LEATHERWOLF self-titled Endangered Species 1984 12" LP ALBUM VINYL

  This is the 1984 debut official full-length album by the American Heavy Metal band "Leatherwolf". This album is also known as "Endangered Species", NOT to be confused with the "Leatherwolf" album released in 1987.

  Bass Guitar player Matt Hurich left Leatherwolf in 1986 to join the Christian Heavy Metal band "Stryper".

 

large album front cover photo of: Leatherwolf Endangered Species 1984

Collector's notes ( detailed background information on the persons working on this album)

Album Fact Sheet:

LEATHERWOLF (self-titled) Endangered Species 1984
Music Genre:
 Heavy Metal / Speed Metal 
Album Production information:

The album: "LEATHERWOLF (self-titled) Endangered Species 1984" was produced by: Mark Avnet

Sound/Recording and Sound Mix Engineer(s): Mark Avnet and Randy Burns
Basics at Music Grinder

This album was recorded and mixed at: Mad Dog Studio, Venice, Ca.

Art Direction and Photography: Heather Harris

Artwork: Fritz Hartman

Trivia:

Randy Burns is an American record producer and sound engineer who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of heavy metal music in the 1980s and 1990s. His collaborations with bands like Megadeth, Death, Kreator, and Possessed have left an indelible mark on the genre, and his contributions continue to be recognized and appreciated by metal fans worldwide.

Early Career and Breakthrough

more...

Burns' career began in the late 1970s when he started working as a sound engineer in various studios in Los Angeles. His big break came in 1986 when he produced Megadeth's iconic album "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" . The album's raw energy, aggressive sound, and socially conscious lyrics resonated with audiences, and it became a landmark release in thrash metal history.

Shaping the Sound of Death Metal

In 1987, Burns produced Death's debut album "Scream Bloody Gore," which is widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in death metal. The album's combination of speed, technicality, and brutality set a new standard for the genre, and it inspired countless bands to follow in Death's footsteps. Burns' work on "Scream Bloody Gore" solidified his reputation as a producer who could capture the raw intensity of extreme metal.

Further Successes and Legacy

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Burns continued to work with a wide range of metal bands, including Kreator, Possessed, Dark Angel, and Nuclear Assault. His productions were known for their powerful sound, which often emphasized the aggression and energy of the music. Burns' contributions to the metal scene helped to define the sound of an era, and his work continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.

Later Career and Continued Influence

In recent years, Burns has continued to work as a producer and sound engineer, contributing to projects in various genres. He has also been involved in remastering and reissuing classic albums from his catalog, ensuring that his legacy is preserved for future generations. Burns' influence on the metal scene remains undeniable, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

Conclusion

Randy Burns' career as a record producer and sound engineer is a testament to his passion for music and his dedication to capturing the raw power of heavy metal. His collaborations with some of the most iconic bands in the genre have helped to shape the sound of metal music, and his contributions continue to be appreciated by fans around the world. As a pioneer of American metal, Randy Burns' legacy is secure, and his work will continue to inspire and influence musicians for years to come.

Bands he has worked with include: 3rd Stage Alert , Agent Steel , Aversion , Bitter End , Chris Poland ( Band ) , Crumbsuckers , Dark Age , Dark Angel , DBC , Dead End , Death , Excel , Helstar , Kreator , Leatherwolf , Lizzy Borden , Ludichrist , Megadeth , Morgoth , Mortal Sin , Nuclear Assault , Possessed , Suicidal Tendencies , Uncle Sam , Zoetrope.

 

Record Company / Catalog number / Label:
 Steamhammer SH 0030, SPV GmbH SPV 08-1854

Record Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:
  1985 Made in Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: LEATHERWOLF (self-titled) Endangered Species 1984
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Mike Olivieri - Vocals, lead guitar, growls and howls

     (Michael Olivieri - singer and guitarist with the American Heavy Metal band "Leatherwolf" since 1981. He also performed in the bands Hailmary, Michael Olivieri Band, Soul Sign.)

  • Geoff Gayer - Lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Carey Howe - Lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Matt Hurich - Bass guitar, backing vocals

     Bass Guitar player Matt Hurich left Leatherwolf in 1986 to join the Christian Heavy Metal band "Stryper".

  • Dean "Drum Machine" Roberts - Sticks and tricks
Complete Track-listing of the album "LEATHERWOLF (self-titled) Endangered Species 1984"

The detailed tracklist of this record "LEATHERWOLF (self-titled) Endangered Species 1984" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Spiter 3:45
  2. Endangered Species 5:15
  3. Tonight Is The Night 3:32
  4. The Hook 3:54
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Season Of The Witch 3:47
  2. Off The Track 3:41
  3. Kill And Kill Again 4:20
  4. Vargant 2:46
  5. Leaterwolf 4:10
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "LEATHERWOLF (self-titled) Endangered Species 1984"

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High Resolution Photo #10 Endangered Species 1984

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Album Back Cover  Photo of "LEATHERWOLF (self-titled) Endangered Species 1984"
High Resolution Photo #11 Endangered Species 1984
Photo of "LEATHERWOLF (self-titled) Endangered Species 1984" 12" LP Record - Side One:
High Resolution Photo #12 Endangered Species 1984
Photo of "LEATHERWOLF (self-titled) Endangered Species 1984" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
High Resolution Photo #13 Endangered Species 1984
Leatherwolf: The Vinyl Years (1980s Discography)" - featuring album cover photos of their self-titled debut album and "Leatherwolf"

Band Information:

  Leatherwolf is a heavy metal band that formed in the early 1980s in Orange County, California. They are known for their powerful and melodic sound, combining elements of traditional heavy metal with progressive and neoclassical influences. With their technically proficient musicianship and catchy songwriting, Leatherwolf has earned a loyal following over the years and remains an important presence in the metal scene.

 History

 Leatherwolf was formed in 1981 by lead vocalist/guitarist Michael Olivieri and drummer Dean Roberts. The original lineup also included bassist Carey Howe and guitarist Geoff Gayer. They quickly gained a following in the local metal scene with their high-energy live shows and unique sound. In 1984, they signed with the independent record label Tropical Records and released their self-titled debut album, which received critical acclaim and helped establish the band as a rising force in metal.

 In 1986, Leatherwolf signed with the major label Island Records and released their second album, "Leatherwolf", which featured the hit single "The Calling". The album showcased the band's technical prowess and strong songwriting skills, and solidified their place in the metal world. However, the band experienced some internal tensions and lineup changes over the next few years, leading to a hiatus in the early 1990s.

 In 1999, Olivieri and Roberts reunited with guitarist Carey Howe to record a new album, "Wide Open", which featured a revamped lineup and a more modern sound. The album received positive reviews and helped re-establish the band's presence in the metal scene. Leatherwolf continued to tour and release new music throughout the 2000s and 2010s, with Olivieri and Roberts remaining the core members of the band.

 Musical Style

 Leatherwolf's music is characterized by its powerful, melodic riffs, soaring vocals, and intricate guitar solos. The band's early sound drew heavily from traditional heavy metal and NWOBHM bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, but they also incorporated neoclassical and progressive elements into their music, adding a unique flavor to their sound. Leatherwolf's musicianship is highly technical, with the band members showcasing their virtuosity through complex solos and arrangements.

 Lyrically, Leatherwolf often explores themes of personal struggle and perseverance, with many songs touching on topics like loneliness, addiction, and self-doubt. The band's lyrics often have a relatable quality, and are delivered with an emotive and powerful vocal performance from Olivieri.

 Legacy

 Leatherwolf has been cited as an influence by many metal bands over the years, and has inspired a dedicated fanbase of metal enthusiasts. Their technical musicianship and catchy songwriting have earned them a place in the pantheon of metal legends, and their influence can be heard in the work of many bands in the genre today.

 Despite some lineup changes and challenges over the years, Leatherwolf has remained a vital force in the metal scene, and continues to tour and release new music. Their legacy is one of dedication to their craft, perseverance through adversity, and a commitment to delivering powerful and memorable metal music to their fans.

  LEATHERWOLF - Self-Titled ( 1984 ) 12" Vinyl LP Album

LEATHERWOLF - Self-Titled ( 1984 )

Steamhammer SH 0030, SPV GmbH SPV 08-1854 , 1984 , Germany

This is the 1984 debut official full-length album by the American Heavy Metal band "Leatherwolf". This album is also known as "Endangered Species", NOT to be confused with the "Leatherwolf" album released in 1987.

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  LEATHERWOLF - Self-Titled ( 1987 ) 12" Vinyl LP Album

LEATHERWOLF - Self-Titled ( 1987 )

ISLAND 208 897 , 1987 , Netherlands / Germany

This is the first "Leatherwolf" album released on Island Records

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  LEATHERWOLF - Street Ready 12" Vinyl LP Album

LEATHERWOLF - Street Ready

ISLAND 209 781 , 1989 , Germany

"Street Ready" is the third full length album by the American Heavy Metal "Leatherwolf", the album was released in 1989 and was their last album before their split in 1991.

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