Ahhh, 1989 and the glorious tone of Leatherwolf's Mesa/Boogie amp fueled Triple Axe Attack of the Street Ready record. Man, I loved their guitar tone, and on their latest release, New World Asylum (NIL8 Records) they give that tone an updated mean kick in the ass for what just might be one of the CD's of the year. Damn, this record is an iPod ripper, with no weak spots, just pure Metal in Yer Face. What a comeback!
Speaking of comebacks, Leatherwolf welcome back their "Voice", Michael Olivieri for a unique retread of sorts. The original release of this CD was from 2006 under the title of World Asylum (NIL8 Records) with then singer, Wade Black (ex-Crimson Glory, Seven Witches). This new/old line up of Leatherwolf featuring original members, the previously mentioned Olivieri, guitarist Carey Howe & Geoff Gayer, drummer Dean Roberts and newer member, bassist Pete Perez, find Oliveri lending his classic vocals to this already strong record to make it an instant classic. To say this is a powerful CD is an understatement. This CD SHREDS!!!
New World Asylum is simply 10 tracks that you will instantly pull off and put into your iTunes. An awesome production job by drummer Dean Roberts & guitarist Geoff Gayer, that is in your face and powerful. The drums just blaze out at you and make such an impact. Can you tell that I like this CD?!
It's 2008, but this has that old Leatherwolf sound to it. It pulsates. Guitars jump out from everywhere and it is simply the heaviest stuff that I have ever heard from Leatherwolf, and honestly I was a bit surprised. There is no reliving the late '80's here; this is a modern Metal masterpiece!
You can pull any track from New World Asylum to check out, it doesn't matter, they all destroy. Let's start with a song like "The Grail". A 6 minute plus moody scorcher, with guitar riffing all over the place, or CD opener, "I Am The Law", that belts you across the head with drums from hell. Michael Oliveri hasn't sounded better and that patented thick guitar harmonizing attack is a welcome sound, as well. Carey Howe and Geoff Gayer tear it up all over "NWA". Their twin harmonizing through out "NWA" would make Thin Lizzy or Iron Maiden very proud! "Behind The Gun" offers up a great hooky chorus, as well as some more of that great guitar pyro. And checkout the power of "Live Or Die", if this isn't a total headbanger, I don't know what is! Damn this is some good stuff!
This is what a Metal record is supposed to be; great, heavy songs with great vocals and mean and riffy guitars and a pounding rhythm section. There is NO filler on New World Asylum and you WILL get your moneys worth, for sure. When was the last time that you were able to say that from beginning to end, you liked every single song? Leatherwolf have upped the stakes with New World Asylum and I hope some other Metal bands will take a listen.
Go and pick it up, NOW. You will thank me for it later. I promise. This CD KILLS!!!!!
Track Listing
- I Am The Law
- King Of The Ward
- Behind The Gun
- Live Or Die
- Disconnect
- Dr. Wicked
- Institutions
- Derailed
- The Grail
- Never Again
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