Straight-up heavy metal that's neither too old school nor too modern – that's what you get with Dogface, the debut CD from Leash Law, a new supergroup of sorts featuring singer Wade Black (Crimson Glory, Seven Witches), guitarists Rick Renstrom (Rob Rock) and Emo Mowery (Nocturnus), bassist Stephen Edler (Rob Rock) and drummer Richard Christy (Iced Earth). An ugly band name, an ugly album title and an ugly CD cover notwithstanding, Leash Law makes serious music for serious headbangers, but under the guise of having a good time, as some of the weighty lyrics may soar above your head if you're not paying attention.
Consider this: The album kicks off with "Fight," an anthemic call to arms for listeners to stand up for their own rights and belief systems. Later comes "Stealing Grace," a scorcher that tackles the tricky topic of government conflict, and the pounding "Better When Betrayed" examines the ruthlessness of the music buisness. "Hail to Blood" is a musically and lyrically violent journey back in time to the days of gladiators, while "Banion" is a slower, melodic piece that pays tribute to Black's family (including his recently departed mother).
In addition to fragments of these players' original bands, I hear pieces of Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and at least a half-dozen other bands. Yet somehow, this stuff still manages to sound original. Go figure…
Track Listing:
1) Fight (4:26)
2) Dogface (4:39)
3) Stealing Grace (4:41)
4) Hail To Blood (5:24)
5) Banion (4:11)
6) Better When Betrayed (4:24)
7) Martial Law (4:19)
8) Hellhole (5:03)
9) Paving the Way (3:26)
Total Time: 40:35
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