Wicked Leather – ‘Season of the Witch’

(Lost Realm Records)

There are albums that arrive with a whisper, and there are albums that kick the door in wearing spiked boots and a crooked grin. Season of the Witch, the latest offering from Wicked Leather, very much belongs in the latter category. From the moment it roars to life, this record feels less like a collection of songs and more like a midnight ritual conducted in a neon-lit dive bar somewhere between the late ’70s and the end of the world. It’s loud, it’s theatrical, and most importantly, it’s absolutely committed to the bit.

Wicked Leather live in that shadowy space between classic heavy metal, hard rock swagger, and occult-tinged showmanship. The album leans heavily into a cinematic sense of darkness without ever losing the grit and grime that makes their sound feel dangerous. There’s a strong understanding of tension and release across the whole record. You can tell this is a band that knows exactly when to pull back, when to build, and when to let everything explode in a blaze of distortion and attitude.

What stands out immediately is the guitar work. This is not a subtle album, and the riffs are designed to grab you by the collar and shake you. There’s a thick, muscular tone throughout, equal parts classic crunch and modern punch. The playing balances melody with aggression, often layering harmonised leads over pounding rhythms in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Solos don’t feel like obligatory flourishes; they feel like statements, like the band stepping forward to declare their identity.

The rhythm section deserves serious credit too. The bass sits prominently in the mix, adding weight and movement rather than simply following the guitars. It growls and pulses, giving the music a dark heartbeat that keeps everything grounded. Meanwhile, the drumming is punchy and theatrical, shifting from stomping grooves to explosive fills with confidence. There’s a real sense of drama in the way the band locks in together, creating moments that feel larger than life.

Vocally, Yami Martins is really strong. The performance is commanding, theatrical without tipping into parody, and packed with personality. There’s a great balance between grit and melody. One moment you’re getting snarling, venomous delivery, and the next there’s a soaring, almost anthemic quality that sticks in your head long after the record ends. It’s the kind of voice that doesn’t just sit on top of the music; it pulls you deeper into the world the band is creating.

And that world is vivid. The album thrives on imagery and mood. There’s a consistent gothic undercurrent running throughout, but it never becomes monotonous. Instead, the band mixes occult themes with a sense of swagger and dark humour. This keeps the tone engaging and dynamic. Rather than wallowing in gloom, Season of the Witch feels alive, mischievous, and unpredictable. It’s the sound of a band enjoying the theatrical side of heavy music while still taking the craft seriously.

Production plays a huge role in making this work. The album sounds big without being overly polished. There’s clarity, but there’s also dirt. The guitars have bite, the drums hit hard, and the vocals cut through without losing their raw edge. It captures that sweet spot where modern recording techniques enhance the power of the music without sanding off the rough edges that give it character.

Another strength here is pacing. At just the right moments, the band shifts gears, bringing in slower, moodier passages before ramping the energy back up. This prevents fatigue and keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. The album flows naturally, almost like a live performance. You can imagine this material translating incredibly well on stage, complete with lights, smoke, and over-the-top theatrics.

What really makes this record shine, though, is confidence. Wicked Leather sound like they know exactly who they are. There’s no sense of trend-chasing or second-guessing. This is unapologetically heavy, unapologetically dramatic, and unapologetically fun. In an era where many bands try to hedge their bets, this level of commitment feels refreshing. It’s a reminder that rock and metal can still be about escapism, spectacle, and pure adrenaline.

That’s not to say the album is without depth. Beneath the leather, studs, and occult imagery, there’s a strong emotional core. Themes of power, transformation, and inner darkness run throughout, giving the record more resonance than you might initially expect. It invites repeat listens, revealing new details in both the instrumentation and the atmosphere each time.

‘Season Of The Witch’ opens the album with immediate intent. It’s a statement of atmosphere and power, building from a brooding, slow-burn intro into a full-throttle heavy metal charge. The riffs are thick and dramatic, setting a dark, theatrical tone that feels both classic and modern. It establishes the world of the record brilliantly, pulling the listener straight into Wicked Leather’s occult-tinged universe.

‘She Is The Storm’ raises the energy and swagger. This one leans hard into groove and attitude, with a strutting rhythm that feels made for the stage. There’s a strong sense of momentum, and the chorus is big, bold, and built for fists in the air. The band sound confident and dangerous here, with a tight performance that highlights their chemistry.

‘Crystal Lake’ brings a shift in mood, adding a more melodic and haunting edge. There’s a cinematic quality to the arrangement, with layered guitars and a sense of tension that keeps things engaging. It shows the band aren’t just about brute force; they know how to create atmosphere and space while still delivering heavy impact.

‘Night Hunter’ is pure adrenaline. Fast, aggressive, and packed with sharp riffs, it injects a shot of speed into the album. The drumming is particularly impressive, driving everything forward with urgency. It’s one of the most intense moments on the record and will no doubt become a live favourite.

‘Black Goat Rising’ dives deep into the darker side of the band’s sound. There’s a doom-laced weight here, with crushing riffs and a ritualistic vibe. The slower pacing works in its favour, allowing the tension to build and the mood to take centre stage. It’s heavy in both sound and atmosphere.

‘Midnight Creature’ brings back the groove, blending sleaze and menace in equal measure. It’s catchy without losing its bite, showing Wicked Leather’s ability to balance accessibility with edge. Yami Martin’s vocal performance is especially strong, full of personality and theatrical flair.

‘Lightning Strike’ does exactly what the title promises. It’s sharp, explosive, and packed with energy. The guitars are front and centre, delivering some of the album’s most memorable moments. There’s a classic heavy metal spirit here that feels timeless.

‘Masquerade Of Shadows’ closes the album on an epic and dramatic note. It feels grand, emotional, and cinematic, wrapping up the journey with scale and confidence. The band stretch out musically, ending the record in a way that feels both satisfying and powerful.

By the time the final notes fade, Season of the Witch leaves a lasting impression. It’s the kind of album that makes you want to turn the volume up, roll the windows down, and disappear into the night. Wicked Leather have delivered a bold, cohesive, and electrifying statement that captures the spirit of classic heavy metal while carving out their own identity.

If this record is any indication, the band aren’t just playing dress-up in the shadows, they’re building a kingdom there. And honestly, it’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

7/10

Essential Track – ‘Season Of The Witch’

Review by Woody