Album Review: Leathürbitch – Into The Night (High Roller Records)

Leathürbitch are a promising new American band skilfully combining glam and speed metal.

They were formed in 2015 by founding members Patrick Sandiford (guitars) and Meshach Babcock (drums) and consist of a group of seasoned musicians that have made a name for themselves in the Northwest metal community.

Based in Southeast Portland, Oregon, Leathürbitch started with a low budget three-track demo that caught people’s attention right away. Since the initial demo tape, the four-piece has recorded a self-titled EP and played several shows in their hometown, as well as Seattle and Chicago.

The release of the band’s five-track debut EP on High Roller Records in 2018 is now followed by ‘Into The Night’, the first full-length album by Leathürbitch.

Unashamed in how it pays tribute to classic glam and speed metal, everything about Leathürbitch‘s debut is delightfully old-school. From the rolling and rocking riffs, the high-pitched vocals, the spitfire speed, even the production sounds aged.

There’s no denying that Into the Night does sound dated but it’s meant too clearly. While that doesn’t quite absolve it of all its sins, it does make it a more enjoyable listen. Enjoy it in a bubble as LUST alone will provide enough horn-throwing moments to please the crustiest of old-school fans.

Sweat, blood, hairspray and beer is the name of the game with the thumping glam rock groove of I Want What You’ve Got and the head-banger that is the aptly titled Sleaze City.

It’s more of the same with Killing the Silence, the speedy riffing having pure domination over everything. Whereas I’m Insane is another one with dirty groove that could be the soundtrack to an 80’s action b-movie especially when we hit the solo that rings out loud and clear.

It would be easy to tire of this and Leathürbitch seem to know this so keep the album tight and concise. Wrapping up with The Search and Killer Instinct, both tracks adding more weight behind the suggestion that if these guys had been born in the heyday of glam and speed metal they’d have been kings.

Leathürbitch – Into the Night Full Track Listing:

1. Into the Night
2. LUST
3. I Want What You’ve Got
4. Sleaze City
5. Killing the Silence
6. I’m Insane
7. The Search
8. Killer Instinct

The album can be ordered via High Roller Records here. Find out more about them over on Facebook and YouTube.