ALBUM REVIEW: L.A. Guns – Leopard Skin: A Fresh Blast of Rock in 2025

I love that the bands I grew up with are still cranking out new music in 2025. It’s always baffled me when fans say they adore a band but haven’t bothered with anything they’ve released in decades. Sure, the classics are great, but aren’t you curious about what else they’ve got up their sleeves? You don’t have to snatch up every single album, but sticking to the same old playlist for 30 years feels like missing out on some hidden gems.

Enter Leopard Skin, the latest from L.A. Guns, out now on Cleopatra Records. This album’s got something for everyone: high-octane rockers like “Lucky Motherfucker” that hit you like a freight train, alongside slower, moodier tracks like “Hit and Run” and “The Masque.” Then there’s “Runaway Train,” a wild curveball that’s unlike anything I’ve heard from them before—and quite possibly my favorite on the record. The songwriting here is so tight, I’m already itching to hear these cuts live. Word on the street is they’re hitting the road this year with the Tom Keifer Band, so keep an eye on their website for tour dates.

What stands out is that the whole band pitched in on writing, according to the liner notes. That teamwork shines through—there’s a cohesion here that you don’t always get when it’s just one or two masterminds calling the shots. L.A. Guns have always had a knack for crafting songs where every piece fits just right. No one’s showboating with endless solos or overpowering the mix—sorry, Yngwie Malmsteen fans, no 30-minute shred-fests here. The guitar work serves the song, and it’s all killer, no filler. Every track earns its spot.

Leopard Skin is a hook-filled, melody-drenched delight—perfectly mixed and balanced from start to finish. If you’re a diehard rocker who still worships the ’80s glory days, this one’s for you. But don’t get it twisted: this isn’t some nostalgic retread. L.A. Guns aren’t stuck in the past—they’ve evolved naturally, delivering a record that feels fresh while staying true to their roots. These songs grab you fast with their infectious hooks, making it an instant add to my regular rotation.

Think of Leopard Skin as ear candy with a kick—familiar yet exciting, like catching up with an old friend who’s still got new stories to tell. Don’t sleep on this one just because you’ve got Cocked & Loaded on repeat. Go grab a copy, crank it up, and let it surprise you. If you don’t, well, you’re only cheating yourself.

About Tommy Sommers 79 Articles
Photographer and reviewer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota