[Cover art by Mario E. Lopez M.]
Big props to bands whose sound can’t remotely be predicted based on the other activities of their members. Take today’s subject, Greece’s Leatherhead. This is five dudes with experiences all over the metal spectrum, from thrash, trad, and power metal bands to black metal, brutal slams, and even one act in groove/nu territory. Oh, and the drummer plays live for Varathron, because based on some quick Metal-Archives research, Greece seems to have a shortage of drummers.
The last comparison is most apparent in the vocals, because the pipes of Tolis Mekras share more than a slight affinity with those of the great Geoff Tate, both in his general tone and the way his vocals are often layered and harmonized. For example, the chorus on “Vampire’s Kiss” ‒ which better be about the gonzo Nicolas Cage flick ‒ wouldn’t sound too out of place on The Warning, but Mekras is somehow wilder and less… aristocratic (sure?) than his most obvious influence. So think of him as a Geoff Tate disciple with the cocaine factor cranked up. That’s a compliment, by the way.
Everything else about the Leatherhead sound can be traced to one of the aforementioned influences or several others that might spring to your particular mind. But Leatherhead shows promise in the way they blend everything, and perhaps most crucially, understands the art of gluing a track together with an infectious hook, epic lead harmony, or big crescendo. The bridge in true opener “Equinox,” for example, downright slays with its harmonized speed riffs, while “When Death Is Near” ups the epic vibes with a constant build and climactic solo. And for a bit of contrast across these 37 minutes, the eponymous/title track and “Judge Steel” both include a touch more of the Rÿche/Fates influence, while “Into The Werewolf’s Lair” places the emphasis clearly on a speed metal gallop for maximum fun.
So yes, this is 100 percent Homage Metal, but as stated, Leatherhead hits the riffs, vocals, leads, and production to the point that no one would scoff if you told them this was a long lost album from the 80s. Leatherhead gets points for how much they know they aren’t trying to win points for originality, and while this won’t replace any of those 80s classics on your shelf, it won’t look shameful next to them either. And hey, based on their collective experiences, they might have more to add to the Leatherhead toolbox next time out.
