Lejonen is a band from the USA delivering very solid street rock driven by twin guitars. When I started digging into the past activities of the band members, I came across an impressive list of names: 90 Proof, Oxley’s Midnight Runners, Phoenix City Muggers, Fighting 48, The Fatskins, Vicious Rumours, Bowcat, and The Warlords. Some of these bands might be better known to American listeners, but the reputation of several of them has definitely reached Europe as well. That list alone makes it clear that we’re not dealing with newcomers, but with seasoned musicians who know exactly what they’re doing.
Stylistically, we’re firmly in street rock territory, drawing from Oi!, street punk, and you can also feel traces of classic rock and even a slight touch of heavy metal. The result never feels fragmented, though—quite the opposite. It’s served as a cohesive and well-thought-out menu where all the ingredients fit together naturally. Fans of bands like Strike First or The Fatskins will definitely find something to enjoy here. For some reason, it also reminds me of the now-defunct Prague band Disdainful, perhaps because of the strong atmosphere and the solid songwriting structure.
This 12″ is their debut release and features five tracks pressed on orange vinyl. It was released as a joint effort between KB Records and Longshot Music—a classic Europe–USA collaboration that has long been part of this scene and once again proves how interconnected it really is.
The opening track is fairly epic and perfectly matches its catastrophic lyrical theme. Death, destruction, damnation, and apocalypse—all of it blends seamlessly with the sound of the two guitars and the mid-tempo pacing that allows the atmosphere to fully unfold. The second track, Frankfurt ’86, revolves around friendship and camaraderie, while In The Wake of Wolves focuses on ideals and the importance of staying true to yourself instead of trying to fit in at any cost.
The entire A-side grabbed me immediately and didn’t let go. If I had to describe this record in one word, it would be “determination.” That feeling bursts out of the grooves and hits your nervous system directly. The band sounds tight, confident, and clearly experienced. The production is well balanced, the instruments interact naturally, and together they create a compact and powerful street rock unit.
The B-side continues in a similar vein with The Streets of Many Murders, a track addressing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and dedicated to all victims of any form of oppression. Coincidentally, I’m writing this review at a time when tensions in the Middle East are escalating again, which makes the song feel even more urgent and relevant. The closing track, Capital Vices, deals with the seven deadly sins and leans the furthest into straightforward punk territory. It’s a strong and fitting conclusion to a record that maintains its intensity from start to finish.
Overall, what you get here is high-quality street rock with thoughtful and non-generic lyrics. If you’re looking for a record to shout simple Oi! choruses over while spilling beer by the gallon with your friends, this might not be your first choice. Lejonen aim a bit higher—they bring more complex themes, lived experience, and personal conviction into a compelling and authentic project.
Honestly, I had trouble picking standout tracks because I usually spin this record as a whole, and its running time is perfect for that. In the end, I’m choosing two songs that resonate with me the most today—but tomorrow it might be two completely different ones. And that, to me, is a true sign of quality.
TOP TRACKS: Frankfurt ´86, In The Wake Of Wolves
