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LEATHERWOLF
Kill The Hunted
2022 N.I.L.8 Records/Rock of Angels Records

We haven’t heard a new studio album from the Orange County, CA heavy metal powerhouse LEATHERWOLF since 2006’s World Asylum (and the subsequent re-release in 2007 as NEW WORLD ASYLUM, which saw the return of lead vocalist Michael Olivieri). The band released a live album with Olivieri in 2013, but has rewolfed the lineup since then. The current lineup for LEATHERWOLF is: original member Dean Roberts (drums), Rob Math and Luke Man (guitars), Barry Sparks (bass) and new vocalist Keith Adamiak. Guitarist and keyboardist Wayne Findlay is also involved with the band to keep the ‘Triple Axe Attack’ intact.

I’ve been listening to this band for over 35 years, and have been awaiting a return since 2006. Finally, here we are in 2022 with a bristling new album on Greece’s great Rock of Angels Records! Let me tell you, this album is a smoker! Even if you’re a fan of the first self-titled album (1984), the second self-titled album (1987) the Street Ready (1989) era or beyond, you’re going to love this new album Kill The Hunted because it absolutely rips from beginning to end. The band has retained the core LEATHERWOLF sound of driving power metal with tons of melody and catchy vocals, and there are shredding guitars all over this album. Kill The Hunted took nearly three years to complete, and it was without question worth the wait.

Track one is “Hit The Dirt”; this song immediately shows off the skills of these musicians. The first thing you notice is how well Keith’s voice fits in with the band. His grit and range are obvious, and the layers of vocals here are impressive. The second thing you notice is the production, the mix, the mastering-- it’s perfect. I’ve heard more than a few albums lately that didn’t sound up to par-- there are no worries here! Second track, “Nobody” is a quick and powerful rocker with lots of shred guitar and leads popping up all over the place. Title track “Kill The Hunted” is an instant classic sing-along anthem in the time-honored LEATHERWOLF style. The extended solo on this track is tasty! “Only The Wicked” is a pulsing power metal track filled with some of Dean’s most powerful drumming. The light and shade dynamics of the song are pretty special. “Madhouse” will win you over with its driving tempo and the killer chorus. For my money, “Medusa” is the best song on this album -- double bass drumming, killer screams, guitar and bass riffs galore, Greek mythology -- what’s not to like? “The Henchman” is the longest song on the album, and was released as a lyric video (HERE). This medieval-themed track is a blast and is destined to be a fan favorite. It features tons of hallmarks to the LEATHERWOLF past, and a guest guitar lead by Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE). This might be Keith’s best vocal performance. “(Evil) Empires Fall” is a mid-tempo track, while “Road Rage” is a fun speed metal anthem. I really dig all the nasty guitar work in “Lights Out Again” and the uptempo march and chorus of album closer “Enslaved”.

Kill The Hunted features 11 stellar tracks clocking in around 50 minutes. Marc Sasso supplies the magnificent cover artwork. The album will be released on November 11 in all formats. Pre-orders are going on now at the band’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/leatherwolfmetal

5.0 Out Of 5.0