Chastain – “Surrender to No One” (2013)

Label: Leviathan Records

Review by Tony Cannella

Back in the 80s female fronted metal bands were certainly nowhere near as a prominent as they are today, but there were some really great ones. One of my favorites from that era (or any era for that matter) was Chastain. The band released 5 albums between 1985 and 1990 and featured the guitar virtuoso David T. Chastain. Riding shotgun with Mr. Chastain for all those years was a great vocalist named Leather Leone. Unfortunately she left the band (and the music business, apparently) following the release of the “For Those Who Dare” album in 1990. Leather was replaced by another excellent singer named Kate French as Chastain continued to release albums (albeit more sporadically) with the last one being issued in 2004. Well, lo and behold not only has Leather resurfaced but she has re-united with Chastain for a new album entitled “Surrender to No One” and I have to say that not only are the results fantastic, but it seems like the unit hasn’t skipped a beat.

First off, I am not sure what Leather has been doing for the last few years, but her voice is in great shape. She sounds just like she always has and that is indeed a great thing. David T. Chastain is a great guitarist. Okay, that’s an understatement but he has also been seriously underrated for all these years. One thing I’ve always loved about his style is his ability to play the heaviest of metal riffs along with virtuoso style solos. “Surrender to No One” comes out swinging with the opening “Stand and Fight”; this is just a great way to announce your return. Songs like “Call of the Wild”, “I Am Sin”, “Rise Up” and “Surrender to No One” recalls that classic Chastain sound.

“Surrender to No One” is just a phenomenal album and a great way for Leather Leone to announce her return. After listening to this album, I just had to re-visit those early Chastain albums and I can honestly say that “Surrender to No One” fits in quite nicely. She’s back. They’re back. And they’re picking right up right where they left off.

Rating – 88/100

Tracklist

1. Stand and Fight
2. Call of the Wild
3. Deep Down in the Darkness
4. Freedom Within
5. I Am Sin
6. Rise Up
7. Evil Awaits Us
8. Fear My Wrath
9. Save Me Tonight
10. Surrender to No One
11. Bleed Through Me

Line Up

• Leather Leone – Vocals
• David T. Chastain – Guitar
• Mike Skimmerhorn – Bass
• Stian Kristoffersen – Drums

Links

Label * Facebook (Leather Leone) * Facebook (David T. Chastain)