From the depths of the overlooked American Midwest rises one of the most elusive gems of 1980s heavy metal: Airstrike’s Initial Attack. Originally self-released in 1986 with only 100 vinyl records and 300 cassettes, this underground relic has become a crown jewel for collectors of rare U.S. metal—original copies often commanding up to $400 in the resale market.

Hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, Airstrike made their mark with high-energy performances and a searing blend of melodic hard rock and heavy metal, channeling the spirit of early Dokken, Quiet Riot, and Keel. Their sole full-length, Initial Attack, is a raw and powerful showcase of ’80s American metal—driven by soaring vocals, thunderous riffs, and unmistakable Midwest grit.

Airstrike hit the road across the Midwest for nearly three years, building a loyal fanbase before tragedy struck. A car accident involving frontman Gregg Lee forced the band into an extended hiatus. During this downtime, Nick St. Nicholas of Steppenwolf approached Lee to join his new project, The Wolf. Due to lingering injuries, Lee declined, leading St. Nicholas to recruit other members of Airstrike instead—marking the quiet end of a band that was just getting started.

Despite their brief run, Airstrike’s legacy lives on—and now, nearly four decades later, Initial Attack is finally being resurrected.

Fully remastered from the best available sources, this reissue features the original artwork, never-before-seen photos, and is available on limited-edition colored vinyl and CD. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or reclaiming a piece of your youth, this is your chance to own a long-lost piece of metal history.

More info coming soon to Lost Realm Records: https://www.lostrealmrecords.com/