Blackened speed punks LEATHER BRIGADE present their debut EP “Pray to the Knife” from Vicious Witch records!

Studded leather fist? Check. Knife showing reflection of victim? Check. Glass houses font type? Check. Suitably evil monikers instead of actual band member’s? Check! Straight off the bat you know what’s in store before listening to a single second of Romania’s LEATHER BRIGADE‘s debut release.

Blackened thrash n’ roll is the order of the day here, the likes of which we have seen time and time again in various capacities following the precedent set by contemporaries such as MIDNIGHT and AURA NOIR. The offering here is generic in its approach, but by no means stale or boring – each song has enough fury and aggression to hook you in throughout its short runtime.

Opener “Alcoholic Night” is a speed metal frenzy, introduced with a lovely “UGH” that sets the tone. This is pure fist banging mayhem, and will be a sure winner live. The vocals are spat out with copious amounts of venom and hate. A nice tasty shred-blues solo rounds this track off well. Next up is the title track “Pray to the Knife” where it sounds like the band are attempting a cover of POWER TRIP’s “Executioner’s Tax” before moving to SODOM worship (I’m sure I heard these riffs and leads in “Persecution Mania”)… its decent enough but it all borders of plaguerism.

3rd track “Mistress of Hell” continues the black thrashing mania with an intro which features the classic UGH to begin the riffing. A fun thrashy song that rolls along, however very derivative. “I am the Night”, containing another UGH at the beginning speed along, with some nice venomous vocals being spat out, sing a long chorus in check which is sure to be a live favourite. One thing that shines here is the raspy guitar tone which is highlighted during the drop outs. The mid section changes the pace set so far with a slower section which is set at a perfect headbanging tempo. Finalising the EP is the hilariously named “Sex with Satan”, the first track the band wrote. This 2 minute banger has some… interesting lyrics, other that UGH – “drinking some beer… (????) Craving some pussy, we’re out of luck, listening to Venom…” If you’ve ever checked out any DEMONIAC (Pre-DRAGONFORCE band) it’s very similar. It’s clear the band don’t take themselves too seriously and I love to see more of this, things can be so serious sometimes.

The production is passable, the whole things feels a little flat. The bass, equally essential as guitars in this style is non existent for the most part and the drums are dominated by a the snare, with a slight ting of cymbals audible if you concentrate. The vocals and backing vocals are recorded well enough and at the forefront of the mix.

Conclusion

Yet another black thrash record that worships satan. There is nothing new on offer here, its all been done before and at times far better. Regardless I enjoyed the release but won’t provide repeated listens. I am looking forward to the next release for sure.

THENWOTHM Score: 5/10

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