Leeway Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
Thanks to Run-D.M.C, Dana Dane and other rappers, Profile became one of the top independent labels in the mid-1980s. The label (which was second only to Fantasy among independents) was also quite strong in dance music, but in rock, Profile was far from well known. In the late '80s, Profile set out to change that by signing Leeway, Murphy's Law, the Cro-Mags and other rockers. While the signings didn't establish Profile as one of rock's heavy hitters, they certainly weren't anything to be ashamed of. A decent thrash metal band from Queens, Leeway showed some promise on the exhilarating Born to Expire. Forceful tunes like "Self Defense," "Tools for War" and "Defy You" bring to mind Anthrax and Testament, and like those bands, Leeway was one of the more accessible units to come out of thrash. A departure from the other songs on the CD, "Catholic High School (Girls In Trouble)" combines funk and rap with Leeway's metal foundation. The CD received little attention, although Leeway did have potential. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Quite similar to its predecessor, Born to Expire, but slightly stronger, Desperate Measures is a thrash metal CD for metalheads who aren't necessarily big thrash enthusiasts. On "All About Dope" (which describes the agonizing effects of drugs), "Make Me an Offer," "Stand For," and other songs, Leeway still showed itself to be one of the more accessible bands in the thrash genre. Anthrax and Testament were still valid comparisons, although a bit more Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne influence was asserting itself. But make no mistake, Desperate Measures is blistering. There's no shortage of angst, testosterone or adrenaline on this disc, which wasn't a big seller by any means. Leeway never had anything more than a small following, and a commercial breakthrough continued to elude the high-volume New Yorkers. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
