Leize
Deborando Las Calles

Here is another interesting Spanish band, originating from Zestoa (Basque Country) and one of the most important entities in the Iberian hard 'n' heavy scene. Leize was formed in 1982 and it took them a good 6 years to release their debut album. However, during this period, they released a demo and three singles (Mini LP). "Deborando las Calles," released in 1988, will include four tracks from their last two singles ("Devorando las calles" and "Soñador/Beso Frio").

 

This record is their first and only Heavy Metal album, the sound is not clear but direct and impactful. In subsequent albums, their genre will shift towards Urban Rock, themes of which are rooted in social protest against society. This is certainly the band's most representative work and the one that gave them considerable notoriety on a national level, particularly among metalheads. As already stated earlier, the only flaw might be the not-so-perfect sound, perhaps like all first works of bands, which almost always show some defects. In any case, this does not diminish the good musical level of Leize, who, on the contrary, put passion and grit into every single song.

The excellent form will also continue with the next album, although the metal influence will make way for Urban Rock, thus distancing itself from the original sound that characterized the band in the '80s. "Soñador" and "Beso Frio" are examples of this, with direct and powerful riffs, heavy and incisive bass, and well-suited vocal lines. "Sangre de Barrio" and "Devorando las Calles" are direct attacks on the lack of freedom and the inability to express one's desire for rebellion. In this context, in my opinion, the fact that the band comes from the Basque Country plays a key role, as we all know they aspire to independence. I emphasize that Leize are anything but a band that supports violent themes, on the contrary, in "Muros" fanatism and militarism used as instruments to justify certain ideals are contested. There are also criticisms of the "nation's uniforms" and the "war heroes who fight for the flag," according to the song's lyrics.

"Principes del Placer" is the closing track and also deals with social themes, especially the fact that to survive many people are forced to take actions not exactly "chic" in the eyes of society, which shows narrow-mindedness towards them. These verses best summarize the essence of the song: "Ya se colocan en las esquinas, los llamados príncipes del placer, Jóvenes con hambre que ofrecen su cuerpo por necesidad" "Salen de los guetos, del hedor a suburbio, en cualquier ciudad. No hay sentimiento en sus miradas sino una mezcla de odio y de rencor".

Leize is almost unknown in Italy and their name has rarely emerged beyond national borders. Recommended to all fans of "rude" and "protest" Heavy Metal from the '80s. This band also deserves at least some listening, setting aside the prejudices regarding the fact that they sing in their native language (Spanish) and not in English, and therefore should not be unfairly ignored for this reason.

Enjoy listening!!!