Music Journalist & Editor of Rockum
Long live Heavy Metal! I am pleased to have in my hands this album STRIKE HARD by the UK's Old School Metal band AIRFORCE. This record is one of the best released this year 2020 and most likely the best. The band was initially formed in 1986 by Tony Hatton (bass), Chop Pitman (guitars) and legendary drummer Doug Sampson (ex- Iron Maiden).The AIRFORCE line-up now includes the incredibly talented vocalist Flavio Lino who recently joined the band permanently.
After all this bloody lousy year, with boring and lazy albums, this record is like an OASIS for me, because it is. AIRFORCE knew how to satisfy my metallic ears in eleven heavy metal songs. I think they know which is the meaning of this beautiful music genre, so they did a good job!
STRIKE HARD is 101% real Heavy Metal, beautiful riffs, full of wise hooks and killer melodies. If you are a fanatic of Iron Maiden from their glorious first steps, here you have two facts you should know to buy this STRIKE HARD immediately:
1. Drummer Doug Sampson (AIRFORCE) was the original Iron Maiden drummer (performed on The Soundhouse Tapes).
2. STRIKE HARD features a guest appearance by Paul Di' Anno (ex- Iron Maiden singer). Don't Look In Her Eyes-Track6.
The CD version of the album features a bonus track, which is a cover of "Faith Healer," a classic Sensational Alex Harvey Band song. This recording includes a guest appearance by the original SAHB guitarist Zal Cleminson. Strike Hard is the Airforce's first new full-length album since reforming in 2016.
Airforce stem originally from the NWOBHM era back in the eighties, and the band's new album "Strike Hard" is Old School Metal at its best, full of hooks, riffs and soaring melodies. They deserve 10/10. Gino Alache.
Go and buy it!
1. Fight
2. Die for You
3. Son of the Damned
4. The Reaper
5. Finest Hour
6. Don't Look in Her Eyes
7. I Feel Your Pain
8. War Games
9. Band of Brothers
10. The War Inside
11. Faith Healer (CD bonus
Flavio Lino Vocals
Chop Pitman Guitars
Tony Hatton Bass
Doug Sampson Drums
Genre: Heavy Metal
Length: 55.08
Format: CD, Digital
Producer: Airforce
Barcode ID: 0634715949943
Production: Airforce
Label: Pitch Black Records
Country: United Kingdom
Released Date: September 4th, 2020