LEATHERHEAD – Violent Horror Stories (2026) *HQ*
320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2
There’s a crushing sound that opens the album titled first song, “Violent Horror Stories” / “V.H.S.“, before the guitar hits you square in the face and rocks you back. My immediate thought is that this is going to be a fun listen, and when vocalist Tolis Mekras screams as if he’s in some sort of medieval torture chamber, I KNOW it’s going to be a fun listen.
LEATHERHEAD are a old-school metal quintet from Greece who released their debut album in 2024, and this upcoming secong record “Violent Horror Stories” goes further to establish their horror metal sound as its angrier and more hostile than their previous effort. There are obvious musical reference points to early Overkill and especially Flotsan & Jetsam very first LP (when the were good and fresh), and with a prominent bass sound from George Bradley on “Summoning The Dead”, they are coming out swinging.
The high-pitched vocals are intriguing and the music fits around them smoothly. “The Visitors” has a great opening with drummer Michalis Zounarakis and bassist Bradley creating a ghoulish rhythm, before the baton is handed over to guitarists Thanos Metalios and Dimitris Komninos who expand the sound. The solos are controlled, yet frantic, but I’m enjoying the touch of King Diamond esque music and vocals.
“Children of the Beast” is more of a ballad with injections of screams, solos and speed across the seven minutes, and it’s followed by “Incubus” which comes out full tilt with a cacophony of noise. This is awesome stuff, as they are all focused on the same goal, which is to melt your face off with their ferocity. It’s a proper headbanger of a song, relentless and taking no prisoners, with a few impressive bass hooks as well and a sinister, eerie ending.
What stands out most across the 8 songs is the formidable and compelling guitar sound that Metalios and Komninos have constructed. The songs are shaped impressively, and you get the bonus of Bradley’s bass notes building drama and tension within “Crimson Eyes”.
Penultimate track “Something Evil (This Way Comes)” sees them ramp up the attack on your senses, with a faster tempo, and more dramatic vocals from Mekras.
There’s more than a touch of the theatrical about the band, and I’d be intrigued to see them perform these songs live, as the lavish nature of the music makes for an interesting listen.
They wrap it up with “Dreamcatcher” which begins with another excellent bass intro, as the moodiness comes across. The guitars explode into life and create another dramatic song that will leave you wanting more.
1985 metal is the thing here – speed, blazing guitars, high pitched vocals, and that lovely cheap artwork… LEATHERHEAD are good!
Highly Recommended
01 – V.H.S.
02 – Summoning The Dead
03 – The Visitors
04 – Children Of The Beast
05 – Incubus
06 – Crimson Eyes
07 – Something Evil (This Way Comes)
08 – Dreamcatcher
Tolis Mekras – Vocals
Thanos Metalios – Guitars
Jim Komninos – Guitars
George Bradley – Bass
Michalis Zounarakis – Drums
Pre order:
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