Leathermouth was formed in 2007 by some friends of
My Chemical Romance's rhythm guitarist
Frank Iero. As a member of Leathermouth, this is the first project where he contributes lyrics and lead vocals since Pencey Prep (who broke up shortly after My Chemical Romance was formed). Leathermouth played their first shows in the summer of 2008 alongside
Warship for the late 2008
Reggie and the Full Effect "Farewell Tour". Iero hoped to tour with Leathermouth when he was not working with My Chemical Romance. In October 2008, Leathermouth signed to
Epitaph Records, as opposed to Frank Iero's label as originally planned. Iero thought that it would be difficult to promote the album himself, if released through his own label, with his current obligations to My Chemical Romance and the other bands signed to his label. Epitaph Records president,
Brett Gurewitz, was impressed with the band's "intensity and songwriting of the music." Leathermouth released their first studio album on January 27, 2009, through Epitaph entitled
XO. In a 2012 interview with Iero, he revealed that many of the other band members turned to religion and decided not to be a part of Leathermouth anymore. Iero also stated he would like to continue Leathermouth, but is unsure if it will actually happen. He said, "There's still part of me that would hate not doing that band again. There's something brewing, but I don't know what it is. I really wanted that band to go on longer, but Jesus had other plans." On May 19, 2013, Leathermouth performed at New Jersey's Skate and Surf Festival along with
Glassjaw,
Rx Bandits,
A Day to Remember and others. On September 13, 2018, Frank Iero announced the band would finally be releasing their debut album on vinyl via
Epitaph Records on November 9, 2018. ==Influences==