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Long before British metal legends Iron Maiden
picked up on the concept, a pack of hungry Huntington Beach,
CA-based teenagers, collectively known as LEATHERWOLF, pioneered and
perfected the heavy metal Triple Axe Attack - documented via a
trifecta of critically acclaimed and much worshipped '80's
scorchers. The eponymous debut EP, expanded to a full-length LP,
entitled 'Endangered Species' for international release, and a pair
of stunning albums for Island Records, 'Leatherwolf' and 'Street
Ready' (yielding the MTV videos 'The Calling' and 'Hideaway',
respectively), saw the band flying the flag of decidedly
European-styled metal amidst a sea of formulaic, glammed out L.A.
and OC contemporaries.
After a lengthy self-imposed break, the band's classic line-up
resurfaced in 1999 with a storming live album, 'Wide Open', which
went on to sell well over 10.000 copies without the support of a
label or extensive touring, underscoring LEATHERWOLF's unbroken
appeal among metal enthusiasts. The band also made a triumphant
return to Europe by special invitation with a one-off gig at the
prestigious Wacken Festival in Germany.
Fast forward to 2006 and a re-energized and re-vitalized
LEATHERWOLF. Featuring new voice Wade Black (ex-Crimson Glory, Seven
Witches), guitarist Eric Halpern (ex-Destiny's End, Helstar), and
bassist extraordinaire Pete Perez (Riot, Spastic Ink) alongside
original members, guitarist Geoff Gayer and drummer Dean Roberts,
the band have assembled their most lethal line-up yet - and forged
the tunes to once again turn the metal world on its ear with 'World
Asylum.' "We've had a lot of obstacles to overcome to finally get to
this point, including losing members along the way, but it was well
worth the effort", reflects Roberts who also
serves as producer and engineer on the new outing. "I can honestly
say that this is our best record ever - it's heavy, it's
progressive, and it’s metal through and through. This is the album
we've always wanted to make but couldn't for various reasons, but we
got it right this time around."
And upon getting a dose of future lupine classics such as 'I Am The
Law', 'Dr.Wicked (Rx O.D.)', or 'Behind the Gun', which touch on
such timely subjects as assisted suicide, domestic violence, and the
criminal underbelly of the beast - who would want to argue with the
drummer's bold statement. Fusing familiar LEATHERWOLF trademarks
with a modern-day edge, commanding vocals, and ten-ton hammer
sonics, courtesy of Danish studio whiz Jacob Hansen (Rob Rock,
Communic, Raunchy) who was brought in for the mix, 'World Asylum'
impacts with the force of a head-on crash and exhibit the group's
superior knack for powerful, anthemic songwriting that's always
separated these SoCal men from the boys.
FACTS:
- The new and fourth studio album by the US/Power metal living
legend LEATHERWOLF from L.A.
- Official album presentation and showcase on the Bang Your Head
Open Air 2006!
- Produced by Dean Roberts, Mix by Jacob Hansen (Rob Rock, Communic,
Raunchy)
- Legendary status and reputation a.o. through MTV-video clips 'The
Calling' und 'Hideaway' in the Nineties
- Fanatic support from the metal press and excellent feedback on new
album
- Featuring new singer Wade Black (ex-Crimson Glory, Seven Witches)
- Live apperances and festival dates in summer of 2006
FROM
www.massacre-records.de
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