My Chemical Romance Guitarist Talks Side-Project

In between working with My Chemical Romance, guitarist Frank Iero has been keeping busy with his new band, Leathermouth, who are planning to release their debut album, "XO", on January 26.

In a blog posting on the band's website, he writes, "So yes its true, as of October 2008, little old Leathermouth has signed to Epitaph records. January 2009, we will be releasing a 10 song full length compact disc. [...] I've been completely stressed out finishing the artwork before deadlines so I apologize if my update doesn't make a lot of sense... But... I just wanted to say I am very excited to have this record released and even more excited to be working with one of my favorite labels, Epitaph."

He adds, "Damn it feels like its been a lifetime of waiting for this record to see the light of day.. but it really is a dream come true... Every step of this journey has been a blast, from the first practice, to touring with [Reggie and the Full Effect], and now seeing the artwork come to life. I apologize to everyone that has been waiting along with us but fuck man, I've been busy... and we really wanted to make sure everything was right and now... Finally, I truly feel its coming out right. So thank you again for sticking with us and trusting that one day something would eventually hit your stereo in its face. We hope its worth the wait."

My Chemical Romance is currently taking some time off before their next album with band members using the time to focus on other endeavors. Singer Gerard Way is preparing to release the next installment of "The Umbrella Academy", a series of comics written by Way himself. "The Umbrella Academy: Dallas" is set to be released on November 26 but you can catch a sneak-peak of the first three pages here.

Report by David Lowe-Bianco.

Comments

[StereoFlare]

I was surprised with TBP and I mean that in a good way. With the exception of the almost eponymous track it was flawless and had a lot of technicality to it that music has been missing lately. I hope that his side project is as good the whole of MCR.

[shyalicia]

wow. was not expecting that. good for them!

A word of warning:

Absolutely NO MCR bashing. You will receive a warning for it.

[wooftang999]

isn't that an elliot smith album name?

[Shabalaba]

Not heard of them, they a similar style to MCR or totally different?

[Cheesepuff]

Shabalaba wrote:

Not heard of them, they a similar style to MCR or totally different?

Totally differennt

[punkforlife93]

I just checked out their myspace and it's actually pretty good stuff. And MCR isn't even on their top friends, ahaha!

[stumaster18]

The comic is dumb

[inferi596]

im so excited for this, their guitarist is amazing and its been so long since we've even had a little dose of mcr

[G0dzilla]

Hmm sounds interesting, MCR is awesome and he's a good guitarist, i'll be listening to this then.

I do hope that MCR start working on some new stuff soon though..

[jetfuel495]

I know I say this on almost every news article, but I'm gonna have to check this out.

[Nightfyre]

Frank's a pretty good guitarist. Haven't heard any of Leathermouth's stuff yet, but this could be interesting.

[break-me-in]

I have yet to hear any Leathermouth, but I think it has potential.

[_GoingBlind_]

The music is suprising. I wasn't expecting it, cool though. I am a MCR fan...kinda, but this shows off a cool technical side to Franks playing

[kgesme21]

I like the look of the comic, definitly a Hellboy artstyle feel. As for being on topic, I haven't heard of the side project before. Might have to give them a listen.

[k90728]

I'm not a MCR fan but the guitarist is good. i hope its a punk record!(me guessin cuz its being released on epitaph)

[--ATREYUROCK--]

_GoingBlind_ wrote:

The music is suprising. I wasn't expecting it, cool though. I am a MCR fan...kinda, but this shows off a cool technical side to Franks playing

Frank dosen't play guitar in Leathermouth, he's the vocalist

I love MCR and Leathermouth, they are two completely different bands though, but I'm getting the CD when it comes out

[Spay]

Awesome. I never cared for Gerard Way but I love the guitarists. Can't wait to hear this.

[uberphreak]

MCRs guitar work is awesome, so assuming he contributes to the guitar (in writing at least) then this band should be pretty good. I'll check them out

[Whit_f-ing_ROX]

comic is retarded. band too

[Whit_f-ing_ROX]

not MCR - leathermouth. lame. MCR is cool

[TheBurningFish]

Sounds like somewhere between the first and second MCR album, only with more yelling, and with a few cool riffs.

I look forward to ignoring my friends while they nitter about how Iero's the best musician ever/Leathermouth's the best band ever/How hot Iero is/MCR vs Leathermouth etcetera, et-****ing-cetera.

[lao123]

I don't really like Leathermouth. I listened to a song on YouTube, its that screaming metal, not sure if its death metal though. I guess Frank isn't built for proper singing.

[redstapler1228]

wow, my drummer's sister used to be in a band with him...

[m1chael w0rkman]

wooftang999 wrote:

isn't that an elliot smith album name?

yeah, but something tells me leathermouth and elliott are just a tad different in music styles haha

[NemX162]

Damn, when I saw the article name I was hoping it was gonna be Ray! Oh well, hopefully this is cool.

[archangelseren]

good ile ne waiting

[NemX162]

Shit, I just listened to some on youtube, I love it!

[mcraddict81592]

Fucking epic news.
Frank is hands down my favorite guitarist
The only thing that worries me is that this might get in the way of the next mcr album timing wise...

[HGF]

I only like the guitarists, both of them, from this band

[DirkLance]

lao123 wrote:

I don't really like Leathermouth. I listened to a song on YouTube, its that screaming metal, not sure if its death metal though. I guess Frank isn't built for proper singing.

It's just hardcore music. Standard Epitaph stuff. Definitely not my kind of stuff though. I'd rather listen to MCR.

[chrisdazzo]

Totally thought this was going to sound like MCR, but boy was I wrong. Oh well.

[ThatCostsMoney]

i thoguht it was the good guitarist of the band not this guy...

[seveninsign]

although not really my style, i bet they put on a good live show, judging from what frank does when playing with my chem. i remember him breaking his guitar strap, and then proceeding to swing the guitar around in circles when i saw them. it was pretty intense to see haha. it's a pretty big departure from what my chem is though, and according to another post, he's doing the singing in this band, so he'll probably have more freedom to move around and rock out. might be exciting to see.

[rhyezkie]

Ray Toro has to create his own band coz he's such a good guitarist=)

[The Spoon]

I really like Franks side project. Nice to know they're finally coming out with material.

[wooftang999]

m1chael w0rkman wrote:

wooftang999 wrote:

isn't that an elliot smith album name?


yeah, but something tells me leathermouth and elliott are just a tad different in music styles haha

meh won't be listening then :P o well

[braineater.]

finally, leathermouth! they've only been promising for like, a year and a half. i'm beyond excited agh.

[*Loooza_LotZ!*]

leathermouth's music is alot heavier than MCR but it's still good. Frank Iero's Pencey Prep side-project were awesome so i expect big things from this band

[edibledevilboy]

i was hoping this was Ray Toro, but having listened I've underrated Frank... it's really good, and i'm not normally into this type of Hardcore.. it's pretty accessible, could go far

[harpcicle]

epic fail at life

[Masonpwiley]

lao123 wrote:

I don't really like Leathermouth. I listened to a song on YouTube, its that screaming metal, not sure if its death metal though. I guess Frank isn't built for proper singing.

"Proper" singing wouldn't fit with the music style. And it's not metal at all.

I'm not bashing, please don't ban me. I am just saying it's not metal.

[Le_Bunny]

How exciting! Cannot wait for the album- but it's unlikely it'll be released then in little old Australia =[

[braineater.]

*Loooza_LotZ!* wrote:

leathermouth's music is alot heavier than MCR but it's still good. Frank Iero's Pencey Prep side-project were awesome so i expect big things from this band

pencey wasn't a side project, it was a former band. and a terrible one, at that. definitely my musical guilty pleasure...

leathermouth are more post-hardcore/screamo, i guess. so it just depends on what you're into.

[Laces Out Danny]

I actually thought it was ray Toro who had the side project...ha

[girl-tarist]

i'm excited for the new comic!!!

[89cruefan]

i have to say i hate mcr and yet the guitarist is good. frank iero is really the only good member so its good to se a side project.

[RandomAnoymous]

I must admit, I don't like MCR at all, but Leathermouth is pretty kick-ass, his singing is a little too scream-o and could use some more of a punk element, but over-all I think the CD is worth buying.

Checked

[braineater.]

89cruefan wrote:

i have to say i hate mcr and yet the guitarist is good. frank iero is really the only good member so its good to se a side project.

if we're talking mcr musically i'm pretty sure you mean ray toro, since he's the lead guitarist. frank only plays relatively simple rhythms most of the time.

[Elden G20]

braineater. :
if we're talking mcr musically i'm pretty sure you mean ray toro, since he's the lead guitarist. frank only plays relatively simple rhythms most of the time.

Thank you! I was waiting for someone to see the light.
Haha look at mcr tabulature for Iero, its usually all situated on one string and at about 5bpm!

[Morgant]

Yeah, I'd like to hear Ray Toro do more, since he's actually really good. I think he's in the wrong band.

[klaheto]

MCR owns

[Giusto]

I've havn't heard any of there songs yet. i hope it sounds like franks old band, pancey prep. the band is awsome.

[shut_up_n00b]

Leathermouth is the shit. They have been around for years now, so it's not exactly his "new side-project."

[Beebaboo]

Why does the bad guitarist have his own super-mega-side-project?

[sebbsmith]

but yeah, it's cool to know he isn't just interested in writing pop songs (not that I don't like my chem). this will be good/interesting.

checked

[gattcat0]

most of their songs pre Black parade where pretty simple and lousy except Helena and thankyou for the venom.... the black parade rocked my world and i hope they stay just as technical pls....

[zachmcpeak1012]

This sounds more like Bleeding Through than MCR which is ALOT better

[RhyseOrtiz]

This isn't really new news. I've known about Leathermouth for a few months now. I mean, they've already played shows. I don't care much for Leathermouth. But it's nice to see that Frank is having fun.

[theused101]

jetfuel495 wrote:

I know I say this on almost every news article, but I'm gonna have to check this out.

lol thats funny man

[new_age_reject]

Well hopefully this will be good as he is a fairly talented guitarist.

[Anonymouslyours]

from what ive listened to, leathermouth is a lot heavier than the current MCR. slightly heavier than bullets, if you ask me.

[Axl_Explosion]

Good guitarist + terrible band (MCR) = loss of interest in good player

Hopefully this new project will give him a chance to kinda shine and show that he's better than where he's been stuck.

[Gundam pilota09]

Beebaboo wrote:

Why does the bad guitarist have his own super-mega-side-project?

exactly what i thought. i would pay to see ray toro's solo project(prefferably featuring MCR's drummer whose name i can not recall). that would be quite face melting, but I don't know about this might be interesting though don't know who else is in it

[666noft]

Don't expect anything like The Black Parade!!!
Leathermouth is a screamo band and more aggressive than MCR's first album... Just a warning

[braineater.]

Gundam pilota09 wrote:

i would pay to see ray toro's solo project(prefferably featuring MCR's drummer whose name i can not recall).

bob bryar.

[Slainone]

It's funny that he had to say no MCR bashing :P so many people hate them it wouldnt surprise me if this was spammed

[TDAJGuitarist]

I love MCR....But I hate leathermouth...Frank is an awful screamer...

[blily]

mcr is no good. not at all. i like leathermouth better, its heavier (although i don't like frank's screams that much)
and i agree when people say that ray toro is in the wrong band. lol
he's the one who should have a side project. with bob bryar too

[MeltingWaxFace]

Well I don't believe in "bashing" any band, but I think it is unfair to warn people for making an opinion. Then again, an opinion is different then bashing. I hate MCR because I think they have no talent, but thats mainly because of the two annoying Way brothers. I have a feeling this could be good. Oh and that comic is a mega facepalm. Leathermouth hopefully becomes Iero's new band that would be great. Anything to put the Way brothers off the scene would be good.

[Mr. Skull]

why is this even a big deal?! he's nothing special, hell i know fifteen year old kids who are loads better than iero.

[pantericadeth]

Guess ill be on the lookout for leathermouth shirts hanging around the local hot topic.

[ShadowsThatMove]

"A word of warning:

Absolutely NO MCR bashing. You will receive a warning for it."

awk **** off seriously, so we can rip into other bands and there's no problem whatsoever but because you cream over MCR we can't say what we think about them.

[soja82]

If he leaves the band, mcr would either go strong since they have 2 guitars, or gerad might learn his parts to replace him, or get a new guy, or just wind down until the success is gone.

[soja82]

Beebaboo wrote:

Why does the bad guitarist have his own super-mega-side-project?

may be he has more to show us in the new project

[RockGuitar92]

i checked the myspace out. umm well i thought it was full of complete and utter suck. they cant be serious?

keep in mind i do like scream vocals but those vocals made my ears bleed.

[Gibson_SG_uzr55]

Awesome, I havent heard Leathermouth but I really gotta cuz I love My Chem and Epitaph is one of my favorite labels. And agreed with the people who say Ray needs a side project

[lao123]

Hey, i just went on this from main page feature, anyone else notice frank's doing mo-vember!! Go Frank!!!

[lao123]

Masonpwiley wrote:

lao123 wrote:

I don't really like Leathermouth. I listened to a song on YouTube, its that screaming metal, not sure if its death metal though. I guess Frank isn't built for proper singing.


"Proper" singing wouldn't fit with the music style. And it's not metal at all.

I'm not bashing, please don't ban me. I am just saying it's not metal.

Yeah I know that... What genre is this then?

checked.

[.:!j.man!:.]

haha, I like how they warn you about no MCR bashing or you will get a warning right at the begining... but the band sorta bring it on themselves

[zachmcpeak1012]

lao123 wrote:

Masonpwiley wrote:

lao123 wrote:

I don't really like Leathermouth. I listened to a song on YouTube, its that screaming metal, not sure if its death metal though. I guess Frank isn't built for proper singing.


"Proper" singing wouldn't fit with the music style. And it's not metal at all.

I'm not bashing, please don't ban me. I am just saying it's not metal.


Yeah I know that... What genre is this then?

Its just hardcore punk

[JamesxHetfield]

Stupid front picture. He has a damn mexican stash

[zombiexcarnage]

FINALLY!! I've been waiting.

I had to change my pants after I found out they got signed to Epitaph last month!

*does crazy dance in anticipation!*

[shadow__666]

I like MCR, but Leathermouth...when I heard some stuff, I felt a bit let down. It feels like generic screamo stuff more than anything. Hopefully the next MCR album is better.

[shugo449]

frankie should stay away from moustaches lol.

[Kenny_NJ]

iv been listening to lethermouth since the last summer, and this is not a "new" info at all.

as somebody has already pointed out,i agree his screaming is not "proper". i mean, i ****ing love heavy shit, but his voice sounds like too screamo. and the guitar layers are poorly done.

[DontFightTheFoo]

Kudos!

Check'd

[threedaysgrace9]

bash bash bash bash bash bash bash la la la la bash bash bash bash. i love how they allow people to bash bands with talent but not MCR lol

[reaper_x]

the guy above me has issues.

anyway, good for frank.
i mean, in an interview he said his influences
were black flag and other hardcore punk bands, which are
different to MCR's style.

nice to know he's making the same kind of music as his
influenced. but this may very well delay MCR's next album...

oh well, good news regardless.

[Snowblind 911]

I want a Ray Toro side-project.
=(

[Nick_porter333]

I quite like some MCR, but didn't like this at all...the vocals just put me right off...not a fan of the higher end screaming stuff...but that's just me...a bit too 'Gallows' for my ears...