metal, these guys hit a wide range and are definitely performers. I would love to see these guys in concert and I don't think we will have to wait long before they are headlining.

Wasting no time, "Former Glory" launches out of the gate with crystal clear vocals and some great riffs; a fantastic opener that let's you know just what these guys are all about. This track brings this kind of breathy easy-listening style of Metal that calls back to the roots of Rock 'n Roll; its a song meant for performance and doesn't get hung up on being as gritty as humanely possible. Sprinting headlong into the other side of that spectrum, "Pass me By" cranks it up to eleven as a ferocious Speed Metal tune that kicks you in the teeth, grabs you by the hair, and drags you along behind it. "Born to Lose" strikes a balance somewhere in the middle, mixing up the tempo in a great offering that is so infectious it was stuck in my head for hours afterwards.

"Cheating Death" is a short instrumental number, with a lot of atmosphere and not much else to speak of. The following track "Shadows in the Light" brings us back to form with something reminiscent of DREAM EVIL - a dark yet powerful track with screeching guitars and high-pitched vocals. More catchy tunes with heavy riffs, fierce drums, and killer vocal follow, but the major standout of the bunch is "Over the Top" - which is a rapidfire offering that I would pay a lot to see live in concert. It is simply an awesome track that showcases just how talented STRIKER is. "Freedom's Call" starts slow and gains momentum, with solidly solemn undertones.

Here's a link to "Born to Lose" for your listening pleasure. Rock out and I hope you enjoy it. If so, be sure to follow the links for more of STRIKER. Personally, I went right out looking for more on Bandcamp. If you have a craving for that sweet Hair/Glam Metal sound with a dash of Speed Metal, look no further than STRIKER because these guys are only going up.