LEX LEGION
"Lex Legion" (MnrK Heavy; 2026)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
What would you expect from a band that's 4/5ths King Diamond and 1/5 Pagan's Mind? The answer is obvious. You'd expect them to kick your ass.
And that's exactly what Lex Legion does on their self-titled debut. Comprised of the legendary Mikkey Dee (King Diamond, Motorhead), and most of the classic late 1980s King Diamond lineup (Pete Blakk, Andy La Rocque and Hal Patino), as well as Pagan's Mind's Nils K. Rue, Lex Legion is the band you've been looking for if you've been looking for a return to heavy metal's glory days.
With a dose of that eerie, cinematic sound that King Diamond's band was known for, Lex Legion delivers crushing drums (no one does it like Mikkey, especially as on "When the Stars Align"), a driving rhythm section, blazing guitar solos and vocals that sometimes emulate the singular King Diamond himself.
My favorite tracks were the bulldozing "(I Am) The Resurrected," the razor-sharp "Life Eternal," and the opening track, "Sleep Eternally," which sets the tone for the entire album to follow.
"Lex Legion" closes with "Far Away," an instrumental that's as close to a ballad as this album ever comes. What sets this track apart (other than the fact there are no vocals) is the melancholy emotion it exudes. It's almost saying, "Sorry. The album is over. You're gonna have to start it over again."
The good news is that you won't have to be asked twice.
For more information, check out https://lexlegionofficial.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2026 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
