LEATHERWOLF – Leatherwolf [2016 reissue]

Among the long lost ’80s albums deserving a reissue, LEATHERWOLF‘s first major label record without a doubt fits in this category.
Leatherwolf released two consecutive self-titled albums. This one, which features the band on the cover, is the second of the two, and was originally released in 1987. Unlike a lot of California-based hair metal bands, Leatherwolf actually qualified as a real US metal band. They put a melodic, polished L.A. style on the traditional sound of the genre.

Keeping parts of their heavy metal roots and adding equal amounts of elaborated instrumentation and edgy AOR / Hard songwriting sensibilities they crafted what would be an excellent yet often forgotten album.
On “Leatherwolf” the band perfected their unique sound: a triple axe attack – yes, there’s 3 guitar players here – handled by Carey Howe, Jeff Gayer and also lead vocalist Michael Olivieri.
Vocally, he owns a great register with a glam / AOR approach to it, but he nails enough notes to make sure you know that he can belt it out with the best of the metal crowd.

The songs are hard hitting, but are also quite melodic. There’s a great mid-80s sense of energy and drama on this album that I totally dig. Listing standout tracks is almost pointless, since nearly every song on this album is a killer.
Ranging anywhere from Dokken-esque riffs to the very glam influenced cover of CCR’s classic “Bad Moon Rising” there’s a bunch here to love.
We find an excellent keyboard into in “Princess Of Love”, and a terrific meaty ballad in “Share a Dream”. “The Calling” was the single released to promote the record and it’s one of the highlights driven by huge riff swirling solos and a massive shout along chorus.

Like Fifth Angel and Crimson Glory, Leatherwolf remains as one of the ’80s US metal scene best kept secrets.
There are a ton of acts from the era that were mostly forgotten for decades. With a distinct blend of traditional metal, glammy hard rock and a unique three guitar attack Leatherwolf were unique, and this reissue is a great opportunity to discover this very good band.
If you like this underrated sub-genre blended with lots of melodic twists, you absolutely must check out “Leatherwolf”.

01 – Rise Or Fall
02 – The Calling
03 – Share A Dream
04 – Cry Out
05 – Gypsies And Thieves
06 – Bad Moon Rising
07 – Princess Of Love
08 – Magical Eyes
09 – Rule The Night

Michael Olivieri: vocals, guitar
Paul Carmen: bass
Carey Howe: guitar
Geoffrey Gayer: guitar
Dean Roberts: drums

BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/Leatherwolf/dp/B01JRIR19S
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