LEATHER
We Are The Chosen
(Steamhammer Records / SPV)
47:30min

“Listen, oh my child of the night, about the history I am about to tell..” I can start with these words, talking of some of the best Metal vocalists ever that together with one of the best guitarists ever (who’s not playing here but it’s definitely part of the legacy) created some of the best US Heavy / Power / Speed Metal ever. Leather Leone is a legend itself. A legend that if the gods were merciful, would be playing big arenas at least. But the gods are merciless and it seems we shall accept fate as it is. Now, this is their third album as a solo artist and not far away from what she was doing with CHASTAIN (lead by the incredible David T. CHASTAIN, another guitar god that never received enough recognition as he deserves). This is quality Heavy Metal that has speed, power and some Thrash touches here and there, with the great voice of Leather, that sounds like a mix between Doro, Ronnie James Dio and touches of Lemmy and her own spice, it’s just magical. Ok, obviously this lady of darkness at over 63 years old is not singing as in her prime some 30 years ago, but I loved that she did not try to hide it or use the studio, and decided to let it out as natural as it can be. This is the kind of Metal, that song after song, done in a very simple and direct way, traps you with the great riffs, and the way Leather delivers, is just with passion that many vocalists half their age are not able to reach. Backed with a band of very good musicians, all of them from Brazil by the way, a very heavy and rocking production and lyrics that deal with the darkness of everyday life and the grim future in front of our eyes, this is definitely what passion for Metal means. Yes, at times these kind of bands seem like a hidden scene within the Metal music, but it’s there and discovering it is like a fresh air in a polluted world. This is a return to the basics with easy riffs that you will be singing without noticing. Fantastic album and get everything this lady touches. Nothing will disappoint! www.facebook.com/leatherleone, www.facebook.com/spvsteamhammer

Julián “Always Been Evil” Núñez

Julián “Always Been Evil” Núñez

Related reviews / interviews:
LEATHER - II (Stan Stamatopoulos)

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