Eighteen months in the studio is a long time, but Leather Laces put that time to good use. On Intercontinental Ballistic Music, the anonymous Italian industrial metal outfit emerges with a record that feels carefully constructed without losing its raw impact. Hidden behind riot gear and rooted in the mythology of the Devisal universe, the band leans fully into its dystopian vision, delivering an album that explores control, conflict, and the uneasy relationship between humanity and technology.
The opening track, “Extruder-Destroyer,” wastes no time getting started. Mechanical rhythms, aggressive synths, and grinding guitars arrive in full force, setting the tone for what follows. The album rarely lets up from there. “Mind Control Techniques” taps into themes of manipulation and surveillance, while “Deployed to Hell” pushes the militaristic atmosphere even further, sounding like the soundtrack to a battle fought somewhere between the physical and digital worlds.
Instead of presenting a collection of unrelated heavy tracks, Leather Laces build a consistent environment from beginning to end. The recurring imagery of resistance, obedience, and technological domination gives the record a clear identity, while the blend of electronics and metal keeps the sound dynamic throughout.
The production deserves credit as well. The layers of synthesizers and guitars feel deliberate rather than excessive, creating a dense wall of sound that remains surprisingly easy to follow. Even during its most intense moments, the album never feels cluttered.
“Unit Goes Home” immediately shifts the mood. There is still darkness here, but also a sense of aftermath, as if the dust has finally settled after the conflict. It is a fitting ending to a record that spends much of its runtime examining what happens when the line between man and machine begins to disappear.
With Intercontinental Ballistic Music, Leather Laces skillfully create a world, invite listeners into it, and commit to the vision from start to finish. The result is an industrial metal release that feels focused, immersive, and unapologetically intense!
