I am scared of Frank Iero.

Finally Iero, the unsung talent of My Chemical Romance, is taking matters into his own claws with LeATHERMOUTH, Epitaph's latest spawn, and he's taking the piss and vinegar out of every Hot Topic tartlet from here to Los Angeles and beyond. And thank god.

"XO" harkens back to the Halcyon days of Epitaph where punk bands were a menace to your eardrums and aural sensibilities, and punk was only something that you could make, never buy. Co-founding member Rob Hughes (guitar) and Iero (vocals) are brewing up a toxic supply of filth that any hardcore fan will be thankful for after too many Cute-Is-How-We-Disco-With-Our-Paramore-type bands. Basement grunge pits everywhere shall reclaim the grit that once they held golden.

There is nothing remotely decipherable about any of the lyrics, but that's hardly the point. You don't need to know them to understand that Iero is pissed right the ***k off and no longer afraid to tell us exactly how he feels. So what exactly might be the source of his anger? Well, song titles like "I'm Going to Kill the President of the United States of America" and "5th Period Massacre" are probably good clues. So, too, is their album cover with the band name cut out over an American flag (Note to future interviewers: If you want them to do all the talking, bring up Guantanamo or Iraq).

Each track wails with distortion and grind as Iero, the demented fallen angel as vocalist, wrathfully curdles the listeners blood with intent and fury: If he's going to be dragged down to hell, he's going to take a few of you with him. I wouldn't be surprised if Iero and co. are big Gallows fans as the manic, tripping guitar chords frame the clamouring ferocity of vocals in perfect Frank Carter et al.-style. It's a good Rule Of Thumb: always emulate the insane and insanely talented.

The downside to "XO" would necessarily be the pretty package put around such rough edges. I desire less sleek production quality as I feel it likely has put a damper on some on the impact LeATHERMOUTH is packing. There is grime under their tongues, and - dammit! - I want to feel it hit my cheek when it's spat out in all its justified vengeance.

Another downside? With a new American government newly in place, many of the irritants from the last eight years that birthed "XO" are mostly removed. As to whether or not LeATHERMOUTH will continue to comment (indecipherably but passionately) on political flaws and ire under Obama's administration is yet to be seen.

Track Listing:

1. 5th Period Massacre
2. Catch Me If You Can
3. This Song Is About Being Attacked By Monsters
4. I Am Going To Kill The President Of The United States of America
5. Murder Was The Case That They Gave Me
6. Sunsets Are For Muggings
7. My Lovenote Has Gone Flat
8. Your Friends Are Full of Shit
9. Bodysnatchers 4 Ever
10. Leviathan