LEATHERWOLF
"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.
Copyright © 2009 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
04 May 2011 01:51:12 -0500.
