HISTORY
"No metal, no hardcore, and no fake British accent--First Strike."
First Strike formed during the winter of 1994/95. At this point the line-up consisted of Rich on guitar and Taj (ex-Vibram 94) on bass. They were soon joined by the Unknown Soldier on drums, an unknown figure dressed in black. While rehearsing with this line-up, the band soon enlisted the services of Jay on vocals and Pat on drums. With this, the band was solid.
After playing a few shows with the likes of Oxblood, The Casualties and Urban Riot (who themselves were just starting out), Jay and Pat would disappear. And of their whereabouts, only the dead know.
At this time the Unknown Soldier was enlisted for another tour of duty. It was decided that Rich, whose vocals seemed to blend perfectly with the FS sound, would handle both the singing and guitar. The time to strike was now.
Deep in the caverns of the Noise Floor Studios, thunder was laid down on vinyl for the world to bear witness. Three tracks of pure power: Let the Rich Go to War
On the Dick, and Counter Revolution.
The immediate response was positive; surely the possibilities of this band knew no boundries. With more gigs under the band's belt, they went back to Noise Floor to record "Police Car" for a Cockney Rejects Tribute 7", which would be the last recording on which the Unknown Soldier would appear. Back to the Front, the Unknown Soldier continues to carry on the struggle.
Enter the Unknown Soldier II: a mercenary whose infamy is greater only than his drum skills. It was now late 1997, and the band was ready to bring the thunder back. In a marathon session over the course of five days, FS laid seige on Noise Floor Studios. This time, there was no surrender. 12 songs, 40 minutes, it was all there. Powerful drums with a driving, yet subtle bass were the perfect the compliment to the clean guitars and the rough vocals. The result, a soon-to-be classic album of old favorites and tomorrow's anthems: Fought the Good Fight, Bandera, Our Freedom, Child Killer, Red Scum, and Business as Usual.
The FS sound has been compared to bands like Combat 84, Condemned 84, Indecent Exposure, Criminal Class, Peggior Amico and others--while at the same time remaining fresh and exciting. The band sum it up with this single sentence: "No metal, no hardcore and no fake British accent--First Strike." The band has been praised on many occasions for its "take no prisoners" attitude when it comes to writing lyrics. Songs like On the Dick, Counter Revolution, Executive Privilege and Red Scum are classic examples of a band that isn't afraid to raise a few eyebrows.
With yet more shows under their belt(like Washinton D.C. in June and two dates in NYC), First Strike seem to be on the verge of something big. indeed, 1998 has been a stellar year for the band.
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Now it's 1999 and, as we end the millenium, First Strike prepares itself for the road ahead. As for the future, only time will tell.
