Artist: OZ
Title: Burning Leather
Genre: Heavy Metal
Release Date: 18th November 2011
Label: AFM Records
Album Review
OZ was thought to be dead and gone since 1991, with their 80s style of Heavy Metal somewhat burned out on a new age being ushered in. Now, almost twelve years later, the Finnish band has decided to reform and is determined to show they can still rock harder than ever despite being a bit “older” than most of the artists out there that have turned Metal on its head with more complex, technical music both in skill and melodies that has made Heavy Metal a sub genre as opposed to encompassing an entire genre like it did back in the 80s. So the question is… can OZ keep up in the modern world of Metal’s demands? Some might argue yes- old fans especially- as some feel that Metal today has become more reliant on computer technology to perfect everything as opposed to just getting in a room, plugging in instruments, and rocking out over and over until the song is right. OZ try to bring back that feeling with ‘Burning Leather’. For those who have never heard them before, consider them part of the early wave of a mix between Heavy and Power Metal in the way that DIO was.
‘Burning Leather’ isn’t a completely new comeback album as there are some repeats on there. Tracks like ‘Total Metal’, ‘Third Warning’, ‘Gambler’ and ‘Fire In The Brain’ all came from the very early parts of OZ’ discography and sound slightly updated with a bit of a clearer sound on this new album. They still have that stripped down, basic Rock’n’Roll tone of them that draws from the likes of AC/DC, DEF LEPPARD or even a band like HELLOWEEN, but it is a basic reminder to fans of where the band is coming from, and would like to continue to go. The newer tracks follow a similar sound. “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie” includes the usual higher pitched singing right in the front with thumping rhythms that are split in half by the solos. ‘Seasons In The Darkness’ are more segmented in their chugs, letting the vocals carry on their own with the guitars catching up. Tracks like these are the more basic of OZ’ Heavy Metal style and might not appeal as much to the more Modern Metal crowd, but the raw sound makes the music more OZ’ own and pushes them farther away from being chained to the idea of a “studio band” by relying on electronics to do everything for them, such as numerous layering.
And those looking for a hell of an anthem to mosh to can check out ‘Enter Stadium’, the slow, grooving punch that can bring crowds together easily with the fervour of tracks like ‘Rock n’ Roll All Night’ by KISS or ‘We Will Rock You’ by QUEEN. It’s that good. Overall, this album is a welcome comeback for OZ. They’re still sticking to their roots by proving music is better when it comes from skill and soul as opposed to technological tinkering. Although some fans might ignore the re-recordings, it has been so long since anyone has really heard OZ (and their discography isn’t the most mainstream thing) that most of these tracks probably have never been heard, so it will be most likely that almost anyone who picks this up album up will get the full experience of eleven new tracks. ‘Burning Leather’ is certainly worth looking into for those who want to feel the nostalgia of the late 80s or early 90s.
Tracklist
01. Dominator - 3:06
02. Searchlights - 3:11
03. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie - 4:20
04. Fire in the Brain - 2:56
05. Seasons in the Darkness - 5:33
06. Turn the Cross Upside Down - 4:36
07. Burning Leather - 4:30
08. Gambler - 3:15
09. Enter Stadium - 4:15
10. Total Metal - 2:54
11. Third Warning - 4:27
Line-up
Jay C. Blade- Bass, Backing vocals
Mark Ruffneck- Drums
Costello Hautamäki- Guitars (lead)
Markku Petander- Guitars (rhythm)
Ape De Martini- Vocals
Website
www.ozofficial.com
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Total: 7.5 / 10
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