X-RAY strike back CI-36

Striking Back with Melodic Metal: X-Ray’s ‘Strike Back’ (CI-36)

Today we revisit the influential Japanese heavy metal band X-Ray, focusing on their 1985 studio album, “Strike Back,” released on the Continental label (Teichiku Records) with the catalog number CI-36. This release came with notable extras, including a large fold-out poster and a bilingual lyric insert featuring photos.

This 12-inch vinyl LP represents the band’s fourth full-length album, showcasing their continued mastery of the polished, highly melodic, yet powerful heavy metal sound they helped pioneer in the J-Metal scene. Following successful albums like “Hard Section” and “Tradition Breaker,” “Strike Back” finds X-Ray delivering another collection of expertly crafted metal anthems.

The album features the signature elements that defined X-Ray: soaring, clean vocals delivering memorable choruses, intricate and skillful guitar work often featuring twin leads or complex solos, a driving and precise rhythm section, and potentially keyboard textures adding depth to their sound. “Strike Back” captures the band operating at a high level of musicianship and songwriting, characteristic of the peak 80s J-Metal era. The inclusion of a poster and detailed insert highlights the album’s status as a significant release.

CI-36 is an essential album for fans of classic, melodic Japanese heavy metal. “Strike Back” stands as another strong chapter in X-Ray’s discography, showcasing their consistent quality and enduring appeal.