Airstrike emerged from Lincoln, Nebraska in 1986, carving out a brief but memorable place in the landscape of American heavy metal. Formed by vocalist Gregg Lee and drummer John (Jet) Matthews after their departure from the cover circuit, the band set out with a clear vision: to create original, high‑energy metal rooted in melody, grit and the spirit of the Midwest. Joined by bassist Andy (Lucky Strike) Melendez and teenage guitarist Kurt (Krome) Griffey, the line‑up solidified quickly, rehearsing intensively and channelling influences from early Dokken, Quiet Riot and Keel into their own sound.

Their sole full‑length album, “Initial Attack”, was recorded in 1986 and released in an exceptionally small run of 100 vinyl copies and 300 cassettes. Raw, urgent and steeped in the hallmarks of 1980s American metal, the record showcased soaring vocals, sharp guitar work and a distinctive melodic edge. Airstrike toured the Midwest for nearly three years, building a loyal regional following and expanding their line‑up with additional musicians for live duties, including Michael Babb, Ronnie Moore and Christian Scalaro.

The band’s momentum came to an abrupt halt after a car accident left Lee unable to perform for several months. During this hiatus, Nick St. Nicholas of Steppenwolf invited him to front his new project, The Wolf. Lee declined due to his injuries, and St. Nicholas instead recruited other Airstrike members, quietly bringing the group’s original chapter to a close.

Although active for only a short period, Airstrike’s legacy has endured. “Initial Attack” has become a sought‑after collector’s item, with original copies commanding high prices on the secondary market. Its long‑awaited remastered reissue restores the album’s original artwork and includes rare photographs, offering both new listeners and long‑time fans the chance to rediscover a lost fragment of American metal history.

Buy the album: https://www.lostrealmrecords.com/#!/AIRSTRIKE-Initial-Attack-CD/p/778111751