#NowPlaying the recent album "Violent Horror Stories" by the band #Leatherhead from #Greece
#SpeedMetal #HeavyMetal #AlbumsOf2026
Personal Rating: 7 / 10
Recommended Tracks: "Crimson Eyes", "Children of the Beast", "Dreamcatcher", "Something Evil (This Way comes)", "V.H.S", "Incubus"
https://leatherheadgr.bandcamp.com/album/violent-horror-stories
Steel is a sucker for a band trying their absolute best to bring back the bountiful glory of the 80s metal sound. Enter Greek retro fiends Leatherhead and their second full-length crusade, Violent Horror Stories. I happened to stumble upon their lead single “V.H.S” while scrolling on YouTube and mistook them for yet another thrash revival group, but I was mistaken. Though this is often speedy, high-energy stuff, it plays out more like a loving nod to the salad days of US power metal than any kind of beer and BO thrash-fest. Over the course of Violent Horror Stories, the listener can expect to be reminded of early Queensrÿche, Agent Steel, Crimson Glory, even John Arch-era Fates Warning, but you know, faster. In short, this was not the sweaty leather I expected to try on for size this week.
Things open with the aforementioned “V.H.S.” which pays homage to all those “found footage” horror gems of the 90s and 00s while walking a fine line between an all-out thrash ethos and the over-the-top speed-power of Agent Steel. The guitar work is crisp, sharp, and reeks of early days Annihilator as frontman Tolis Mekras goes ALL in with his ample high-pitched vocal destruction. His enthusiasm and commitment to excess make the song all the more entertaining, especially as things speed up to the point where the band seems as if they’re losing control. After this jolt of high voltage, the pace dials back for the riffy and still quite zippy “Summoning the Dead,” before launching into the extra fun Agent Steel meets Savatage charge of “The Visitors,” which finds Tolis doing some Jon Oliva-esque oddball screams. This one is irresistible fun for one and all and I keep going back to it again and again.
The album’s big centerpiece is the 7-minute mega-epic “Children of the Beast,” where all restraint is jettisoned in favor of MOAR. Moar large scale vocals, moar guitar solos, more unchained emotions, moar of every fucking thing. And you know what? I like it! It rocks that same regal coolness that early Queensrÿche and Crimson Glory exuded back in the day, and it’s even more of a spectacle than Holdeneye at an $8 all-you-can-eat BBQ stand after a 3-day juice cleanse. Tolis delivers the goods with an emotionally-charged performance, building peaks and valleys as the guitar work impresses with its scope and scale. The last 2 minutes are like a rocket ride to Valhalla with an overserved Thor fighting a much drunker frost giant in the backseat while you’re trying to navigate, and you know that’s a good time! Elsewhere, “Crimson Eyes” sounds like something Sumerlands could have included on their debut, and “Something Wicked (This Way Comes)” sounds a whole lot like it fell off Agent Steel’s debut Skeptics Apocalyse. With no dead space or filler, the skinny 37-plus minutes of Violent Horror Stories is a fast-paced, high-octane spin with little getting in the way of a good time unless you struggle with high-register vocal antics.1
Tolis Mekras is the center of the Leatherhead experience, with his impressive, if not always completely controlled, vocals injecting themselves into your ears like an overpowered mining laser. He reminds me of Arthur W. Andersson of Trial at some points, and Alpha Tiger’s Stephan Dietrich at others, but the main point of reference has to be the ever-mysterious John Cyriis of Agent Steel. As with any vocalist of this ilk, he’ll be a love or hate factor, and he’s sure to alienate those who want everyone to sound tired and listless at the mic. Keeping up with Tolis, guitar tandem Thanos Metalios and Jim Komninos bring Olympian thunder down with a never-ending stream of 80s-centric speed, thrash, and classic metal riffs loaded with big hooks. There’s a lot of Jeff Water-esque noodling and speed-pluckery in the material, and it makes me wish Waters was able to write songs this entertaining after 1990.
Violent Horror Stories sounds like a bunch of friends having an absolute blast making unhinged metal for the filthy masses. Leatherhead have chops and an ear for hooks, and you will be entertained by the glorious end product of their labors. This pairs well with bands like Ambush, so don the appropriate headgear, put this on blast, and start smashing your skull into the wall in the name of all things metal. You won’t be sorry, but you may be unconscious.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: No Remorse
Websites: leatherheadgr.bandcamp.com/album | facebook.com/leatherheadofficial | instagram.com/leatherhead_band
Releases Worldwide: February 13th, 2026
Leatherhead announces second album “Violent Horror Stories” arriving February 2026 via No Remorse Records, new video out now
No Remorse Records confirms the return of Greek speed metal force LEATHERHEAD with the release of their second full length album, titled “Violent Horror Stories”. The record will be available worldwide on February 13th 2026.
The new album marks an important step forward for the band. Their 2024 self titled debut earned strong praise for its raw energy and traditional heavy metal spirit, and “Violent Horror Stories” pushes that foundation into darker and more aggressive territory. The band embraces a fully developed horror heavy metal identity, sharpening both atmosphere and intensity across the new material.
The first preview of the album is already available. The video for the opening track “V.H.S.” has been released and can be viewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?utm_source=copilot.com&v=KIU05ddLTW0&feature=youtu.be
“Violent Horror Stories” was produced by LEATHERHEAD together with George Kougioumtzoglou. Mastering was handled by Arthur Rizk, and the cover artwork was created by Mario Lopez.
Tracklist
Line up Tolis Mekras – Vocals Thanos Metalios – Guitar Dimitris Komninos – Guitar George Bradley – Bass Michalis Zounarakis – Drums
No Remorse Records: Official links: https://www.noremorse.gr
No Remorse Records Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NoRemorseRecordsGreece
No Remorse Records Instagram https://www.instagram.com/noremorserecords
Leatherhead Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeatherHeadofficial
Leatherhead Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leatherhead_band
Leatherhead Bandcamp: https://leatherheadgr.bandcamp.com
#HeavyMetal #leatherhead #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #noRemorseRecords #NWOTHM #speedMetal #thenwothm #ViolentHorrorStories
Surrey Police have been investigating a large building in Leatherhead after reports of a strong, unusual smell | Hannah Thomas
#Surrey #Leatherhead #Cannabis Seizure
https://kentandsurreybylines.co.uk/region/surrey/1-7mn-worth-of-cannabis-discovered-in-leatherhead-property/?fsp_sid=962
18th September:
Work:
2I37 14:51 #Leatherhead to #Epsom: On time.
24 #Southern On time.
12 #SWR On time.
27 #GWR On time
2 #ElizabethLine On time
5 #Thameslink On time.
1 #SouthEastern On time.
77 / 156 trains On time.
#GWR delays: 2 hours & 52 minutes.
#SWR delays: 49 minutes.
#Southern delays: 1 hour & 8 minutes.
#Thameslink delays: 18 minutes.
#SouthEastern delays: 2 minutes.
Total delays: 5 hours & 9 minutes.
2 #SWR Cancellations (1 full Cancellation, 1 diverted due to disruption).
1 #ElizabethLine Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
10 #GWR Cancellation (3 part Cancellation, 7 Full Cancellation).
2 #Southern Cancellation (2 part Cancellation).
1 #Thameslink Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
1 train disruption diversion.
2024 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/113186014538727241
2023 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/111244666219790724
2022 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/109496100182749726
2021 stats:
https://x.com/rail_andy/status/1478805066882682881
15th September:
Work:
2I51 18:24 #Leatherhead to #Epsom: On time.
23 #Southern On time.
12 #SWR On time.
27 #GWR On time
2 #ElizabethLine On time
5 #Thameslink On time.
1 #SouthEastern On time.
76 / 155 trains On time.
#GWR delays: 2 hours & 52 minutes.
#SWR delays: 49 minutes.
#Southern delays: 1 hour & 8 minutes.
#Thameslink delays: 18 minutes.
#SouthEastern delays: 2 minutes.
Total delays: 5 hours & 9 minutes.
2 #SWR Cancellations (1 full Cancellation, 1 diverted due to disruption).
1 #ElizabethLine Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
10 #GWR Cancellation (3 part Cancellation, 7 Full Cancellation).
2 #Southern Cancellation (2 part Cancellation).
1 #Thameslink Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
1 train disruption diversion.
2024 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/113186014538727241
2023 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/111244666219790724
2022 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/109496100182749726
2021 stats:
https://x.com/rail_andy/status/1478805066882682881
10th September:
2I48 18:32 #Leatherhead to #Dorking (Main): 1 minute late.
1O81 18:55 #DorkingDeepdene to #Reigate: 11 minutes late.
Daily (#GWR) delays: 11 minutes.
Daily (#Southern) delays: 1 minute.
21 #Southern On time.
12 #SWR On time.
27 #GWR On time
2 #ElizabethLine On time
5 #Thameslink On time.
1 #SouthEastern On time.
74 / 152 trains On time.
#GWR delays: 2 hours & 52 minutes.
#SWR delays: 49 minutes.
#Southern delays: 1 hour & 6 minutes.
#Thameslink delays: 18 minutes.
#SouthEastern delays: 2 minutes.
Total delays: 5 hours & 7 minutes.
2 #SWR Cancellations (1 full Cancellation, 1 diverted due to disruption).
1 #ElizabethLine Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
10 #GWR Cancellation (3 part Cancellation, 7 Full Cancellation).
2 #Southern Cancellation (2 part Cancellation).
1 #Thameslink Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
1 train disruption diversion.
2024 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/113186014538727241
2023 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/111244666219790724
2022 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/109496100182749726
2021 stats:
3rd September:
1st attempt:
2V38 07:39 #Reigate to #DorkingDeepdene: Cancelled: broken down train.
2nd attempt:
Took Bus to Dorking, then got this:
1D18 08:31 #Dorking (Main) to #Leatherhead: On time.
1O80 18:29 #DorkingDeepdene to #Reigate: 10 minutes late: delayed by late running #SWR train between Ash & Guildford.
Daily (#GWR) delays: 10 minutes.
21 #Southern On time.
12 #SWR On time.
27 #GWR On time
2 #ElizabethLine On time
5 #Thameslink On time.
1 #SouthEastern On time.
74 / 150 trains On time.
#GWR delays: 2 hours & 41 minutes.
#SWR delays: 49 minutes.
#Southern delays: 1 hour & 5 minutes.
#Thameslink delays: 18 minutes.
#SouthEastern delays: 2 minutes.
Total delays: 4 hours & 55 minutes.
2 #SWR Cancellations (1 full Cancellation, 1 diverted due to disruption).
1 #ElizabethLine Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
10 #GWR Cancellation (3 part Cancellation, 7 Full Cancellation).
2 #Southern Cancellation (2 part Cancellation).
1 #Thameslink Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
27th August:
Work:
1D51 18:38 #Leatherhead to #Dorking (Main): On time.
1O81 18:55 #DorkingDeepdene to #Reigate: On time.
20 #Southern On time.
11 #SWR On time.
27 #GWR On time
2 #ElizabethLine On time
5 #Thameslink On time.
71 / 141 trains On time.
#GWR delays: 2 hours & 31 minutes.
#SWR delays: 49 minutes.
#Southern delays: 1 hour & 4 minutes.
#Thameslink delays: 2 minutes.
Total delays: 4 hours & 26 minutes.
2 #SWR Cancellations (1 full Cancellation, 1 diverted due to disruption).
1 #ElizabethLine Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
9 #GWR Cancellation (3 part Cancellation, 6 Full Cancellation).
2 #Southern Cancellation (2 part Cancellation).
1 train disruption diversion.
2024 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/113186014538727241
2023 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/111244666219790724
2022 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/109496100182749726
2021 stats:
https://twitter.com/rail_andy/status/1478805066882682881
20th August:
All smooth journeys:
2V38 07:39 #Reigate to #DorkingDeepdene: On time.
2I48 18:32 #Leatherhead to #Dorking (Main): On time.
1O81 18:55 #DorkingDeepdene: On time.
20 #Southern On time.
10 #SWR On time.
26 #GWR On time
2 #ElizabethLine On time
5 #Thameslink On time.
69 / 139 trains On time.
#GWR delays: 2 hours & 31 minutes.
#SWR delays: 49 minutes.
#Southern delays: 1 hour & 4 minutes.
#Thameslink delays: 2 minutes.
Total delays: 4 hours & 26 minutes.
2 #SWR Cancellations (1 full Cancellation, 1 diverted due to disruption).
1 #ElizabethLine Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
9 #GWR Cancellation (3 part Cancellation, 6 Full Cancellation).
2 #Southern Cancellation (2 part Cancellation).
1 train disruption diversion.
2024 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/113186014538727241
2023 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/111244666219790724
2022 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/109496100182749726
2021 stats:
https://twitter.com/rail_andy/status/1478805066882682881
6th August:
Way out cancelled, diverted via bus.
2V38 07:39 #Reigate to #DorkingDeepdene: Cancelled: More trains than usual needing repairs.
2nd attempt:
1D18 08:31 #Dorking (Main) to #Leatherhead: On time.
2I48 18:32 #Leatherhead to #Dorking (Main): 2 minutes late.
1O81 18:55 #DorkingDeepdene to #Reigate: 3 minutes late.
Daily (#Southern) delays: 2 minutes.
Daily (#GWR) delays: 3 minutes.
17 #Southern On time.
10 #SWR On time.
22 #GWR On time
1 #ElizabethLine On time
3 #Thameslink On time.
58 / 123 trains On time.
#GWR delays: 1 hour & 59 minutes.
#SWR delays: 49 minutes.
#Southern delays: 1 hour & 1 minute.
#Thameslink delays: 2 minutes.
Total delays: 3 hours & 51 minutes.
2 #SWR Cancellations (1 full Cancellation, 1 diverted due to disruption).
1 #ElizabethLine Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
8 #GWR Cancellation (2 part Cancellation, 6 Full Cancellation).
1 #Southern Cancellation (1 part Cancellation).
1 train disruption diversion.
2024 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/113186014538727241
9th July:
2V38 07:39 #Reigate to #DorkingDeepdene: On time.
1I48 18:13 #Leatherhead to #Dorking (Main): 1 minute late.
1O80 18:29 #DorkingDeepdene to #Reigate: 7 minutes late.
Daily (#GWR) delays: 2 minutes.
Daily (#Southern) delays: 1 minute.
17 #Southern On time.
9 #SWR On time.
19 #GWR On time
1 #ElizabethLine On time
3 #Thameslink On time.
54 / 112 trains On time.
#GWR delays: 1 hour & 48 minutes.
#SWR delays: 49 minutes.
#Southern delays: 59 minutes.
#Thameslink delays: 2 minutes.
Total delays: 3 hours & 38 minutes.
2 #SWR Cancellations (1 full Cancellation, 1 diverted due to disruption).
1 #ElizabethLine Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
6 #GWR Cancellation (2 part Cancellation, 4 Full Cancellation).
1 #Southern Cancellation (1 part Cancellation).
1 train disruption diversion.
2024 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/113186014538727241
2023 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/111244666219790724
2022 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/109496100182749726
2021 stats:
https://twitter.com/rail_andy/status/1478805066882682881
2nd July:
2V38 07:39 #Reigate to #DorkingDeepdene: On time.
Way back for 1st time in a while there was disruption & diverted via Epsom & got a bus:
1O81 18:55 #DorkingDeepdene to #Reigate: Cancelled: fault on the train.
2nd attempt:
2I51 18:24 #Leatherhead to #Epsom: On time.
17 #Southern On time.
9 #SWR On time.
18 #GWR On time
1 #ElizabethLine On time
3 #Thameslink On time.
53 / 109 trains On time.
#GWR delays: 1 hour & 41 minutes.
#SWR delays: 49 minutes.
#Southern delays: 58 minutes.
#Thameslink delays: 2 minutes.
Total delays: 3 hours & 30 minutes.
2 #SWR Cancellations (1 full Cancellation, 1 diverted due to disruption).
1 #ElizabethLine Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
6 #GWR Cancellation (2 part Cancellation, 4 Full Cancellation).
1 #Southern Cancellation (1 part Cancellation).
1 train disruption diversion.
2024 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/113186014538727241
2023 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/111244666219790724
2022 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/109496100182749726
2021 stats:
https://twitter.com/rail_andy/status/1478805066882682881
We have four walks this Saturday so something for everyone. Join us.
https://www.metropolitan-walkers.org.uk
#ramblersuk #hiking #walking #surrey #kent #heartfordshire #welwyngardencity #balcombe #leatherhead #lewes #boxhill #eastgrinstead
11th June:
Work:
2V38 07:39 #Reigate to #DorkingDeepdene: On time.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:P09889/2025-06-11/detailed#allox_id=0
2I48 18:32 #Leatherhead to #Dorking (Main): On time.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:Y32263/2025-06-11/detailed
1O81 18:55 #DorkingDeepdene to #Reigate: On time.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:P08545/2025-06-11/detailed#allox_id=0
15 #Southern On time.
9 #SWR On time.
16 #GWR On time
1 #ElizabethLine On time
3 #Thameslink On time.
49 / 98 trains On time.
#GWR delays: 1 hour & 33 minutes.
#SWR delays: 42 minutes.
#Southern delays: 49 minutes.
#Thameslink delays: 2 minutes.
Total delays: 3 hours & 6 minutes.
2 #SWR Cancellations (1 full Cancellation, 1 diverted due to disruption).
1 #ElizabethLine Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
4 #GWR Cancellation (1 part Cancellation, 3 Full Cancellation).
1 #Southern Cancellation (1 part Cancellation).
2024 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/113186014538727241
2023 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/111244666219790724
2022 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/109496100182749726
2021 stats:
https://twitter.com/rail_andy/status/1478805066882682881
28th May:
Work:
1D18 08:31 #Dorking (Main) to #Leatherhead: On time.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:L47032/2025-05-28/detailed#allox_id=0
2I48 18:32 #Leatherhead to #Dorking (Main): 3 minutes late.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:Y32263/2025-05-28/detailed
1O81 18:55 #DorkingDeepdene to #Reigate: 1 minute late.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:P08545/2025-05-28/detailed#allox_id=0
Daily delay (#Southern): 3 minutes.
Daily delay (#GWR): 1 minute.
14 #Southern On time.
9 #SWR On time.
14 #GWR On time
1 #ElizabethLine On time
3 #Thameslink On time.
46 / 93 trains On time.
#GWR delays: 1 hour & 15 minutes.
#SWR delays: 42 minutes.
#Southern delays: 49 minutes.
#Thameslink delays: 2 minutes.
Total delays: 2 hours & 48 minutes.
2 #SWR Cancellations (1 full Cancellation, 1 diverted due to disruption).
1 #ElizabethLine Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
4 #GWR Cancellation (1 part Cancellation, 3 Full Cancellation).
1 #Southern Cancellation (1 part Cancellation).
2024 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/113186014538727241
2023 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/111244666219790724
2022 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/109496100182749726
2021 stats:
https://twitter.com/rail_andy/status/1478805066882682881
23rd April:
Work:
2V38 07:39 #Reigate to #DorkingDeepdene: On time.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:Y23567/2025-04-23/detailed#allox_id=0
2I48 18:32 #Leatherhead to #Dorking (Main):On time.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:W39730/2025-04-23/detailed
1O81 18:55 #DorkingDeepdene to #Reigate: 1 minute late.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:Y22267/2025-04-23/detailed#allox_id=0
Daily (#GWR) delay: 1 minute.
11 #Southern On time.
6 #SWR On time.
11 #GWR On time
1 #ElizabethLine On time
2 #Thameslink On time.
36 / 73 trains On time.
#GWR delays: 1 hour & 1 minute.
#SWR delays: 38 minutes.
#Southern delays: 46 minutes.
#Thameslink delays: 2 minutes.
Total delays: 2 hours & 27 minutes.
2 #SWR Cancellations (1 full Cancellation, 1 diverted due to disruption).
1 #ElizabethLine Cancellation (1 full Cancellation).
2 #GWR Cancellation (1 part Cancellation, 1 Full Cancellation).
1 #Southern Cancellation (1 part Cancellation).
2024 stats:
https://mastodonapp.uk/@RailAndy/113186014538727241
2023 stats:
Access for All Project at Leatherhead Station Completed http://dlvr.it/TKY8VV #AccessforAll #DepartmentforTransport #Leatherhead #Network
Access for All Project at Leatherhead Station Completed http://dlvr.it/TKY7hB #AccessforAll #DepartmentforTransport #Leatherhead #Network
