Published: May 14, 2026 · 10:26 PM EDT
Marta Gabriel’s new heavy metal project continues the rollout surrounding its debut album through Listenable Records
Leatherwitch have released the new single and official video “Heroes And The Dice”, continuing the buildup toward the debut album “First Spell”, scheduled for release on May 29, 2026 through Listenable Records.
The project marks the new musical chapter of former Crystal Viper frontwoman Marta Gabriel, who performs vocals, guitar, bass, and drums throughout the album while additionally continuing her long-running activity as a session musician within the traditional metal scene.
Rockum previously covered the origins of the project in Crystal Viper's Marta Gabriel Returns with Leatherwitch, A New Speed Metal Project, followed by the first single announcement in LEATHERWITCH Release 'Beast Inside' and Announce 'First Spell' Album via Listenable Records.
According to the band, “Heroes And The Dice” combines speed metal riffing, fantasy-inspired themes, and references connected to tabletop role-playing games, board games, and classic dungeon fantasy culture.
The track additionally reinforces the old school heavy metal and speed metal direction introduced through the previous single “Beast Inside”, while shifting from gothic horror themes toward a more adventure-driven atmosphere.
The official video accompanies the release and expands the fantasy-oriented identity surrounding the project’s visual presentation.
“First Spell” represents the first full-length release from Leatherwitch following the dissolution of Crystal Viper.
Beyond her previous work as frontwoman of Crystal Viper, Marta Gabriel has additionally collaborated and toured with artists including Vader, Manilla Road, and Metalucifer.
The artwork for the album was created by Mario E. Lopez M.
TRACKLIST — “FIRST SPELL”
1. Heroes And The Dice
2. Beast Inside
3. Bound By The Night
4. Silver Stallions
5. Living In The Fast Lane
6. The New Beginning
7. Two Tons Of Steel
8. In The Middle Of The Night
EXCLUSIVE BONUS TRACKS
“Walls Of Jericho / Ride The Sky” (Helloween cover) — CD exclusive
“Black Wind, Fire And Steel” (Manowar cover) — Vinyl exclusive
FORMATS
Limited Deluxe Blue / Black Vinyl including exclusive bonus track
Limited O-Card CD including exclusive bonus track
All editions include:
Postcard
Poster
Coaster
Additionally, the standalone “Beast Inside” 7-inch release is available as:
Red with Black Splatter Vinyl limited to 300 copies worldwide.
The bundle additionally includes:
Silver logo patch
Signed postcard by Marta Gabriel
Beer coaster
LINEUP
Marta Gabriel — vocals, guitar, bass, drums
Giuseppe Taormina — guest guitar solo
With Leatherwitch, Marta Gabriel continues exploring classic speed metal and traditional heavy metal through a project strongly connected to fantasy culture, old school riff-driven songwriting, collectible physical editions, and the spirit of the genre’s underground roots.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Photo Credit: Bart Gabriel
Watch the official video for “Heroes And The Dice” below.
