(PRE-ORDER 12/12/25) Initial Attack (Red Vinyl) | Mint (M) Mint (M) – – METAL *NEW/COLOR*

From the heart of the forgotten American Midwest comes one of the rarest and most forgotten heavy metal releases of the ’80s – Airstrike’s Initial Attack.

Originally pressed in just 100 vinyl copies and 300 cassettes back in 1986, this ultra-limited release has become a true holy grail for collectors of obscure U.S. Metal, with original copies fetching up to $400 on the secondhand markets. Formed in Lincoln, Nebraska, Airstrike quickly carved a name for themselves with their explosive live shows and a high-voltage sound that blended razor-sharp riffs, melodic hooks, and anthemic choruses – drawing comparisons to the likes of early DOKKEN, QUIET RIOT, and KEEL. Their only full-length album, Initial Attack, captures the pure essence of American 80s metal, combining hair metal energy with hard rock swagger and a uniquely Midwestern edge. Airstrike toured the Midwest for about 3 years. Unfortunately, their career ended in Cincinnati, Ohio, after Gregg Lee’s car accident sidelined the band for nine months. During this hiatus, Nick St. Nicholas of STEPPENWOLF offered Lee a role in his project The Wolf, which Lee declined due to injuries. St. Nicholas then recruited other Airstrike members, effectively dissolving the band. These connections underline the pedigree of a band that may have been overlooked in their time, but whose music deserves a second life today. Whether you’re discovering Initial Attack for the first time or revisiting a long-lost favorite, this is your chance to own a piece of heavy metal history – finally restored and made available to the world once again. Includes audio fully remastered from the best available sources, original artwork and rare band photos.

1 Aimin’ for the Heart
2 You’ll Get Your Way
3 High Heels, Low Deals
4 Right Before Your Eyes
5 DMZ
6 Initial Attack
7 Angel of Pain
8 She’s Still Gone
9 Teaser (Bonus Track)

• Media Condition: Mint (M)
• Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)
• Genre: METAL
• Format Type: LP