The Greek metal invasion this year continues with Leatherhead, which are a US-style power/speed metal band, very old school and true to the metal dogma of the Eighties. Their full length debut comes after a two-song single in 2022, which made really good impression and now Leatherhead serves eight completely new songs. After a short intro, Equinox storms from the speakers as if it’s a lost track from Overkill’s Feel The Fire, the following Dressed To Kill also a speedy headbanger, inspiring an urge to put my battle jacket on.
Vampire’s Kiss then shows a bit more restrained and melodic approach, with fantastic vocals by Tolis Mekras, who even reminds me of the legendary Midnight. When Death Is Near is also not so fast, more atmospheric and punchy, adding a Maiden and early-Queensrÿche flavor, with rich melodies and amazing musicianship. Into The Werewolf’s Lair picks up the speed again, this time straight from the Agent Steel rulebook, the melodies backed up by a really tight rhythm section. The early Jag Panzer and Titan Force albums or Neil Turbin-era Anthrax can also be reference points if it still isn’t clear what Leatherhead are all about. All fans of old school, classic metal from the US branch of the genre, will find a whole lot to enjoy in this killer album. There simply isn’t a bad song in this bunch: Judge Steel is another powerful statement with great solos and Under Your Bed is even better, the combination between the high-pitched (but not forced), melodic singing and the thrashing riffs brought to perfection, the harmony guitars starting at 1:49 evoking prime DeGarmo and Wilton, before the speedy shredding thrashes your head once again.
The band’s and the album’s eponymous song comes at the end, following a short intro, and, as you may guess, is an encapsulation of all the best features in the album. Great heavy metal, played by the rules set by the forefathers. The vintage-looking artwork by Mario Lopez is also very suitable and tasteful. Don’t hesitate and grab this album as soon as you can, because Leatherhead is a love letter to the music and the bands we worship.
9/10
Leatherhead is out on October 25th via No Remorse Records and can be ordered from HERE
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