How do you review a tribute to an album that has changed the whole way you look at Metal? That has been a benchmark for other bands to try and equal, emulate or better (as if that was possible). Because let's put it right out there; if you don't know what's on the METALLICA debut album "Kill 'Em All" you have no right to call yourself a Metalhead. That's just as sacrilegious as saying that you never heard of IRON MAIDEN. And even though there have been many tribute albums for METALLICA as a band, and even for some of their albums individually, this "No Life 'Til Leather, A Tribute to Metallica's Kill 'Em All" has to be given extra attention, simply due to the impressive list of bands and their equally astounding performances.

The album has been put down in chronological order, so you will know the order of the songs. I know TAILGUNNER is a relatively new name on the Metal scene, but the speed at which they are conquering the stages all over the world is impressive. And judging by their rendition of "Hit The Lights", let's just say that they've nailed it. What I like is that every band has allowed themselves to shine through in a way where their own sound is palpable. THE ALMIGHTY does a solid "The Four Horsemen". The big surprise on this album has to be SOEN, who people will recognise as a Progressive/Alternative Metal band. The way they have approached "Motorbreath" comes close to the original musically, whilst giving it their own twist vocally.

Well, as you all know all the songs, I'll just say that every band does the songs more than justice, gives it their all. I just want to point out the other surprises in my eyes. First off there is DIAMOND HEAD, one of the big influences of METALLICA themselves. They do a brilliant "No Remorse".  But the real star of the show have to be RAVEN, who are able to make "Metal Militia" even more powerful, claustrophobic and impressive than ever with their usual overly energetic performance.  It concludes a feast of recognition by a bunch of bands that we all hold in high regard giving tribute to one of the best debut albums ever. It makes "No Life 'Til Leather, A Tribute to Metallica's Kill 'Em All" worth it all. Yes, this is mandatory listening for everyone that is a real Metalhead.