Band:	Inquisicion
Album:	Black Leather From Hell
Style:	Heavy metal
Release date:	1998
Guest review by:	Blackcrowe

01. Dragonslayer
02. Black Leather From Hell
03. Army Of Darkness
04. Midnight Avenger
05. The Axis Of The Mist
06. Witchcraft
07. Extermination
08. Devil Mistress
09. Mensaje Oculto [bonus]

The New Wave of Heavy Metal "Chileno".

Chile has a huge proliferation of great metal bands and records, but, somehow, the bad production, record companies, and the local market not being favorable to the genre mean only a few bands can go further and gain some recognition. Being a traditional heavy metal band in the nineties seemed unpopular as the world was focused on other genres of music, such as grunge, extreme, and nu metal. That's the main fact that caused and kept my attention on Inquisicion.

Manolo Schafler, guitarist and former member of the Chilean metal band Torturer, decided to create a heavy metal project named "Santa Inquisición" in 1993. He reached out to drummer Carlos Hernández, bass player Gonzalo Ruiz (who was replaced by Cristian Maturana), and Freddy Alexis as its lead singer. In 1995, the name was shortened to Inquisicion. After their great debut album Steel Vengeance from 1996, the band released their second full-length album in 1998 titled Black Leather From Hell, taking influences from Riot, Mercyful Fate. and Judas Priest, but also drawing lots of influences from the NWOBHM.

Black Leather From Hell is the best record of Inquisicion. As a really good classic heavy metal record, the guitar work is great, very polished and technically excellent and original with some reminiscence of Hank Shermann or K.K. Downing. The band made a good improvement in their new bass player, Cristian Maturana, and the music gained precision that enhanced the drums of Carlos Hernandez. In the record, you can hear some classic King Diamond-esque influences in Freddy Alexis' lyrics about witches, curses, and Middle-Earth legends.

From the first track "Dragonslayer", the record sounds fast and dark at the same time. The song that gives the record's name "Black Leather From Hell" is a great, all-time heavy metal anthem that shows the band's love for their music. The band also steps into thrash, speed, and black metal on the album, but with Inquisicion’s classic heavy-dark sound. "Army Of Darkness" is the best track and the clearest proof of Inquisicion's quality. It features dark lyrics, strong bass drums, and a smashing guitar with dizzy and speedy solos, showcasing classic Heavy Metal. "Midnight Avenger" and "The Axis Of The Mist" move into doom territory, while "Devil Mistress" shows a more nostalgic sound. “Extermination” is the perfect end to this great exercise of 1980’s heavy metal at the gates of the 2000’s.

However, in my opinion, there are some points that the band almost 30 years ago didn't take care of such as some issues in the mixing process, some vocal performances not on tune, or bass lines that are sometimes lost in the mix. Also, the guitar is at times too loud, which can overpower other instruments, especially during solos. This is an exercise that caters to the most demanding ears but does not result in a negative experience while listening.

Inquisicion followed their way until 2016, making four more records. But they never made another like Black Leather From Hell. This album is a must-have for any heavy metal fan, and I believe it is the best heavy metal made in Chile.