Leather: The Uncompromising Force of American Heavy Metal
Leather Leone is the powerhouse vocalist who fronted the influential US heavy metal band Chastain throughout the 1980s. Hailing from San Francisco, California, her career is defined by the cult classic albums she recorded with guitarist David T. Chastain, which have become foundational listens for fans of the genre's more aggressive, riff-driven side.
Early career
Leone's musical journey began in the early 1980s within the vibrant San Francisco metal scene. Her formidable, gritty vocal style caught the attention of guitarist and producer David T. Chastain, who was seeking a singer for his new solo project. This led to her debut on the 1984 album Mystery of Illusion, released on the independent label Leviathan Records, which immediately established the project's intense musical identity.
Breakthrough
The collaboration solidified into the band Chastain, and their 1985 sophomore album, Ruler of the Wasteland, became a breakthrough in the underground metal circuit. Released on the growing Metal Blade Records imprint, the album's combination of technical shredding and Leone's raw, commanding vocals garnered significant attention in fanzines and on college radio, cementing their status as cult heroes.
Key tracks
Ruler of the Wasteland — This title track from the 1985 album is a quintessential showcase of the band's aggressive, mid-tempo power and Leone's authoritative vocal delivery.
Angel of Mercy — A standout from the 1986 album The 7th of Never, this song highlights the band's ability to blend melodic hooks with uncompromising heavy metal force.
The Wicked Are Restless — Featured on 1987's The Voice of the Cult, this track exemplifies the matured songwriting and complex arrangements that defined their peak era.
I Fear No Evil — From the 1988 album Within the Heat, this anthem remains a fan favorite for its defiant lyrics and driving rhythm section.
Electric Reign — This powerful song from her 2019 solo comeback project, We Are the Chosen, proved her iconic voice had lost none of its signature power decades later.
Following the initial run of Chastain albums, Leather Leone pursued other projects, including the band Malibu and session work, before taking an extended hiatus from the music industry. Her return was marked by the 2012 EP Leather Leone and the 2019 full-length solo album We Are the Chosen, which saw her reunite with producer and former bandmate David T. Chastain, thrilling long-time fans with new material that stayed true to her classic sound.
For listeners who appreciate the raw power of Leather's vocals, the guitar-driven attack of Chastain is the obvious next listen. The classic US power metal of Manowar shares a similar thematic boldness and sonic weight. The aggressive traditional metal of Warlock, fronted by Doro Pesch, offers a comparable blend of melody and force from a female vocalist. Furthermore, the intricate riffing and powerful vocals of Jag Panzer resonate with the technical intensity found in Leather's best work.
The music of Leather Leone maintains a strong presence on dedicated classic heavy metal and hard rock FM stations, as well as on specialized online metal radio streams. Her tracks with Chastain are staples on programs focusing on the 1980s American metal underground, ensuring new generations of fans discover her influential catalog.
You can experience the formidable heavy metal of Leather on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover the powerful vocals and classic riffs that define her career with Chastain and beyond, available through our curated selection of rock and metal radio stations.
