The reign of Leather is back, but forevermore? For those who dare to rise to the challenge and heed the call of the wild, then stand and fight because Ohio's own soldiers - the famed CHASTAIN return - primed and ready to rise up and "Surrender To No One".

The insane, sinister key shred guitar spike and lickety-split solos of David T. and the shockwave vocals of that malefic imbued Barbie dolled-up Leather take me back in time to my High School years watching the rulers of the wasteland - that is Cincinnati - tear up the stages of Bogarts, Never On Sundays, and Annies with fellow locals PRIZONER, THRUSTER and CJSS. The first four CHASTAIN albums on Leviathan will always set me free, endlessly. You can only imagine how excited I was to hear that 3/4s of the original line-up reunited and were releasing a new album on my birthday, same as SATAN'S HOST, RUSH, and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH.

Lucklessly, all that I had hoped for was shattered by this inferior effort. I find myself in an outrage and feeling restless with a right of anger. My friend brought over his CD and there was not even a booklet, no lyrics, no photos, no liner notes, just a lame inlay card! After the rattle is over, this wicked, barely cool dalliance will not be that memorable. The songs are simple, the guitar work is basic, the solos are minimal, and even though it is great to hear the cult voice of Leather again, she just does not make her mark but save on a few cuts like the opener "Stand And Fight", the title track which showcases Stian's spectacular drumming skills, or "Call Of The Wild", and maybe "Freedom Within".

Leather's solo album after departing CHASTAIN, was so damn good, but the SLEGDE LEATHER project "Imagine Me Alive" with Sandy Sledge was poorly lacking, and way too similar to HELLION. Several of these song selections from here are a mere mystery of allusion to that paltry taste of neither talent nor merit, namely "I Am Sin", "Evil Awaits Us", or "Deep Down In The Darkness". The last cut "Bleed For Me" is truly a constant reminder of this big mistake they took to tune it and dumb it down.

Speaking of the HELLION reunion, I am excited about the addition of Simon Wright on drums and Maxxxwell Carlisle on guitars. I just hope the zaftig Ann Boelyn does not lose her pitch, as on this hysteric call of the mild; Leather's vocals seem a bit strained. I can barely detect Mike's bass march, outside a few parts. Mr. Skimmerhorn and I hung out at RATT a few years ago, and I was so excited about the CJSS reunion. David T. was present as well carrying on in his thick southern cadence. He intimated that after the departure of vain, but glorious Kate French he was longing to recapture that '80s vibe, as epitomized with his releasing the "Metal In Your Face" and "Reign Of Leather" compilations. Believe me; I was hoping here for "Seventh Of Never Part II", but what we have is a weaker form of "For Those Who Dare" with a hint of "Voice Of The Cult".

Please take me back in time; it is never too late for yesterday! I will definitely go see CHASTAIN live if they play local, and I am made aware about it. I saw them open for some awesome acts back in the day including NASTY SAVAGE or LIZZY BORDEN, etc. I just sincerely hope that the children of reason realize that the fans and I truly yearn for the past mettle might of these gods. We will stand up and fight for what we want! So next time take me home to the paradise of the mid 80's and let us relive the mysteries, magic and illusion of the winds of change, not separation and stagnation.