Oz - Burning Leather

The easiest way for an older band to get re-introduced into the metal scene is to either issue a greatest hits package, or re-record their classic tunes, throwing in a few new ones to show the fans they've still got it.  Well, Finnish/Swedish rockers Oz just did the latter with their new album, Burning Leather.  The band has not released new material in over 20 years so it was a logical approach to get re-introduced to the fans, while maybe picking up some new ones.  The band put out a handful of records in the 80s before breaking up in 1991 then reunited nearly two decades later, leading to their just released 11 track platter containing 5 new and 6 rerecorded tunes.  The band was pretty underground but had a decent loyal following back in the day.  Unfortunately, they never really made it big back then, but hopefully in 2012 they can make one final push to make some noise.

Burning Leather, as one might expect, sounds a little dated. And while it was cool to hear classics like Fire in the Brain and Search Lights with an updated sound, the true test for me, was to see what the new tunes sounded like. The new tunes actually sound very similar to what the band was doing back in the day; just pure heavy metal - or what I tend to call it, meat and potatoes metal. [It's] nothing that's gonna knock your socks off, but not to be disregarded either. The new tunes stand up well with the classic material, but again will not blow you away. The only curve ball on the record is the track Enter Stadium, which is the band's attempt at writing a big anthem. A little poppier than the rest of the CD, it kind of stuck out a like a sore thumb. 

Bottome Line: A veteran band trying to become relevant again via a lesson in old school heavy metal in the modern day. Solid, classic, heavy metal with a face lift.

Standout Tracks: Fire in the Brain, Search Lights, Third Warning, Dominator

- Ragman has fire in the brain, and it's driving him insane...