Sacred Leather - Ultimate Force

Sacred Leather’s “Ultimate Force” shows that sometimes there is truth in a title. This is pure heavy metal heaven! Vibes from classic heavy metal and hair metal all the way to elements of power metal can be found throughout this album. This is my introduction to the band and I definitely like what I am hearing. Everything about this release is spot on. From the layout, to the artwork speaks volumes about the effort the band has put into this release. Very few bands have the ability to integrate everything into one total and extremely impressive experience, but Sacred Leather do it quite well. It is evident that the guitarists are confident in their abilities and you can tell from the presentation of the riffs that true heavy metal runs through their veins. The solos are intriguing as well, mesmerizing the listener with a superb demonstration of talent that long gone heroes of the six string axe would envy.

The drum work is fairly standard and traditional, yet played with a similar ferocity and passion that you would find in a thrash or death metal band. Yes, obviously those styles are different, but the same mindset is there. Definitely some of the best drumming from this genre this year. This performance is sure to make its rounds in the underground metal scene. The bass serves its purpose quite well, but could have been mixed a little higher for my taste. Still though, the finished product doesn’t suffer at all and the mixing of the bass is a personal preference. To me, I think it would make the whole presentation that much more in your face. However, if this were the case, this release would be down your throat choking the life from you!

The vocals are amazing here, and just about as traditional as you can get for this genre. The vocalist has a good range and his voice is filled with tons of melody. There’s a great sense of fluency as well. He definitely sings from the soul and exerts extreme passion with every note sang. This album is reminiscent of bands like Savatage, old Iron Maiden, old Iced Earth, Dokken, and other similar bands. Everything is well planned with precise execution. Heavy metal could definitely use more bands like Sacred Leather.


  1. Ultimate Force
  2. Watcher
  3. Power Thrust
  4. Dream Searcher
  5. Master Is Calling
  6. Prowling Sinner
  7. The Lost Destructor/Priest Of The Undoer