SLEAZER is a heavy metal band from the beautiful region of Senigallia, Italy, a country that has quietly become a major breeding ground for headbangers (LACUNA COIL, CADAVERIA, BULLDOZER, DEATH SS), formed in 2011 and relentlessly playing festivals and concerts all around their home country and France. With the release of their first demo "Heroes of Disgrace" in 2014 to favorable reviews and following up with the 2017 full length album "Fall into Disgrace", they continued their hectic tour schedule until the forced lockdown due to the worldwide pandemic brought them back to the studio to finally complete "Deadlights", the latest full-length endeavor released December 9, 2022. The bands press release credits major influences from IRON MAIDEN, HELLOWEEN, SAVATAGE and W.A.S.P.

A nice, mysterious instrumental opening with effect-laden synths aided by an orchestral backdrop on "Sewer Maze" immediately grabbing my attention leading right into a speedy, thunderous riff paired with clean, high-pitched vocals on the title track "Deadlights", all packaged tightly with invigorating metal hooks. Keeping the metal express in high gear but a twist on "Speed of Light", provides a more rumpus, chanting rocker all while vigorously pushing the pedal to the metal. Showing their diversity on "All my Words Inside" which starts out on the rock ballad AOR path but drives hard with a sweet, silky guitar dual solo that retains a heavy appeal. "Black Witch" comes in lurking from a dark, deepened atmosphere of pounding guitars, pummeling bass and drums to give a sinister sound of opening the gates to hell. "Night Desire" is a classic 80's metal sound with killer axe work, infectious vocals and a powerful riff. The album ends with "Sky turns Red", is a straight forward, smash mouth rocker with accelerated chops and galloping, electrifying riffs all fused together by the stellar vocals.

SLEAZER is a fantastic band and "Deadlights" is a kick-ass album. The eleven songs on this album all possessed their own distinct personality, which isn't an easy thing to accomplish following in the 80's metal genre. The vocal work by Roberto Cenci complimented the very essence of the fierce ferocity laid down by masterful dual guitar of Viola and Cattalani, bolstered by the sharp, precise cybernetic rhythm section. They obviously honed their skills with their constant touring schedule, and it shows with a true headbanging album.