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Andy LaRocque en Mikkey Dee hadden toch niks te doen dus maakten ze maar wat zware metalen. Klinkt gewoon goed. Review hieronder is niet van mij.

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LEX LEGION - Lex Legion (2026)

We'll likely have to wait a while for King Diamond's new album, but fortunately, the supergroup Lex Legion has emerged to effectively fill this musical void. Their lineup includes names well-known to fans of the classic albums "Them" and "Conspiracy." They include Andy La Rocque on guitar, Hal Patino on bass, Mikkey Dee on drums, and guitarist Pete Blakk.

These musicians co-created two legendary King Diamond albums and still evoke fond memories among fans. The lineup itself captured the imagination, with the only unknown remaining: the vocalist. It was obvious they needed someone charismatic, capable of at least partially emulating King's distinctive style while also bringing their own personality and heavy metal energy to the music. The choice fell on Nils K. Rue of Pagan's Mind, and it proved to be a perfect match. Together, they recorded their debut album, simply titled "Lex Legion," which was released on June 12th.

The material's style was fairly predictable, and there are few major surprises. This is pure heavy metal, deeply rooted in the aesthetics of the 1980s, drawing heavily on the work of King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. There's no shortage of dark atmosphere, distinctive guitar licks, and Nils's vocals, which at times clearly evoke King Diamond.

It's a real pleasure to hear the former King Diamond band members again after all these years. The chemistry between them is still palpable, and it's this chemistry that drives this project, translating into the high quality of the compositions. Expectations were high, but the band definitely lived up to them.

From the very first minutes, "Lex Legion" focuses on classic heavy metal with clear influences of the 80s. You can hear here not only the spirit of King Diamond, but also inspirations from bands like Queensrÿche and Accept, which Andy La Rocque himself mentioned.

The album clocks in at just 35 minutes, which might leave you wanting more, but thanks to that, there are no unnecessary stretches or weak moments. The album opener, " Sleep Eternally," showcases the band's greatest strengths: superb guitar harmonies, La Rocque's distinctive solos, and a powerful rhythm section driven by Mikkey Dee. The song not only harkens back to King Diamond's classic work but also forges its own identity based on melodic and dark heavy metal. It's a true powerhouse, reminiscent of King's finest moments.

The second single, " Gypsy Tears ," is another nod to the classic. The similarities to King Diamond's work are clear, but the song stands on its own with its own energy and superb vocal interpretation. Nils showcases his full potential here, building the right atmosphere and adding an extra edge to the music.

The slightly more subdued and somber " When the Stars Align" impresses with its excellent groove and rhythm section. The track exudes mystery and darkness, effectively building tension. Next comes the feisty and slightly progressive "(I Am) The Resurrected ," which allows us to fully appreciate the artistry of the experienced musicians and their songwriting talent.

More energy and aggression are brought by the dynamic " Lost Inside ," another album highlight. The equally energetic " Dreams of Darkness " delivers a solid dose of heavy metal, though it relies on familiar patterns and doesn't bring much new to the table. It's here that one of the album's main problems becomes apparent. Some sections rely on fairly standard riffs and at times lack greater songwriting courage.

The same is true of " Life Eternal " – it's a feisty and enjoyable track, but also quite reserved and lacking any element of surprise. The calmer "Far Away" also offers little new, falling somewhat flat compared to the album's strongest tracks.

Despite these minor reservations, "Lex Legion" remains one of the most interesting metal debuts of 2026. It's a proposition aimed primarily at fans of classic heavy metal who yearn for guitar duels, catchy choruses, and music created without regard for contemporary trends.

Lex Legion proves that experience and musical passion can still result in an album that not only pays homage to the past but also engages contemporary listeners. It's refreshing to hear the musicians formerly associated with King Diamond once again in such excellent form.