For over 14 years, the project known as Carpenter Brut has been on a quest to unify the aesthetics of cinema and music. What started as an experiment, French Musician and Producer Franck Hueso sought a way to express musical concepts outside the framework of a band. Utilizing synthesizers and keyboards to bring it all to life, Carpenter Brut soon became a legitimate vehicle for soundtrack-style compositions.
Initially debuting with a three-EP trilogy (2012’s EP I, 2013’s EP II, and 2015’s EP III), the concept was to have six songs on each release, cleverly sitting side by side as 666, showcasing a different cinematic atmosphere (Horror, Action, and Sci-Fi) for each. A success, Carpenter Brut attracted the attention of Electronic and Heavy Metal fans alike, especially those into ‘80s Horror films. Something that would appeal to fans of John Carpenter’s vast body of soundtrack work, Carpenter Brut continued on with the release of the full-length Leather Teeth in 2018, Leather Terror in 2022, and the final chapter of this latest trilogy, 2026’s Leather Temple.
Released on February 27, 2026, Leather Temple arrives through Hueso’s own label, No Quarter Prod, with distribution via Virgin Records France. Ten new tracks in total; the mood is different from the two prior albums, and it is intentional. As stated, the cinematic sound story Leather Teeth laid the foundation for a 1980s-set fictional character named Bret Halford, a shy teenager passionate about science who is ridiculed and ostracized. Bret Halford reinvents himself as Leather Teeth in a Glam Metal band to seek vengeance on those who belittled him. As such, the music for the Leather Teeth album certainly leans into more ‘80s synth-pop mixed with Glam Rock.
Moving forward, Leather Terror picks up several years later, where Bret Halford has fully embraced his persona as Leather Terror, now taking his vengeance to the next level, mercilessly hunting down those who did him wrong. Very much the feel of a classic ‘80s Horror film (perhaps even inspired a bit by 1986’s Trick or Treat), this album has a more sinister, aggressive sound, with the Industrial and Metal aspects more pronounced.
This leads us to Leather Temple, where the storyline time-jumps into the future (2077, to be exact), where a Rebellion led by Lita Connor resurrects Bret Halford as a cyborg to confront the tyrant known as Iron Tusk in hopes of freeing the people from an oppressive dystopian society. A compelling story for those who adore the boundless creativity of ‘80s Horror, Action, and Science Fiction films, you can almost see the storyboard play out in your head while listening to each of these records, regardless of a visual medium.
With all of this in mind, Leather Temple takes on the sensation of a far more futuristic style, think ‘90s Techno and Industrial mixed with distorted guitars. Something that can easily be enjoyed as a standalone piece, there is no question that listening to each album in order to understand the story’s origins is substantially enjoyable. Nonetheless, Leather Temple is an exceptionally effective electronic instrumental soundtrack that hooks you at every turn.
Having a very dramatic feel out of the gate, the opening of “Ouverture (Deus Ex Machina)” builds, while songs like “Major Threat,” the title track, and “Iron Sanctuary” dish out ample energy. Joining these, “She Rules the Ruins” is a fantastic Electronic Metal piece with dark synthesizers throughout; “Start Your Engines” follows perfectly; and “Neon Requiem” is highly reminiscent of something Jan Hammer might have composed for Miami Vice. With so much more excitement to be had, “The Misfits/ The Rebels” and “Speed or Perish” keep a plausible tension before the credits roll with the haunting tones of “The End Complete.”
Simply stated, Carpenter Brut is about creating a mood. Quisentially artistic, each collection, including Leather Temple, leaves you feeling liberated, even if only for less than 40 minutes, from the chaos and stresses of modern-day society. A must listen for fans of ‘80s film, Metal, Progressive Rock, and Synthrock, Cryptic Rock gives Carpenter Brut’s Leather Temple 5 out of 5 stars.
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