Legions of Doom – The Skull (Tee Pee Records)

 

Legions of Doom is not just a band, it’s an institution combined of musicians who opted to play certain style of music.  The style in question is spelled out in band’s name, and there is nothing mysterious about it.  The group includes the former members of The Skull, Trouble, Corrosion of Conformity, and St. Vitus.  In addition to playing original music, Troops of Doom often cover tracks from above mentioned bands.  It’s a commemoration of doom rock done by a bunch of guys who guys who live it, love it, and breath it. 

“The Skull” is an album with original material written by Legions of Doom.  It’s a great record, and it has a very special mood, and in some cases a variety of moods.  The band consists of two vocalists, Karl Agell and Scott Reagers.  Both Agell and Reagers bring their own touch to the tracks they perform.  At times it feels like two different bands, but at the end of the day, there is a common denominator that unites it into one solid unit.  There is also a track sung by Eric Wagner titled “Heaven.”  Wagner is no longer with us, and this is perhaps the last song he’s ever recorded before his untimely demise.  It’s a great song, but it comes across out of context when compared with the rest of the songs.  The beauty of it is, that within Wagner’s world it is not out of context, and that’s what makes it so special.  Any longtime Eric Wagner fan should be able to figure this out, and understand the appeal.  Karl Agell absolutely shines on “Between the Darkness and Dawn,” as does Scott Reagers on “Lost Soul.”  Having said that, the same statement can be applied to other tracks a week from now. 

Legions of Doom formed on the ashes of The Skull, and yet the album is called “The Skull.”  So, there is a lifeline between what was and what is.  You can twist it any way you want, but it still stays in the same neighborhood.  As Pink Floyd pointed out many years ago, “And who knows which is which and who is who.” Philosophy aside, musically this album is just killer!  Every single track on it brings something new to the big picture.  The band is playing great, and the contributions from Agell and Reagers are simply amazing.  There is a sense of spirituality within the songs on this record.  It gives the band a certain authenticity, and shows how you can celebrate something you love.

Mark Kadzielawa