Album Review: Legion of the Damned – The Poison Chalice (Napalm Records)

The Legion slays again! Dutch thrash veterans Legion of The Damned have once again entered into an alliance with the devouring depths of black and death metal and unleash another angry beast, The Poison Chalice, on June 9th, 2023 via Napalm Records.

Having existed in one form or another for nearly 35 years, it’s both exciting and heartening to find Legion of The Damned still sounding as furious and feral as they do here. They may be older but they are well and truly turning back the clock when it comes to metal.

Featuring ten manic examples of blackened thrash and death metal, the old-school head-bangers will be in their element once Saints in Torment erupts in their ears. The frenetic heavy pacing, brief melodic shifts, and overall pummelling rhythm is the stuff metal dreams are made of.

The monstrous and destructive sound continues into Contamination, the thrashy noise punching a hole in the head. Before Progressive Destructor showcases some of the guitar harmonies that makes the album have such driving force. Then Skulls Adorn the Traitor’s Gate says to hell with that, here’s a furious thrash bastard to wreck your head and neck.

Their blackened fury comes at a constant breakneck speed, even when the instrumentation gets more elaborate, such as on the near-seven-minute beast that is Behold the Beyond. The drumming alone will turn the mind to mush.

It’s more of the same, though that’s not a complaint in any way, with Retaliation, Savage Intent, and Chimes of Flagellation. Legion of The Damned continuing to batter the senses into oblivion through a cacophony of twisted blackened thrash and death metal. If you’re not already a dribbling wreck from what Legion of The Damned have produced here so far, this section of the album will finish you off.

It’s not over yet though! There are two more anthems of hate and suffering with Beheading of the Godhead and the title track. Legion of The Damned making sure that those who have walked the dark path with them since day one, and those who have stumbled into their hell, are equally left satisfied.

Legion of The Damned – The Poison Chalice Track Listing:

1. Saints in Torment
2. Contamination
3. Progressive Destructor
4. Skulls Adorn the Traitor’s Gate
5. Behold the Beyond
6. Retaliation
7. Savage Intent
8. Chimes of Flagellation
9. Beheading of the Godhead
10. The Poison Chalice

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