Striker returns with a new studio album after six years. They also released the “Alive in the Studio” album in 2020, as well as five more singles in the following years. Furthermore, there have been some lineup changes, and along with Dan Cleary on vocals and Timothy Brown on guitar, there’s Pete Klassen on bass and John Simon Fallon on guitar. The drums on the album were played by session drummer Jono Webster (Breaking the Silent).
“Ultrapower” is an album that, like its title suggests, bursts with undeniable and absolute energy. The blend of heavy metal, melodic metal, pop metal, glam metal, speed metal, and power metal is done well, with a lot of style. The production is tight, dynamic, and punchy. The album was mixed, produced, and mastered by Josh Schroeder (Mental Cruelty, Battlecross, Signs of the Swarm, etc.).
Each song tells a new story and has its own style. There is something for everyone here, especially if you fancy musical variety. Some album favorites are the funny hard rocker “Sucks to Suck”, the more straightforward heavy metal tracks “Circle of Evil” and “Read for Anything”, the ultra-melodic “Live to Fight Another Day”, the 80s “Give It All” (with the addition of a saxophone), and the entertaining “Best of the Best of the Best”.
The great performances, along with the nice melodies, make this album even more enjoyable. “Ultrapower” is an album that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s clear that Striker takes the process of making music rather seriously. They know how to play the game and how to keep their fans engaged while also bringing new ones on board. Personally, I like the 80s vibe that the album gives off, even though the sound is fresh and contemporary. Striker may not be reinventing the wheel, but they are certainly delivering the goods.
