If you dig metal from the '80s, especially the music that was more underground and off the beaten path, then this self-titled debut album from Greece's Leatherhead is going to be a real treat. The sound of the album is all classic, from the echo on the vocals to the sharp guitar tone and a production job that lets the bass and drums shine. Speaking of the vocals, singer Tolis Mekras has a strong, clear voice that can easily hit the high notes and does an excellent job with the vocal lines he's given. He evokes some the '80s titans like Overkill's Bobby Blitz ("Equinox"), Fates Warning's John Arch ("When Death Is Near") and Geoff Tate ("Leatherhead") while the band does their part by supporting him with music that could have come from Feel the Fire, Awaken the Guardian or The Warning. Leatherhead work equally well playing fast or slow and with very few exceptions ("Under Your Bed" is a bit weak), every song is killer heavy metal that will have your feet tapping and the air guitar getting a workout. Leatherhead is another amazing find by No Remorse Records and I'm already dreaming of their next album as I try to learn if you can wear out MP3 files by playing them over and over.
