Leathermouth

ByLets Go Punk
Leathermouth were a Frank Iero-led hardcore punk band formed in 2007

Leathermouth, sometimes typeset as LeATHERMØUTH, was an American hardcore punk band led by Frank Iero, formed in 2007 and best known for the album XØ, released in January 2009.

How the band came together

Leathermouth started in 2007 when a group of friends around My Chemical Romance rhythm guitarist Frank Iero began working on songs. Iero heard demo tracks and initially wanted to sign the band to his independent label, Skeleton Crew. He became a member after the previous singer did not deliver lyrics, taking on the role of lyricist and lead vocalist.

Iero described the band as an outlet for frustrations with the political and social climate, and said writing lyrics also helped him cope with anxiety and depression. For Iero, Leathermouth marked his first project with lead vocals and lyric writing since Pencey Prep.

First shows and early touring plans

Leathermouth played their first shows in the summer of 2008, appearing alongside Warship during Reggie and the Full Effect’s late 2008 “Farewell Tour.” Iero said he hoped to tour with Leathermouth when he was not working with My Chemical Romance.

Signing to Epitaph and releasing XØ

In October 2008, Leathermouth signed to Epitaph Records rather than releasing material through Iero’s label. Iero said that, with his commitments to My Chemical Romance and the other projects connected to his label, it would have been difficult for him to handle promotion on his own. Epitaph president Brett Gurewitz praised the intensity and songwriting.

The band released their first studio album, XØ, on January 27, 2009. While it did not enter the Billboard 200, it reached No. 21 on the Top Heatseekers chart.

Lineup changes and later appearances

In a 2012 interview, Iero said many of the other members had turned to religion and decided not to continue in Leathermouth. He also said he would like to keep the band going, but was unsure if it would happen.

Leathermouth performed on May 19, 2013 at New Jersey’s Skate and Surf Festival, sharing the bill with acts including Glassjaw, Rx Bandits, and A Day to Remember. On September 13, 2018, Iero announced that XØ would finally be released on vinyl through Epitaph on November 9, 2018.

Influences they named

  • Ink & Dagger
  • Black Flag
  • Motörhead
  • The Bronx

Band members

  • Frank Iero, lead vocals (2007–2010, 2013)
  • Rob Hughes, lead guitar and backing vocals (2007–2010, 2013)
  • Ed Auletta, rhythm guitar (2008–2010, 2013)
  • John McGuire, bass and backing vocals (2008–2010, 2013)
  • James Dewees, drums and percussion (2008–2010, 2013)

Former members

  • Andrew Escobar, bass and backing vocals (2007)
  • Vincent Averelli, rhythm guitar (2007)
  • Steve Oyola, drums and percussion (2007)

Discography

  • XØ (2009)

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