lista zespołów Bay Area Thrash Laaz Rockit Leatherface

Laaz Rockit was one of the best known acts in the eighties bay area thrash movement and arguably one of the most talented ones. Although they arrived on the scene with a more traditional heavy metal sound, they evolved into a very formidable thrash unit by the time “Know Your Enemy” was released. There are no prizes for guessing that this single titled “Leatherface” is based on the chainsaw wielding lunatic from the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” series and is also found on the OST of the series’ third installment. Good bouncy thrash typical of the godly bay area style is what this song is all about and in my opinion is one of the catchiest thrash metal songs I’ve ever heard.

Michael Coons is a certified voice of the band and one can’t really imagine Laaz Rockit’s music without his signature vocal style, almost sounding like a much more aggressive version of W.A.S.P’s frontman Blackie Lawless. What really separates him from many other vocalists in thrash metal is his ability to change his pitch anytime he desires. There are very few singers out there who can match his vocal range. As for the rhythm section, despite the constant shuffling of band members, they’ve always been blessed with an extremely cohesive lineup on every release of theirs.

Now this song is basically a mid paced thrasher with all the basics in place. The bass is refreshingly audible, considering its scarcity owing very much to the limited budget, a factor that always haunted many a band around the same, including the originators of this style, Metallica themselves( …And Justice For All, in case you’re curious). The riffs are solid and form the entire backbone of the song, the most notable ones being the starting riff as well as the single note picking after the end of the well executed solo in the middle. The vocals as mentioned earlier accentuate the overall sound really well and that main chorus is straight out of the textbook of catchy metal hymns.

“Here’s your invitation to come join Leatherface, it’s his addiction to keep you face to face”

Combine a cult flick with a cult metal band from the west coast, would it get any better than this? I suppose not. As for the production, we all know what Bill Metoyer was capable of, having worked with some of the biggest and baddest bands in business. As the cover reads, “Gut Splattering Title Track” it’s a wild treat indeed!!