Sacred Leather is a heavy metal band based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a sound shaped by classic influences and a strong sense of identity. Formed in 2014, the band has evolved in both lineup and direction, steadily building momentum through a series of gritty, high-energy releases. In this interview, we chat about Sacred Leather’s origins, the Midwest’s influence, and what fans can look forward to next.

Interview

TheNwothm: Can you introduce Sacred Leather to those who may be discovering your music for the first time? Where are you currently based?

S.L: We are a Heavy Metal band, from Indianapolis, Indiana (USA)

TheNwothm: How did the band originally come together? Was there a defining moment that kicked things off?

S.L: The band formed as a 3 piece in 2014, and it’s been a constant evolution since. But the band really started to define the sound in 2016, once we decided to go in more of a NWOBHM influenced approach. 

TheNwothm: What’s the story behind the name “Sacred Leather”? How did you land on that?

S.L: Magnus, our bass player came up with it. I believe it was originally a song title, but it was too good of a name to not be used for the band! 

TheNwothm: Indianapolis isn’t the first place most people associate with heavy metal. How has being from there shaped your sound or attitude?

S.L: Indianapolis is a working class city. And we are far removed from the influence of LA or NYC so it kinda forces you to do your own thing. And we as a band felt it was our Metal Duty, to create a band like this, and spread the gospel of steel to the Midwest. 

TheNwothm: Are there any aspects of Midwestern or American culture that you think seep into your songwriting or performances?

S.L: Certainly! Working class men making working class Heavy Metal. 

TheNwothm: Do you feel like you’re part of a specific scene in Indiana, or do you exist more on your own terms?

S.L: The scene for this type of metal is pretty small here. We just do what we do. Love it, or leave it. 

TheNwothm: Let’s go back to your first single Hunger in the Night (2014) — what was the energy and mindset like when you recorded that?

S.L: I cannot speak for the time period, as i was not in the band at this time. But let’s face it, who doesn’t have Hunger in the Night? 

TheNwothm: The following year, you dropped Live Leather and Love Me like a Reptile—can you talk about what those releases meant for your momentum as a band?

S.L: Again, before my time. Live Leather was a pro recorded gig that I believe got released, because it sounded too good not to release it. 

TheNwothm: You also put out a split release, Sacredhammer, with Kvlthammer in 2015. How did that collaboration come about?

S.L: And again, before my time, but ironically i played drums in Kvlthammer shortly before this split was released. 

TheNwothm: Breaking away from the music for a moment, let’s have some fun! You’re stranded on tour with a broken-down van—what’s the go-to band playlist while you wait for a tow?

S.L: We have a curated playlist called SL Party jams. It has Dokken, Icon, Priest, Whitesnake, Queensryche and many other amazing 80’s metal bands on it. It’s basically our blue print for who we choose to rip off! 

TheNwothm: What’s one album or artist—metal or not—that you wouldn’t expect Sacred Leather fans to know you love?

S.L: The Cure- Disintegration 

TheNwothm: Can you tell our readers a bit about yourselves? 

S.L: We are hard rockin, metal heathens. WATCH OUT!! 

TheNwothm: Moving back to the music! In 2016, you released an EP titled Cassette 2016. Was that release a bridge toward your full-length material, or something more standalone?

S.L: It was certainly a foreshadowing of what was to come. 

TheNwothm: Your debut album Ultimate Force (2018) got solid feedback. What was the creative or recording process like for that record?

S.L: We wrote and recorded that record pretty quickly. We had evolved into a 5 piece, and with myself joining on vocals, it shaped the way we wrote those songs. And would forever seal the deal with Steel. 

TheNwothm: In 2019, you returned with Wheels at Dusk. What were you trying to capture with that single?

S.L: It’s our homage to “Desert Plains” by Priest. 

TheNwothm: Oruku (2020) feels like a unique entry in your catalog—what was the concept or driving force behind that track?

S.L: That was a song that was written for a record, that would eventually become completely scrapped, due to a split with our former guitarist. 

TheNwothm: So it has been quite a while since you put out any music! What is next for the band? Are you working on a an album?

S.L: We have a new record finished! There should be some news on that very soon! 

TheNwothm: Are there any touring plans on the horizon, whether in the U.S. or overseas?

S.L: All in the works! Expect more on that soon as well! 

TheNwothm: What’s your dream city or country to play that you haven’t hit yet?

S.L: Germany!! We are ready for you!! 

TheNwothm: How can our readers buy your music and merch?

S.L: As of now, on our Bandcamp page. 

TheNwothm: Where can fans follow you online?

Instagram- @sacred_leather

Facebook- facebook.com/leathersacredleather

TheNwothm: Anything else you would like to mention?

S.L: Heavy Metal rules!!! There is nothing more you need to know