LeATHERMOUTH to Epitaph: Debut Album in Early 2009

Recent stirrings had indicated that LeATHERMOUTH had been in talks with a record company who’s named rhymed with “smepitaph.”

And now it’s official: LeATHERMOUTH has signed on with Epitaph records and will likely release their debut album in early 2009.

Frontman and lyricist Frank Iero had the following to say on the deal: “I’ve been a fan of the label ever since I was young. They take chances with the artists they work with, and they let their artists be themselves. I have a great deal of respect for Epitaph, and when I decided that I didn’t want to release the LeATHERMOUTH record myself there was only one other label that I felt would be right for this project. I feel honored to be accepted into the Epitaph family, it is something that I’ve thought about ever since I was a kid. I hope I don’t fuck it up.”

LeATHERMOUTH is the much darker project Iero has been working with since that OTHER band he’s in went on a supposed-but-not-really hiatus. They recently opened for Reggie and the Full Effect (Reggie frontman Dewees doubles LeATHERMOUTH’s current drummer) in a US tour that also featured geek hip-hop star MC Chris. You can check out some Buzznet exclusive shots from their show at Diesel in Pittsburgh, PA here. Buzznet‘s Cubist Manifesto also wrote a review of two of their shows, one of which featured special guest star: Drunk Ray Toro.

Word of warning, don’t go to their show expecting to hear anything from The Black Parade. In fact, Frank has taken time at shows to point out to fans that LeATHERMOUTH is NOT the same experience they’re used to. However, Frank’s friend/bandmate Gerard Way praised the CD in a blog entry in August, saying “Frank gave it to me in Mexico and I can easily say it’s my favorite post-hardcore record of the year, so I know you will at least enjoy the songs if you don’t know the words.”

Are you excited for LeATHERMOUTH’s debut album?