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LEATHERHEAD
Violent Horror Stories

No Remorse (2026)
Rating: 8/10

Probably not named after a town situated within the English county of Surrey, this Leatherhead is a Greek metal act that’s been on the scene for just a few years. Formed in 2022, Leatherhead released their self-titled debut album in 2024 and now returns with this second full-length offering.

Violent Horror Stories is the first to feature new guitarist Dimitris Komninos who joins fellow fret warrior Thanos Metalios, vocalist Tolis Mekras, bassist George Bradley, drummer Michalis Zounarakis. Upon my first spin of this eight-song affair I was immediately aware of the Flotsam And Jetsam influence as the combo drifts towards a blend of powerful heavy metal and melodic thrash. Further listens conjured up the spirits of Annihilator and Savatage, alongside Judas Priest, Queensrÿche and Crimson Glory, so a real potent mix to drive this album on.

Opener ‘V.H.S.’ careers with steely speed metal aplomb as the vocals soar cleanly above the busy structures. Metal of this ilk was relatively common back in the mid-to-late 80s, yet it’s a sound that was often underrated unless backed by a major label. Leatherhead effortlessly bridges the gap between, say, Helstar and Agent Steel as ‘Summoning The Dead’ strikes with such clarity; the drums clattering with precision as the mob join forces like a strident army so confident in their steely armoury. The zippy fire of the axe work is to be applauded as it diverts towards old school nostalgia, dripping with a U.S. power metal premise and a strong dose of Jeff Waters (Annihilator), which in turn is bolstered by the stunning voice of Mekras whose clear commands ascend so fresh over the debris left in the wake of the bands scorching delivery.

‘Children Of The Beast’ boasts a Gothic semi-ballad vibe, Mekras crooning with such bellowing conviction before the solo rises from the smouldering ache of the steady churning. In contrast, ‘Incubus’ has that Iron Maiden-esque twinge to its traditional style; not exactly galloping but always cocksure and commanding.

The shades of Crimson Glory litter the album too, maybe it’s the vocal tones; theatrical, dramatic and seductive as songs like ‘Crimson Eyes’ glide with majesty. ‘The Visitors’ touches upon the glinting power of Savatage, although tints of Fates Warning are also evident. ‘Dreamcatcher’ exhibits the intricacy of the band as streaks of menace run throughout, particularly on ‘Something Evil (This Way Comes)’, but Leatherhead still maintain that speed metal dizziness to whip you up.

Although I like the nostalgic looking cover art, it’s somewhat at odds with the serious metal contained, but it’s a minor quibble on what is a refreshing opus full of vim and vigour.

Neil Arnold

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