On the 12th of June, new supergroup Lex Legion, comprising current and former members of King Diamond- Pete Blakk, Andy LaRocque, Hal Patino and Mikkey Dee- with Pagan’s Mind’s Nils K Rue on vocals, release their self-titled debut album, a throwback with a modern feel that 100% kicks ass.
The album roars into life with “Sleep Eternally”; a barnstorming rocker with its high tempo and kicking rhythm as the band draw on their wealth of knowledge on how to draw you in and keep you there, the dual guitar attack from Blakk and LaRocque and low end from Dee and Patino give Rue the perfect platform to unleash his blistering vocals, whether it be high pitched or low, a cracker of an opener. “Gpsy Tears” continues the onslaught, slightly slower and with a heavier drum and bass beat that keeps you rapt while Blakk and LaRocque trade riffs and solos like nobody’s business. Rue’s vocals are immense, with his high pitches adding an air of mysticism to the track.
“When The Stars Align” has an edgier feel to it, with Rue’s sinister vocals, the dual guitar attack with their cutting riffs and searing solos, combined with the thumping drums and thick bass, give it a heavy but melodic sound, making it an instant favourite, old school but with progressive flair. “(I Am) The Resurrected” is hypnotic from the start with its slowed down heavy Stones “Paint It, Black” style rhythm in the verse’ to its ramped up chorus’, the guitar work from Blakk and LaRocque is phenomenal to the backdrop of Dee’s monster drumming and Patino’s rumbling bass while Rue’s vocals are on fire, this is hands down the best track on the album. “Lost Inside” is a punchy, bass-led thumper with a sinister undertone, accentuated by the downtuned instruments. Rue’s vocals have a darker feel to them, as do Blakk and LaRocque’s riffs and solos. This one grows on you the more you hear it- a real gem. Instead of being understated like the previous track “Darkness” takes the sinister by the hand and goes on a merry dance, pulling you in with its intensity, Rue goes from high to low pleadingly, which only adds to the feeling of dread, the incessant drum beat, thunderous bass line and gnarly riffs emphasise the point with a couple of scorching solos being the only light in the enshrouding darkness, a monster track.
“Saviours” opens with a Megadeth style riff that leads to a pummeling drum beat that drives the track, the real highlight of the track apart from Rue’s unreal vocals are the savage solos and guitar work from Blakk and LaRocque respectively, a cracking track. “Life Eternal” bursts into life in a blistering barrage of drums and guitars with a hefty dose of bass, the rhythm on this one is killer as Rue tears it up big time, the guitar, a big feature on the album, is once again off the chain between the riffs and the solos Blakk and LaRocque have proven themselves as no slouches, this is a brilliant track. The album closes with “Far Away”; a slow, easy listening instrumental that allows you to decompress after the insanity that preceded.
“Lex Legion” is out on the 12th of June via MNRK.
Review: Conor
| 01-Sleep Eternally | ||
| 02-Gypsy Tears | ||
| 03-When The Stars Align | ||
| 04-( I am ) The Resurrected | ||
| 05-Lost Inside | ||
| 06-Darkness | ||
| 07-Saviours | ||
| 08-Life Eternal | ||
| 09-Far Away |
Lex Legion are:
Nils K. Rue Vocals
Andy LaRocque Guitar
Pete Blakk Guitar
Hal Patino Bass
Mikkey Dee Drums
www.facebook.com/OfficialLexLegion
