-
LEATHERWOLF is a Heavy/Power Metal band from Huntington Beach, California. This Heavy Metal band was formed in 1981 and active from 1981 until 1991 and 1999 until today, with a break inbetween (calling themselves "HailMary"). Between 1980 and 1991 Leatherwolf released three official full length albums, the first two of these albums have the same album-name.
-1987-bandphoto.jpg)
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, the "Triple Axe Attack" from Huntington Beach, California, weren't just another heavy metal band. Formed in 1981, they pioneered a three-guitar assault that would influence generations of shredders. Their early days saw them sharing stages with Metallica and Slayer, honing their chops in the fiery crucible of the SoCal metal scene. With a discography that includes their iconic self-titled debut, the polished arena rock of their second album, and the gritty swan song "Street Ready," Leatherwolf's legacy is one of evolution, experimentation, and a refusal to be pigeonholed. They may have faded from the limelight as grunge took over, but their influence lives on in the countless bands who dared to pick up a third guitar and unleash a sonic storm upon the world.
Steamhammer SH 0030, SPV GmbH SPV 08-1854 , 1984 , Germany
Leatherwolf's 1984 self-titled debut, also known as *Endangered Species*, hit the heavy metal scene like a bolt of lightning. This wasn't just another album; it was a primal scream in a musical landscape that was becoming increasingly homogenized. But what made it resonate so deeply with fans and critics alike?
LEATHERWOLF - Self-Titled ( 1984 ) 12" Vinyl LP-320med.jpg)
ISLAND 208 897 , 1987 , Netherlands / Germany
Leatherwolf's 1987 self-titled record, their second strike at the heavy metal dragon, was a double-edged sword. It was a whirlwind of technical prowess, a showcase of soaring vocals, and a testament to their relentless energy. But it was also a departure from the raw, primal sound of their debut
LEATHERWOLF - Self-Titled ( 1987 ) 12" Vinyl LP
ISLAND 209 781 , 1989 , Germany
Leatherwolf's 1989 offering, "Street Ready," hit the scene like a dying gasp in the smog-choked sunset of hair metal's reign. This wasn't a triumphant howl, but a wounded yelp from a band caught in the crossfire between evolving tastes and their own stubborn adherence to a sound on its last legs.
LEATHERWOLF - Street Ready 12" Vinyl LP