Emerging from the vibrant underground of Greece’s metal scene, Leatherhead are a speed metal force forged in the fires of tradition and raw energy. Formed in 2022 in Larissa, the band blends furious riffs, horror-inspired lyrics, and a fierce dedication to old-school heavy metal. With their debut album already turning heads and a growing presence across Europe, Leatherhead are poised to carry the torch of classic metal into a new era. We caught up with the band to talk origins, influences, and what lies ahead on their relentless path.
Interview
TheNwothm: For those who might be discovering you for the first time — can you introduce Leatherhead? Where are you based, and who are the members?
Leatherhead: Hello there! Leatherhead is a speed metal band, created in 2022 in Larissa Greece. Leatherhead are: Tolis Mekras on vocals, Mike Zounarakis on drums, George Bradley on bass, Thanos Metalios on guitar and Dimitris Komninos on lead Guitar.
TheNwothm: You formed in 2022 — how did the band come together? Was there a defining moment or connection that sparked it?
Leatherhead: The idea of a new group first started around 2020, when Tolis and Michalis left their former band, Murder Angels. The idea was to play high speed heavy metal and after a few line up changes, the concept of Leatherhead was reached at 2022.
TheNwothm: What’s the story behind the name “Leatherhead”? What drew you to it, and how does it reflect your identity or sound?
Leatherhead: The band’s name derives from the semi fictional city of Leatherhead, a city built on top of a mass grave of an indigenous native American tribe. Two hundred years after the slaughter, the vengeful spirit of the tribe’s chief is reborn by an unsuspecting mortal, to fulfill its cause of avenging his fallen brothers and sisters. Who’s in the side of good or bad is left for the audience to decide.
TheNwothm: Greece has a rich heavy metal scene. How has being part of that scene shaped Leatherhead’s journey so far?
Leatherhead: Greece indeed has and always had a great amount of high quality bands. Being a part of the scene we’ve met a lot of bands and people and interacting with our fans is really a great experience.
TheNwothm: Do you feel that elements of Greek mythology, history, or current social issues influence your themes, especially considering your lyrical focus?
Leatherhead: Our lyrics are mostly derived from horror stories, like the band’s name concept, urban legends and tales of terror. However, many of the lyrics have allegorical meaning as well, dealing with mental health, personal demons and our personal beliefs.
TheNwothm: Let’s talk gear — what instruments and equipment do you rely on to get that signature Leatherhead sound?
Leatherhead: Every single one of us uses gear that we’ve played years with, and has helped shaped both our band’s and our personal sound. While it may not may something ground-breaking, the way we use it has helped us shape our sound. In the guitars we mainly use flying Vs with EMG and Seymour Duncan pickups with the tubescreamer here and there, on the bass a Kelly Bird with EMG pickups and a MXR DI and on the drums we mainly used a Yamaha set, with Paiste and Zildjian cymbals mainly. We couldn’t reach our sound without the guidance of George Kougioumtzoglou, who recorded, co-produced and mixed our first album.
TheNwothm: If you could collaborate with any artist — metal or not — who would it be?
Leatherhead: That’s a tough one! If you ask every single one of us, you would probably get a different answer, but I believe we would all point to a vocalist or guitarist that is a great influence to us, e.g. Lizzy Borden, Marty Friedman.
TheNwothm: Your first release was “Tomahawk” in 2022 — what was the creative vision for that single, and how was it received?
Leatherhead: Tomahawk was created as a starting story, both for Leatherhead as a band and a general concept. We wanted to put out something out there for people to listen to and get our musical direction. The fact that the physical CD sold out and it was an independent release, we would say it was received pretty well!
TheNwothm: In 2024, you released “Equinox.” How does this single reflect where Leatherhead was creatively at the time?
Leatherhead: Equinox was one(if not the)first songs composed and that we worked together. We knew it would be the opener of the album so we wanted to get it out first. Also we had a great vision for the video that Panos Badikouthis shot and we believe it was the perfect fit for the single of the album. Creatively at the time, we were like the song: fast and aggressive haha.
TheNwothm: Let’s talk about your 2024 full-length debut, “Leatherhead.” What did you aim to capture with this album? Can you walk us through the writing and recording process?
Leatherhead: With “Leatherhead,” we really had lots of ideas. Our purpose was one: deliver old school, high speed heavy metal. Tolis was the main composer and songwriter, and the lyrics were written by Tolis and George. Everyone put ideas here and there that really helped make the record as it is today. As for the recording process, we have to give a huge shout-out to George Kougioumtzoglou who as I said earlier recorded, mixed and co-produced our album. When I say co-produced, he really helped us put our ideas in the correct places and shared our vision of writing an old school album with the tools and the quality of the 21st century.
TheNwothm: And you have any favourite tracks from the record?
Leatherhead: All of them haha! I believe a collective answer would be “Leatherhead” but really what matters most is what the fans’ favourite tracks are.
TheNwothm: Are there any plans in motion for your next release? Will you continue building on the themes you’ve explored so far?
Leatherhead: Our next release is almost ready in terms of composition and we’re ready to hit the studio as soon as possible. Of course our themes will continue to be addressed, but we’re always exploring new areas.
TheNwothm: Are you experimenting with any new sounds or songwriting approaches for future material?
Leatherhead: As far as recording goes, I think we will continue as in the 1st album. As far as new sounds or songwriting approaches, we will never stop exploring and experimenting. We will use anything as long as it suits us and delivers the sound we want.
TheNwothm: Do any of you have unusual pre-show rituals or backstage habits?
Leatherhead: Well some of us scream war cries, some wear certain pieces of clothing they consider lucky and others just do their warm up!
TheNwothm: What are your touring plans for the rest of the year? Are there any regions or countries you’re especially excited to play?
Leatherhead: We visit Munich on the end of May, and we’re very excited to perform in Germany for the first time. Also in August we’re going to Bulgaria for a second time and feels great to return to our neighbours up north.
TheNwothm: How can our readers buy your music and merch?
Leatherhead: Anyone can message us directly through Facebook and Instagram and we can send them anything they want from our merch. Also, our Bandcamp is always online and at anyone’s disposal.
TheNwothm: Where can fans follow you online?
Leatherhead: At the moment we’re on Facebook, Instagram and Bandcamp.
TheNwothm: Anything else you would like to mention?
Leatherhead: We want to thank all of our fans for really embracing and supporting us and our first album, stay tuned for the next one!
Bandcamp: https://leatherheadgr.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeatherHeadofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leatherhead_band
Website: https://linktr.ee/leatherhead
Label: No Remorse Records
The Nwothm 
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