Legion - 'Rising'

(Rock Company Records)

I though Legion were done, so it was a pleasant surprise to learn that they would return with a ninth album ‘Rising’. Obviously principal song writers Phil Vincent and Vince O’Regan have unfinished business and return rejuvenated with a new label and outlook. Legion sound fresher, brighter, more ambitious and happier than I’ve previously heard. I think their hiatus has done them the world of good, while O’Regan frequently pops as a guest on many of Vincent’s projects, I think the break from writing specifically for Legion has helped cool their writing engines and allowed them to come back with a vengeance abundant with new ideas and a clearer creative process.

I was instantly blown away by these new songs, which are very much in keeping with the style we have come to know from Legion but everything feels bolder, edgier and bigger! They seem to be pushing their sound more towards stadium rock, than the more low-key choruses and guitar riffs of the past. It’s definitely their most accessible and commercial record to date and I feel this was a conscious decision during the writing process. Their intention to write a killer record, packed with hooks and arena sized choruses is crystal clear and they have definitely achieved it, it’s like the chains are off and they have put pedal to the metal.

I’ve always compared Legion to Dokken as I feel they have a similar vibe and some of these monster riffs feel like O’Regan is channelling his inner George Lynch. Vincent sound’s nowt like Don Dokken, but his delivery is similar and some of these choruses – like ‘Maybe Now’ could have been lifted from any of Dokken’s Eighties back catalogue.

‘Rising’ sees the band change up the production and mastering side of things – it’s more in keeping with the sort of production we hear on other Vincent projects. The sound is less muddy and down tuned and a brighter tone and clearer overall sound gives the songs a rich texture and more bombastic impact.

I know it could be a knee jerk reaction to say ‘Rising’ is Legion’s best album to date as can be the way with albums that make immediate good impressions, but for various reasons I do genuinely feel this is their best! Also, with how prolific this song writing partnership is I’m sure this is not the last we hear from Legion!

8/10

Essential Track - 'Maybe Now'

Review by Woody