Heavy metal from the Anaheim, California, USA. Started out in 1983, and are still around in some form or shape.

LEATHERWOLF (1987) ISLAND

These guys look like they came from the hair metal days of the mid 80's. And the date of the CD is 1987. But the music is NOT hair metal, at all. Well, there are some similarities to early Stryper, Dokken and Ratt. But Leatherwolf doesn't have that overtly soft side to them. They go from heavy to really heavy, borderline power metal, yet having enough hooks and melody to make it catchy. They are also one of the few bands from the 80's that used keyboards that actually raised the quality of the music. Just check out "Princess Of Love". Why I haven't discovered them before is a mystery, because I'm really enjoying this CD!! They don't make this kind of metal any longer. Though I could have done without the horrible cover of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic, "Bad Moon Rising". Although this is a self titled album, it is actually the bands second effort. It is also their second self titled album (go figure!). Leatherwolf are still around, and have as of late recruited Wade Black (Crimson Glory, Seven Witches) as their new singer.

Killer tracks: Rise Or Fall, The Calling, Share A Dream, Gypsies & Thieves, Princess Of Love, Rule The Night

WORLD ASYLUM (2006) INDEPENDENT

It's been 7 years since the last studio album from Leatherwolf. But the band have not been as inactive as it may seem. They released a live album in 1999. And 3 demos saw the light of day in 2002, 2003 and 2004. The problem lies within the members though. It seems that they have had many difficulties in holding a steady line-up. And especially the vocal spot appears to have been an ever revolving door. On an off again vocalist, Michael Olivieri, recorded the 2003 demo with the band, but he was gone again, and one Jeff Martin (Black Symphony) was on board for the 2004 demo. But on this release, Wade Black (Crimson Glory, ex-Seven Witches) has taken over the mic. The result is one stinking heavy album! Very unlike previous efforts from Leatherwolf, 'World Asylum' has crossed the threshold, and is now a full on power metal release. No, not the German melodic kind, but the US variation, made famous by bands like Metal Church and Vicious Rumors. And as such, this is an great CD indeed. Although a bit uneven, most of the songs still hit you like a ton of bricks. The production only enhances the metal feeling. All of the instruments can clearly be heard in the mix, and I especially love the bass work at hand. Wade also does a good job, but he makes the band sound a tad more generic then I first had hoped for. Michael Olivieri had a smoother, more distinct voice. And I might also ad that at the time of writing this, the band is in the process of re-recording 'World Asylum' with him on vocals. Wade left to once more join Crimson Glory. I have an independently released version of the album, ordered through the bands MySpace site. But later on Massacre picked it up to distribute it worldwide.

Killer tracks: I Am The Law, Behind The Gun, Doctor Wicked (Rx O.D.), The Grail

Related artists: 

Red Sea, Black Symphony, Crimson Glory, Seven Witches, Riot, Reverend, Destiny's End, Helstar, Distant Thunder