Founded in 1984, Chastain emerged as a powerhouse of American heavy metal, driven by the neoclassical precision of guitar virtuoso David T. Chastain. Based in Cincinnati, the band became a cornerstone of the Shrapnel Records era, a time when technical proficiency and “shred” guitar were reaching their zenith. Unlike many of their contemporaries who focused solely on instrumental flair, Chastain prioritized songcraft, blending intricate, sophisticated guitar work with the grit of what would become known years later as power metal.
A defining element of the band’s identity and their greatest weapon is the legendary vocalist Leather Leone. At a time when the metal scene was overwhelmingly male-dominated, Leone established herself as one of the most powerful and commanding voices in the genre.
Her performance on The Voice of the Cult remains a masterclass in metal vocals, characterized by a rasping, aggressive delivery that never sacrifices melody. Her chemistry with David T. Chastain’s darkening compositions elevated the band from a technical project to a true cult icon of the underground.
Originally released in 1988 and now re-issued by Nameless Grave Records, The Voice of the Cult is widely regarded as one of the best works in the genre and the title track has stood the test of time to be considered a true heavy metal anthm. This definitive CD reissue features an all-new layout and a 16-page booklet including insightful liner notes by Sarah Kitteringham. To further cement its status as an essential artifact of 80s heavy metal, the release includes two bonus demo tracks, featuring one unreleased song that has never been heard by fans until now.
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Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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