LEATHERWOLF hideaway 12IS416

The Triple Axe Attack: Leatherwolf’s ‘Hideaway’ 12-Inch (12 IS 416)

Today’s entry focuses on a melodic slice of American heavy metal from the late 80s. We are looking at the 1989 UK 12-inch single Hideaway by Leatherwolf, released on Island Records with the catalog number 12 IS 416.

Hailing from California, Leatherwolf was famous in the metal scene for their unique “Triple Axe Attack,” featuring three guitarists (Michael Olivieri, Carey Howe, and Geoff Gayer) which created a massive, textured wall of sound. This single is lifted from their highly polished 1989 album Street Ready.

The title track, Hideaway, showcases the band’s shift toward a more accessible, radio-friendly sound during this period, blending their US power metal roots with AOR sensibilities. It features huge vocal harmonies and memorable hooks, produced by Kevin Beamish, who was known for delivering a pristine, commercial rock sound.

The B-side includes two additional tracks: Too Much and Rule The Night. These tracks further demonstrate the band’s technical proficiency and ability to craft high-energy melodic metal.

For collectors, 12 IS 416 is a nice find from the tail end of the 80s vinyl era. As a 12-inch single running at 45 RPM, this pressing offers superior audio fidelity with wider dynamic range and punchier bass compared to the standard LP version. It captures the band at their most melodic, just before the musical landscape shifted in the 90s.