Band:	Leeway
Album:	Born To Expire
Style:	Hardcore, Crossover thrash metal
Release date:	January 31, 1989
Guest review by:	Cynic Metalhead

01. Rise And Fall
02. Mark Of The Squealer
03. Be Loud
04. On The Outside
05. Defy You
06. Enforcer
07. Tools For War
08. Born To Expire
09. Marathon
10. Self Defence
11. Catholic High School (Girls In Trouble)
12. Unexpected

Leeway, after sifting through rough demos, finally settled down with a brilliant debut release in the form of Born To Expire in 1989. It's a defining artifact in the NY hardcore punk that leaps into crossover thrash, representing a perfect synthesis of aggressive intensity, streetwise lyrical realism, and "genre-defying musicianship". No wait, Suicidal Tendencies's self-titled defied the genre in 1983, Stormtroopers Of Death's Speak English Or Die in 1985, Cro-Mags's The Age Of Quarrel did in 1986, D.R.I.'s Crossover in 1987...

Does Leeway's debut release in 1989, namely Born To Expire, have genre-defying musicianship? Let's unravel it.

From the opening chords of "Rise And Fall," it's clear that Leeway were no ordinary hardcore band. Guitarists Novello and Gibbons deliver a dual assault of intricate riffs and lightning-fast solos that bear the influence of thrash metal titans like Metallica and Slayer. Their technical proficiency is evident during "Mark Of The Squealer" and "Be Loud", where the complexity of the guitar challenges traditional expectations of hardcore simplicity. The rhythmic drumming is equally formidable, while bass lines adds a robust foundation, often driving the songs forward with a sense of urgency and power that complements the crushing drums. The synergy is particularly evident in "Enforcer", providing the perfect backdrop for the band's explosive energy. Vocalist Eddie Sutton's delivery on the album is raw and passionate, capturing visceral emotions on "Defy You" and "Self Defense", imbuing them with a sense of defiance and empowerment.

Born To Expire sounds sharp and polished, yet retains the raw edge essential to its hardcore roots. The production quality allows each instrument to shine without diminishing the overall intensity, resulting in sonical escapades that feel both expansive and therapeutic, and successfully earning the record its position as a seminal release in the crossover thrash genre, influencing countless bands. The blend of hardcore attitude and thrash metal precision set a new standard for what could be achieved within the genre. Bands like Suicidal Tendencies or D.R.I. may have laid the groundwork, but Leeway accelerated the level, crafting an album that remains a touchstone for fans and musicians alike.

If you're a fan of NYHC or crossover, Leeway's Born To Expire is definitely worth your time. While it may not be groundbreaking, it's an album that delivers fun, and is well worth a listen for the experience it offers.

Highlights: "Enforcer", "Self Defence", "Defy You", and "Enforcer"