ALBUM REVIEW: Legion: XX – Burn The Priest (Lamb of God)

LAMB OF GOD may be one of the biggest bands in heavy metal today but despite their monumental status at the top of the tree, the Virginian quintet have not forgotten their origins. Returning to their visceral roots to commemorate their 20th anniversary under their original name as BURN THE PRIEST comes Legion: XX; a collection of covers that shaped the band we know and love today.

Featuring ten tracks of ten bands that proved to be hugely influential to them, Legion: XX makes for an interesting listen as they pay homage to their heroes. Several of the tracks in particular make for a straightforward and unsurprising transition to the sound of LAMB OF GOD, or shall we say BURN THE PRIEST. Inherit The Earth (THE ACCUSED) features speedy riffs that are dispatched easily from the dual efforts of Mark Morton and Willie Adler whilst Randy Blythe‘s vocal deliveries sit comfortably within the template LAMB OF GOD have set for years now.

Jesus Built my Hotrod (MINISTRY) bolsters the simplistic but effective riffwork from Morton and Alder and trademark drumming from Chris Adler whilst still maintaining the iconic ridiculousness that is commonly associated with MINISTRY whereas Kill Yourself (S.O.D) and One Voice (AGNOSTIC FRONT) play in familiar territory. Jam-packed full of groove and power that LAMB OF GOD have made their own throughout the career, the covers make for a simple but equally enjoyable listen.

There are a number of surprises present on Legion: XX however, nuances where the band venture down new and uncharted musical routes. The slugging post-hardcore monolith of Dine Alone (QUICKSAND) is a mid-tempo rager where the slick guitars sink their hooks in and Kerosene (BIG BLACK) is a versatile beast of a track that really showcases a new edge to Blythe‘s vocal range. Backed by a nice and consistent bass chug from John Campbell, Blythe unleashes a whole new melodic element to his vocal pallet, one which could indicate a future avenue for LAMB OF GOD to explore on future records. Kerosense certainly showcases Blythe at his most ‘melodic’ (he’s not dropping squeaky clean choruses so don’t panic), Honey Bucket (THE MELVINS) demonstrates another interesting take on his vocals. Backed by exemplary drumming and chugging riffs, Blythe utilises an interesting take to his vocals that are layered with bite without opting for full-blown aggression. It’s subtle but oh it is effective.

Those who anticipated Legion: XX to be a whole host of new material from LAMB OF GOD may be disappointed but they are missing the point entirely. Whilst Legion: XX certainly isn’t a standout record that opens the door to the next stage of their career, what this record does is provide a snapshot into the the minds of the band from years gone by. These are the bands that proved to be fundamental in LAMB OF GOD‘s formative years, and therefore, this record is a full-throttle and interesting exploration into the influences of one of modern metal’s biggest names. That alone warrants a listen.

Rating: 7/10

Legion: XX is out now via Nuclear Blast Records.

Like LAMB OF GOD on Facebook.