2018 has seen the release of "II", renowned Heavy Metal frontwoman Leather Leone's (RUDE GIRL / CHASTAIN) latest endeavor and solo project - courtesy of Divebomb Records as was a reissue of her 1989 solo debut "Shock Waves". "II" features eleven tracks, mixed and mastered by the Wiesławski Brothers (VADER, BEHEMOTH, etc).

Eleven tracks of "Straight ahead pure heavy metal! No hippies, no posers!" - in the band's own words, and you know what, who am I to argue? If you're craving a solid, no frills no spills, Heavy Metal album... look no farther! Considering LEATHER really owns that Classic Metal sound we know and love (which is quite frankly a dying breed) I think we can all appreciate such an effort for what it is. The first track "Juggernaut" had me hooked right away. It's loud, fast, and in your face. Kudos to Daemon and his axe I must say - a thundering intro set the tone perfectly, but not taking anything away from Leone herself of course. It's just obvious she chose her bandmates well; they're the perfect storm.

Speaking of our esteemed frontwoman, I'm certain more than one mic was melted during the recording process of "II". A listen to track two, "The Outsider" would make this abundantly clear. As well, the lyrics are relatable in that sobering reality sense that those who better themselves and achieve their goals will find themselves standing alone, more often than not. "Black Smoke" is something else entirely, bringing a creepy horror element. At first, all I could think was how it reminded me of something you would hear at one of those big outdoor arena shows with pyrotechnics. Surely, that's the point. It sounds omnipresent, like something is closing in all around you. The lyrics describe this as well with lines such as "black smoke creeping into my brain" and "crying out you're now insane".  Although it remains open to interpretation if the smoke is psychedelic or more like something out Stephen King's "The Mist". Personally, I prefer the latter.

Then there's "Annabelle" which is in my opinion, a true masterpiece... and by no coincidence, my favorite song on the album. I noticed something eerily familiar my first listen though, the duality in particular. It's ominous, atmospheric, and oddly beautiful one minute then it's harsh, forceful, all guttural and guitars the next. About halfway though, it clicked - reminds me of PANTERA's "Cemetery Gates". Also, shout out to Braulio Drummond on "Sleep Deep". Seemingly sporadically, the drums sort of steal the show, which I highly enjoyed. Songs where this happens are so few and far between, it's a real shame.

More to the point, albums such as "II" are few and far between. Too many read as 'try hard' and lose sight of what the music is even supposed to be, or worse, just the same old recycled garbage. Thank you LEATHER for breaking this dreaded mold.