Could there be a more appropriate release date for an album entitled Violent Horror Stories than Friday the 13th? And not just any Friday the 13th, mind you, but Friday, February 13th: 56 years to the day Ozzy Osbourne famously asked, “What is this that stands before me?” Hellenic speedsters Leatherhead saw this golden opportunity and ran with it, bestowing upon us their sophomore effort, Violent Horror Stories, this past Friday. Things have come together fast for this band, which suits them when you listen to their music. They formed in 2022, dropped their eponymous debut in late 2024, and wasted no time concocting a follow up in VHS, for short.
Amidst a crowded playing field of Priest and Maiden clones, Leatherhead breathe new life into today’s throwback metal scene with an 8 song offering that could pass as the second coming of Agent Steel. These leather-crazed maniacs have a need for speed, and do a damn fine job letting it all out on record. Their brand of speed metal owes less to the fast n’ filthy ways of Venom and Warefare, and more to the aforementioned Agent Steel and other similarly natured U.S. acts. We’ve got soaring vocals, traditional flavored guitarwork, and breakneck tempo from start to finish. With its absence of mosh breakdowns and pissed off attitude, there’s no mistaking this for a thrash album.
The opening “V.H.S.” demonstrates this approach clear as day, even boasting a production job that could pass for a Combat release circa ’85. Drummer Michalis Zounarakis batters his kit like a jackrabbit on crack, guitarists Jim Komninos and Thanos Metalios (yes, that is his actual name) obliterate with their twin axe assault, and frontman Tolis Mekras does the best John Cyriis impersonation I’ve ever heard. Songs like “The Visitors”‘ and “Incubus” further showcase this band’s high-speed ways, the former even channeling Agent Steel lyrically, pushing our neck muscles to their very limit.
Also like Agent Steel, there is the occasional traditional and/or USPM foray incorporated for good measure. “Summoning the Dead” starts off with some Priest tinged riffage before picking up the pace, while outliers like the epic “Children of the Beast” and “Crimson Eyes” could pass as lost Warning era Queensrÿche songs, especially with Mekras doing his best brooding Tate voice. A song like “Something Evil (This Way Comes)” could even be classified as power-speed, with its fusion of blistering tempo and elegant musicianship à la Thundersteel era Riot, but at the end of the day, the speed on VHS is largely just that: Pure speed and nothing else.
I’ve always prided myself to be a lifelong metalhead. After a listen to Violent Horror Stories, I’ll have to start calling myself a “leatherhead” too! If you find yourself sitting at your desk, the minutes feeling like hours as you grin and bear another painful mid-afternoon slog, put on VHS and prepare for a time-warp of metallic proportions. These Hellenic speed merchants will kick your day in the ass harder than any caffeinated beverage from the convenient store could, minus the poor side effects on your cardiovascular system!
8 out of 10
Label: No Remorse Records
Genre: Speed Metal
For fans of: Agent Steel, Helstar, Queensrÿche
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