Review | No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All

Silver Lining Music

Sometimes there are releases that initially make you wonder, why do we need this?
Because a classic album like Metallica’s ‘Kill ‘Em All’ didn’t just happen to take the metal music world by storm in 1983.

NOT JUST A COVER ALBUM

On closer inspection, however, this is not just a cover album, but a tribute from several bands that were at the cradle of Metallica’s sound. Bands that were hugely important in shaping the sound that conquered the world as the band Metallica. Bands like Diamond Head and Motörhead were indescribably important to the young band members, who were making their way in the Bay Area underground circuit. Without a doubt, this debut album laid the foundation for one of the greatest metal bands on the planet. And now their idols are paying tribute to their debut album. In that sense, the circle is complete.

This tribute has been put together with love for the original work. It is clear that the bands have all put a lot of effort into the songs they have recorded. In the original order, the bands express their appreciation and vision of these classic Metallica songs. All with the deepest respect for the original performances.

THE CONTRIBUTORS

Tailgunner kicks off with ,,Hit The Lights’’, which in my opinion is a slightly too intense anabolic version. The Almighty steps out of their comfort zone with ,,The Four Horsemen’’. And Soen delivers a cool version of ,,Motorbreath’’. What is particularly striking is that the production of the entire record has definitely had a significant upgrade compared to the original album. The sound has really been brought up to 2025. Nice.

Tygers Of Pan Tang jump into the deep with ,,Jump In The Fire’’, and former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson manages to reproduce one of the coolest bass solos in metal history ,,(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth’’, in a dignified manner. Well done, although I could have done without the little ,,For Whom The Bell Tolls’’ addition at the end.

THE REAL FIREWORKS

As far as I’m concerned, however, the real fireworks on this tribute album start with Motörhead‘s performance of ,,Whiplash’’. Which, of course, was recorded much earlier. [2017] Lemmy and his boys rule big time. Saxon also makes a nice contribution with ,,Phantom Lord’’.

The heroes of young Ulrich and company, Diamond Head, who have often been covered by Metallica in the past, now do the opposite and play a cool version of ,,No Remorse’’.

Bay Area giants Testament capture one of the coolest recordings of ,,Seek & Destroy’’ on record. If you know the original inside out, you can hear the subtle additions the guys have made to the arrangement. Without a doubt the coolest performance on this record. Another influence on the young Metallica guys was Raven. And the Gallagher brothers do that with military precision. ,,Metal Militia’’ closes this disc, just like the original.

NO LIFE ‘TIL LEATHER – THE CONCLUSION

In any case, it is clear that every band that contributed to this ‘tribute to Kill ‘Em All’ did their very best and hold the gentlemen of Metallica in high regard.

Overall, this has become a worthy and successful tribute.

Release date: 14 November 2025