Rough Edge: Leatherwolf CD Reviews

LEATHERWOLF

"Unchained Live" (N.I.L.8.; 2013)

Reviewed by Snidermann

When the music is right, it hits you like a ton of bricks and, right now, I have outlines of bricks on my frickin' forehead from the outstanding music I just listened to on Leatherwolf’s new live release, "Unchained Live."

Each song on this album sounds like it was recorded in the studio instead of in front of a live audience. "Unchained Live" gives me everything I expected from long time rockers Leatherwolf. This recording is tight, very well performed and extremely fun to listen to. This may not only be one of the best live recordings I have listened to in the past couple of years, but it may be one of the best recordings overall -- live or studio.

I can only think of a few bands out there right now that can pull off a live recording like Leatherwolf and we've heard them all: Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Alice Cooper. Which means that Leatherwolf is in excellent company!

"Unchained Live" is an outstanding recording. Bonus points for the fact that is is live!

Check out http://www.leatherwolf.com where you can check out previous cuts from this extremely talented and legendary band.

"New World Asylum" (N.I.L.8.; 2007)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Leatherwolf was a respected, if not wildly successful, metal act from the 80s. The band took what they call a "self-imposed break" until 1999, when they released a live album entitled, "Wide Open." Finally, in 2006, they recorded "World Asylum," a new Leatherwolf studio album featuring Wade Black (Crimson Glory) on lead vocals. Apparently, Black didn't work out for the band, leaving shortly thereafter. In 2007, original vocalist Michael Olivieri re-joined the band and they went back into the studio, deleting Black's vocals on "World Asylum" and recording Olivieri's. The result is "New World Asylum."

With that kind of history, you might wonder if "New World Asylum" is worth all the trouble. It is. This powerful CD is a return to the great Leatherwolf sound, with its blistering guitars, pounding drums and pulsating bass. It sounds like the Leatherwolf of the 80s but with a more seasoned, more experienced punch.

There isn't a bad track on the CD and that's pretty impressive considering the CD's running time (well over 45 minutes) and the fact this band hadn't recorded together in so many years.

In fairness, I haven't heard the Wade Black version of "World Asylum" but, despite Black's undeniable talent, I can't imagine it being better than this.

Fans of Leatherwolf, 80s metal and a triple axe attack will eat up "New World Asylum."

Leatherwolf: Michael Olivieri - Vocals; Geoff Gayer - Guitars; Cary Howe - Guitars; Pete Perez - Bass; Dean Roberts - Drums.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/leatherwolfmusic.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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