The style is pretty much in the vein of old school heavy metal, and you can’t argue about the spinning, blazing lead guitars and solos of Andy LaRocque in the opening track, “Sleep Eternally”. The high-pitched falsetto will not disappoint fans of King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. Mikky Dee opens fire with battery salvoes, delivering powerful beats that truly set a raw and nostalgic vibe for the songs. “Gypsy Tears” settles into a classic formula of rhythms and galloping drums, bringing it to the dark aesthetics of heavy metal.

The respectful members throw their gauntlet on tracks like “When the Stars Align”, which is one of the catchiest tracks that uncovers the elements of atmospheric lead guitars and haunting vocals that will hook you to the infectious choruses. The veterans prove that they can still deliver the magic of 80s heavy metal with a style and ballsy attitude without losing the metallic sound. “Lex Legion” showcases a staggering range of mid-paced songs and balances them with a straightforward, plodding drum.

The dark macabre mood of the perfect heavy metal hymns is full of haunting qualities, yet the guitar riff craft on “(I am) The Resurrected” is where the heavy melodies and driving rhythms collide, transporting us back to the late 80s and 90s. The groove sections also fall in the same context, with some elements of power metal thrown into the composition. The guitar department uncovers a spell by combining powerful speed riffs that boost the dynamics of each track, with Mikky Dee‘s performance energizing the tempo sections and adding a raw characteristic sound.

Among the fastest songs is “Lost Inside”. This track somehow reminds me of Black Sabbath’s Tony Martin era. The guitar work is organic and electrifying while injecting solid aggression and thundering riffs throughout the next song, “Dreams of Darkness”.

Nils K. Rue brings all the magic by shifting his vocals into the dark aesthetics; his howling vocals shine on several songs despite the Kind Diamond-like falsettos; the dual guitars are sharp. The heavy, infused grandiosity of the guitars hammers like sledgehammers into an anvil while the catchy rhythm offers an aggressive stampede with dark guitar riffs; the musicianship is fantastic and coherent.

I couldn’t find any weak tracks on the album, and I must say that there’s something about the guitar melodies that evokes the majesty of heavy metal. Guitar melodies shimmer, making the album so engaging, in addition to the chemistry between Andy LaRocque and Pete Blakk.

The vocal choruses in songs like “Saviours” are spectacular, and there are moments of jaw-dropping pieces of impeccable solos on “Life Eternal”, which is loaded with dynamite heavy metal. The only complaint is that the debut falls short; the duration is only thirty-five minutes of solid effort from these veterans who have brought the nostalgic trademarks with La Rocque’s musical genius.

Since we haven’t heard any new King Diamond album in the last two decades, we can ease our hunger with this piece of heavy metal nostalgia. With such big names in the lineup, Lex Legion’s solid effort would surely impress fans of heavy metal. The band has the potential to channel their musical levels in their next studio album.

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