LEATHERWOLF - World Asylum

LEATHERWOLF
World Asylum
Massacre Records
8/10





On World Asylum, Leatherwolf manages enough potent hooks backed with solid, heavy-as-hell rhythms to appeal to the sort of metal fan that admires the heavier side of Motley Crue, while showing enough instrumental prowess to lure in the Power Metal crowd as well. That’s a most impressive feat in a day and age where this sort of Metal has become a lost art of sorts.

Considering that the band has had an extended break away from the Metal scene, you can definitely deem this album to be a convincing comeback. Even if Leatherwolf has undergone quite a facelift in terms of personnel, it’s for the betterment, without question. Old farts will recognize the group as being one that just missed out on making an impact in the late eighties faction. Trust me though, in no way is World Asylum a dated-sounding record. In fact, this burly yet melodic take on Metal sounds beats the hell out of the “Maniac Dance” tripe spewed forth by Stratovarius last year, no shit.

Standout tracks include the soaring “King Of The Ward” and the hugely dramatic cut “The Grail,” where the band places a distinct emphasis on harmony, which pays off quite nicely. “Behind The Gun” is one part Dokken and another Edguy, driving yet tuneful. In the meantime, “Disconnect” takes aim with a classic vibe underscored by an underlying thrash metal ethic that’s instantly enjoyable.

Old school metalheads would do well to check this one out, be it for the ripping solos or the ballsy vocalizations of frontman Wade Black, who many of you may recognize from his time spent in Crimson Glory and Seven Witches. His performance here as perhaps the best it has been in a good long while, his voice being both powerful and authoritative. Consider the addition of Black the most important change in this revamped Leatherwolf lineup.

All in all, World Asylum is a satisfying surprise that will score big with fans of the style, an effort establishing this classic outfit as a band that’s still highly relevant. A great example of an older act that has made moves to reestablish a foothold in the metal world, Leatherwolf proves that they still have what it takes to make heads bang with a vengeance.

Written By: Harvester Crowlee