Forgotten Scroll
By Scott Waters
Metal Zone
Knight Strike -Review
5/04/24
https://www.metalzone.gr/reviews/aska-knight-strike
The ASKA band holds a cherished position in my musical journey, for they were the inaugural group to extend their trust to my then-nascent webzine, BEHIND THE VEIL, by sharing their material for review. It was a time when we were but fledglings in the vast landscape of the heavy metal scene. Notably, the material they entrusted us with was none other than their magnificent and, to me, seminal album entitled "Avenger."
Since those formative years, ASKA has traversed musical realms, unveiling subsequent works, the latest being the 2013 release, "Fire Eater." Now, 11 years on, ASKA resurfaces with their latest opus, aptly titled "Knight Strike." Perhaps, the delay can be attributed to George Call, the band's vocalist and guitarist, who, in the intervening period, lent his talents to outfits such as OMEN, BANSHEE, and CLOVEN HOOF.
Upon delving into their latest offering, one is immediately struck by ASKA's steadfast commitment to their distinctive heavy/power metal sound, despite the passage of time. Their sonic lineage undoubtedly traces back to legends like IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST, yet when pondering domestic comparisons, echoes of LIZZY BORDEN reverberate within my mind. These references serve not only to delineate their sonic identity but also to underscore the unmistakable imprint ASKA has left on the metal landscape.
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Of particular note is the track "Soul Stealer," where ASKA deftly interlaces hard rock elements, evoking influences reminiscent of AC/DC and BULLET. It is a composition that resonates deeply, standing as a testament to the band's artistic versatility and innovative spirit.
In essence, with "Knight Strike," ASKA not only meets but exceeds expectations, offering a tour de force of U.S. heavy/power metal replete with vigor, melody, and fervor. George Call's vocals, a sublime fusion of Coverdale's grit, Defeis's range, and Lizzy Borden's theatricality, further elevate the sonic tapestry, infusing it with depth and resonance. This album is a masterful amalgamation of diverse sounds and emotions, inviting listeners on a captivating sonic journey.
So, here's to immersing oneself in the sonic tapestry woven by ASKA, where each listen unveils new layers of intricacy and emotion, reaffirming their status as stalwarts of the metal realm.
8.5/10
by - Lance Souther Metalholics, Rock, Punk & Comedy for Eternity (USA)
ASKA-Knight Strike Review
3/31/24
After a long 10+ year wait we finally have the new release from the true metal titans out Texas USA!
Knight Strike starts strong with the song 1944, taking up with what Iron Maiden, Saxon, Iced Earth, Sabaton, and Motorhead are known for, writing songs about war! George writes about the attack on Normandy and the win for Germany, great history lesson here! Play it for your kids still in school! Very powerful song and the guitars, drums, and vocals are outstanding, with a change-up at the end finishing the song on a high level, metal at its finest! This song gets 10 out of 10
Next up is Queen of Mirrors, this song has the vibes from their song Escape Victorious, George's voice is on point here, prob why he has been asked to sing for several other bands such as Omen, Banshee, and his long run with four releases with Cloven Hoof, this song has hooks and nonstop banging riffs, bottom line if you liked Escaped Victorious you will love this, This is another 10 out of 10
This brings us to the 3rd song, one they released on video to tease us! Soul Steeler! Another song with hooks and catchy vibes! Reminds me a bit of another song they did Dead Again, this is a banging straight-up metal tune! Another 10 out of 10!
Love then Oblivion next up, the song seems to be about cheating, and George Call is known for writing deep lyrics, this song he proves that! Great melodic music here, also very catchy, you might hear yourself singing along, Danny Whites drumming is off the hook in this one! Another 10 out of 10
Black Flight is up next, has a bit of a 70s hard rock theme too! A song about computers taking over is my take, a bit dark and eerie, a very different ASKA song, decent change of direction. Give this one 7 out of 10
Together is up next, a song about stalking, off the bat this song kicks ass, hitting hard, intense drumming, raging guitars, and hard-hitting Keith Knight on bass and vocals, you will be headbanging to this one when you play it, 10 out of 10!
Track 8 is Janissary song about battel, a powerful song, that doesn't let up from the beginning to the end, with intense drumming mimicking marching into a battle, great lyrics in this one, and finishing with a big gong! 9 out of 10!
From Out of the Sky is up next, Keith Knight takes over vocals on this one, something he hasn't done since the Immortal release I believe, song about being attacked by aliens, can you see them coming? Very melodic song, I can see myself playing this one a lot, very catchy, tight-sounding, piece! Another 10 out of 10
The 10th track is Skoll & Hati, right away this one starts off with chunky riffs! A song about the gods, this is straight-up true metal! Several change-ups, followed by several jams! Enjoyed this one 9 out of 10!
And this brings us to the last song called The Lie, George likes to write songs about Valhalla and this song is all about that, starts off deep and a bit slow, close to stoner metal, not a bad thing, and even has keyboards. Song then kicks in, jumping guitar playing, and deep vocals, George is one of the best lyric writers out there! I would say this song is what would call epic, great one to finish the release, tells you it's time to hit the bed! 9 out of ten!
So overall 94 out of 100, so what does this mean, well if you are an ASKA fan you will get it, if you love metal an essential purchase, if you have never heard of ASKA this is a good one to get you will not be disappointed! Thanks, George for letting me review it!
- Lance Souther
Metalholics, Rock, Punk & Comedy for Eternity (USA)
______________________________________________
The Metal Command Show
3/30/24
ASKA has a new album coming out in April. This band started out in the early to mid 90s playing their music to US soldiers stationed in various bases around the world.
The new album is just straight ahead classic heavy, heavy metal and features George Call who also sang in Cloven Hoof, Omen, and a few other bands.
This is pretty cool stuff and although the band is not that well-known check them out and give them a follow if you like their music.
______________________________________________
3/29/24
Saiten Kult - Germany
"With the ever-present strong vocals, ASKA will once again gain a legion of fans....
...ASKA have ensured their accolades in 2024."
-Michael Haifl
Saiten Kult (Germany)
8/10 Points
______________________________________________
3/24/24
Soul Stealer from BEHIND THE VEIL
______________________________________________
KNIGHT STRIKE REVIEW from Metal Zone
3/23/24
"Knight Strike"... exceeds expectations, offering a tour de force of U.S. heavy/power metal replete with vigor, melody, and fervor.
- Nick Parastatidis
Metal Zone (Greece)
85%
ASKA - Knight Strike
ASKA hold a special place in my heart, as they were the first band to trust my fledgling webzine (BEHIND THE VEIL) and send me material to feature. Back then, we were still in our early stages in the heavy metal scene. The material to be presented was their classic, for me, album "Avenger".
11 years have passed since then and ASKA have released other works, most recently 'Fire Eater' in 2013. A possible reason for the delay of their new album 'Knight Strike' is George Call's (singer and guitarist) involvement in bands such as OMEN, BANSHEE and CLOVEN HOOF.
The first impression from 'Knight Strike' is that the band maintains their signature heavy/power metal sound. The roots of their sound can be found in bands like IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST, while we can compare them to their countrymen LIZZY BORDEN. Of course, these comparisons are made only to give a verbal description of their sound, as from the first listen we understand that ASKA have created a recognizable sound.
It is worth focusing on the track "Soul Stealer", where they flirt with hard rock and bring to mind influences from AC/DC and BULLET, being one of my favorite tracks on the record.
In summary, ASKA with 'Knight Strike' not only do not disappoint, but offer an excellent sample of authentic US heavy/power metal sound, full of dynamism, melody and passion. George Call has a great voice, capable of performing everything from epic heavy metal to hard rock with ease. It reminds me of a mix between Coverdale, Defeis and Lizzy Borden.
A work with a variety of sounds and emotions, which will surely keep you company for a long time.
Happy listening!
Grab interest
Say something interesting about your business here.
Metal Chaos Magazine by Kit Ekman
Knight Strike Review
Metal Zone
Knight Strike -Review
5/04/24
https://www.metalzone.gr/reviews/aska-knight-strike
The ASKA band holds a cherished position in my musical journey, for they were the inaugural group to extend their trust to my then-nascent webzine, BEHIND THE VEIL, by sharing their material for review. It was a time when we were but fledglings in the vast landscape of the heavy metal scene. Notably, the material they entrusted us with was none other than their magnificent and, to me, seminal album entitled "Avenger."
Since those formative years, ASKA has traversed musical realms, unveiling subsequent works, the latest being the 2013 release, "Fire Eater." Now, 11 years on, ASKA resurfaces with their latest opus, aptly titled "Knight Strike." Perhaps, the delay can be attributed to George Call, the band's vocalist and guitarist, who, in the intervening period, lent his talents to outfits such as OMEN, BANSHEE, and CLOVEN HOOF.
Upon delving into their latest offering, one is immediately struck by ASKA's steadfast commitment to their distinctive heavy/power metal sound, despite the passage of time. Their sonic lineage undoubtedly traces back to legends like IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST, yet when pondering domestic comparisons, echoes of LIZZY BORDEN reverberate within my mind. These references serve not only to delineate their sonic identity but also to underscore the unmistakable imprint ASKA has left on the metal landscape.
Of particular note is the track "Soul Stealer," where ASKA deftly interlaces hard rock elements, evoking influences reminiscent of AC/DC and BULLET. It is a composition that resonates deeply, standing as a testament to the band's artistic versatility and innovative spirit.
In essence, with "Knight Strike," ASKA not only meets but exceeds expectations, offering a tour de force of U.S. heavy/power metal replete with vigor, melody, and fervor. George Call's vocals, a sublime fusion of Coverdale's grit, Defeis's range, and Lizzy Borden's theatricality, further elevate the sonic tapestry, infusing it with depth and resonance. This album is a masterful amalgamation of diverse sounds and emotions, inviting listeners on a captivating sonic journey.
So, here's to immersing oneself in the sonic tapestry woven by ASKA, where each listen unveils new layers of intricacy and emotion, reaffirming their status as stalwarts of the metal realm.
8.5/10
by - Lance Souther Metalholics, Rock, Punk & Comedy for Eternity (USA)
ASKA-Knight Strike Review
3/31/24
After a long 10+ year wait we finally have the new release from the true metal titans out Texas USA!
Knight Strike starts strong with the song 1944, taking up with what Iron Maiden, Saxon, Iced Earth, Sabaton, and Motorhead are known for, writing songs about war! George writes about the attack on Normandy and the win for Germany, great history lesson here! Play it for your kids still in school! Very powerful song and the guitars, drums, and vocals are outstanding, with a change-up at the end finishing the song on a high level, metal at its finest! This song gets 10 out of 10
Next up is Queen of Mirrors, this song has the vibes from their song Escape Victorious, George's voice is on point here, prob why he has been asked to sing for several other bands such as Omen, Banshee, and his long run with four releases with Cloven Hoof, this song has hooks and nonstop banging riffs, bottom line if you liked Escaped Victorious you will love this, This is another 10 out of 10
This brings us to the 3rd song, one they released on video to tease us! Soul Steeler! Another song with hooks and catchy vibes! Reminds me a bit of another song they did Dead Again, this is a banging straight-up metal tune! Another 10 out of 10!
Love then Oblivion next up, the song seems to be about cheating, and George Call is known for writing deep lyrics, this song he proves that! Great melodic music here, also very catchy, you might hear yourself singing along, Danny Whites drumming is off the hook in this one! Another 10 out of 10
Black Flight is up next, has a bit of a 70s hard rock theme too! A song about computers taking over is my take, a bit dark and eerie, a very different ASKA song, decent change of direction. Give this one 7 out of 10
Together is up next, a song about stalking, off the bat this song kicks ass, hitting hard, intense drumming, raging guitars, and hard-hitting Keith Knight on bass and vocals, you will be headbanging to this one when you play it, 10 out of 10!
Track 8 is Janissary song about battel, a powerful song, that doesn't let up from the beginning to the end, with intense drumming mimicking marching into a battle, great lyrics in this one, and finishing with a big gong! 9 out of 10!
From Out of the Sky is up next, Keith Knight takes over vocals on this one, something he hasn't done since the Immortal release I believe, song about being attacked by aliens, can you see them coming? Very melodic song, I can see myself playing this one a lot, very catchy, tight-sounding, piece! Another 10 out of 10
The 10th track is Skoll & Hati, right away this one starts off with chunky riffs! A song about the gods, this is straight-up true metal! Several change-ups, followed by several jams! Enjoyed this one 9 out of 10!
And this brings us to the last song called The Lie, George likes to write songs about Valhalla and this song is all about that, starts off deep and a bit slow, close to stoner metal, not a bad thing, and even has keyboards. Song then kicks in, jumping guitar playing, and deep vocals, George is one of the best lyric writers out there! I would say this song is what would call epic, great one to finish the release, tells you it's time to hit the bed! 9 out of ten!
So overall 94 out of 100, so what does this mean, well if you are an ASKA fan you will get it, if you love metal an essential purchase, if you have never heard of ASKA this is a good one to get you will not be disappointed! Thanks, George for letting me review it!
- Lance Souther
Metalholics, Rock, Punk & Comedy for Eternity (USA)
______________________________________________
The Metal Command Show
3/30/24
ASKA has a new album coming out in April. This band started out in the early to mid 90s playing their music to US soldiers stationed in various bases around the world.
The new album is just straight ahead classic heavy, heavy metal and features George Call who also sang in Cloven Hoof, Omen, and a few other bands.
This is pretty cool stuff and although the band is not that well-known check them out and give them a follow if you like their music.
______________________________________________
3/29/24
Saiten Kult - Germany
"With the ever-present strong vocals, ASKA will once again gain a legion of fans....
...ASKA have ensured their accolades in 2024."
-Michael Haifl
Saiten Kult (Germany)
8/10 Points
______________________________________________
3/24/24
Soul Stealer from BEHIND THE VEIL
______________________________________________
KNIGHT STRIKE REVIEW from Metal Zone
3/23/24
"Knight Strike"... exceeds expectations, offering a tour de force of U.S. heavy/power metal replete with vigor, melody, and fervor.
- Nick Parastatidis
Metal Zone (Greece)
85%
ASKA - Knight Strike
ASKA hold a special place in my heart, as they were the first band to trust my fledgling webzine (BEHIND THE VEIL) and send me material to feature. Back then, we were still in our early stages in the heavy metal scene. The material to be presented was their classic, for me, album "Avenger".
11 years have passed since then and ASKA have released other works, most recently 'Fire Eater' in 2013. A possible reason for the delay of their new album 'Knight Strike' is George Call's (singer and guitarist) involvement in bands such as OMEN, BANSHEE and CLOVEN HOOF.
The first impression from 'Knight Strike' is that the band maintains their signature heavy/power metal sound. The roots of their sound can be found in bands like IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST, while we can compare them to their countrymen LIZZY BORDEN. Of course, these comparisons are made only to give a verbal description of their sound, as from the first listen we understand that ASKA have created a recognizable sound.
It is worth focusing on the track "Soul Stealer", where they flirt with hard rock and bring to mind influences from AC/DC and BULLET, being one of my favorite tracks on the record.
In summary, ASKA with 'Knight Strike' not only do not disappoint, but offer an excellent sample of authentic US heavy/power metal sound, full of dynamism, melody and passion. George Call has a great voice, capable of performing everything from epic heavy metal to hard rock with ease. It reminds me of a mix between Coverdale, Defeis and Lizzy Borden.
A work with a variety of sounds and emotions, which will surely keep you company for a long time.
Happy listening!
Grab interest
Say something interesting about your business here.