Review LEATHER ‘We are the Chosen’

Leather Leone has been in the business for a long time and when I first heard her voice, I was immediately hooked by its energy. This was in 1986 when shred guitarist David T. Chastain released his ‘Ruler of the Wasteland’ album.

Leone worked with the guitarist a number of times thereafter, but also released solo albums. The first, ‘Shock Waves’, was published in 1989, while the second Leather Leone album appeared almost 30 years later and is entitled ‘II’, and now it is ‘We Are the Chosen’, which hits the shelves of record stores these days.

Provided with a deal with Steamhammer, the singer releases a smashing metal record. Already the first two songs are more than just a statement. ‘We Take Back Control’ and the raging ‘Always Been Evil’ are among the best metal tracks of the past years. Sound, powerful riffs and Leone’s raspy voice give these songs a very authentic metal feel that runs through the entire album.
With ‘Shadows’ the singer takes some speed out, but that doesn’t affect the intensity of the track.

Also worth mentioning is the stomping title track, which also comes with orchestral elements. This gives the song an extra depth without distracting from the traditional metal. ‘Hallowed Ground’ on the other hand is a typical metal ballad which fits perfectly into the overall concept of the record.

With ‘Dark Days’ Leone shifts up gears again and also the following ‘Who Rules the World’ knows how to please. ‘The Glory in the End’ is a great track at the end of the album, where speed and enormous riff power are in the center of attention.

Leather Leone has created with ‘We Are the Chosen’ a highlight of 2022, a record that I would not have expected so strong and powerful. Anyone who digs excellently made traditional metal should definitely grab this album.