Review LEX LEGION “Lex Legion”

It was the announcement of the year. Four-fifths of the King Diamond lineup that recorded the legendary “Them” album reunited and started working on new material. As soon as this news spread, excitement in the metal world was palpable. Mikkey Dee, Pete Blakk, Andy La Rocque, and bassist Hal Patino joined forces with Nils K. Rue, a gifted singer who lends his vocals to nine songs. Rue is a typical metal siren who can handle high-pitched screams without copying King Diamond’s falsetto, giving Lex Legion its own identity while keeping the roots alive.

“Sleep Eternally” is the lead single from the album, and it’s a song that the band has really put their all into. With a pounding beat and great guitar power, the song is a traditional metal piece with roots in the late ’80s. This isn’t surprising when you know the history of the five band members. It’s logical that there are also a few parallels with the King Diamond sound of that time, but, as mentioned, Lex Legion has its own musical identity.

Lex Legion is the brainchild of Mikkey Dee and Pete Blakk, who started the band as an outlet for their passion for heavy metal. The pure joy of playing together and enjoying the music that defined their youth resonates through songs like the throbbing “Gypsy Kiss” and the smashing “Darkness.” Without commercial pressure or obligations, the album has an authentic edge. These songs sound exactly how the five guys wanted them to sound.

“When the Stars Align” is a dark riff monster, and you can’t listen to “(I am) The Resurrected” without headbanging from start to finish. One benefit of the album is its timelessness. Despite the fact that the songs are based on a blueprint from the ’80s, the music on “Lex Legion” is anything but old-fashioned. This album has a dynamic and modern twist. Combined with the musical expertise of the five band members, each tune on this debut album is a gem for metalheads, like “Saviors” – a moderately paced metal anthem that showcases the finesse the band adds to their music. It’s an atmospheric track with progressive elements that demonstrate the album’s versatility. “Life Eternal” is a metallic wrecking ball that leads to the acoustic intro of “Far Away.” The latter is the album’s closer, a cinematic instrumental that concludes this stunning album.

Lex Legion’s debut album fully lives up to expectations. Experienced and passionate musicians follow their musical hearts, creating a powerful and thunderous album that demonstrates the versatility of traditional heavy metal. “Lex Legion” is already considered one of the highlights of 2026.