Leatherwolf - s/t (1987)

This is more late '80s metal, delivered with more steel than the previously mentioned Silent Rage. There's nothing overly epic about Leatherwolf but it's macho metal all the same, relying on relatively simple dynamics but throw in a few hot solos, a juddering bass and a track like 'Rise And Fall' and you're onto a winner. Thuis five-piece were accomplished musicians, Californian metal full of anthemic, driving grooves made all the more bolshy by Michael Olivieri's vocal sneer. Of course the band can't help but throw in a few keyboards and subtle hints, 'Share A Dream' has that wistful late '80s arrangement that made so many popular, while others failed. I prefer this debut to the bands 'Street Metal' opus, although there is little variation. With songs such as 'Cry Out' and 'The Calling' you kow what you're going to get, and what it lacks in aggression it makes up for in determination and hard-edged anthemic prowess. When all is said and done it's good stuff even if it fails to shine. Buy their 'Street Ready' opus instead. 7/10