Lex Legion is a brand-new band comprised of old friends with incredible heavy metal pedigree. Featuring four-fifths of the classic late 1980s King Diamond lineup—Mikkey Dee, Pete Blakk, Andy La Rocque, and Hal Patino—infused with the jaw-dropping vocals of Nils K. Rue (Pagan's Mind), it also boasts Motorhead, Scorpions, and Death on its collective resume. Lex Legion's eponymous debut album is a single-minded, future-facing throwback of world-class hard rock/metal distinguished by tasteful, less-is-more arrangements, virtuoso musicianship, and relentless melody and harmony.
"Lex Legion is totally written the way we thought in the '80s," said drummer Dee (Motörhead, King Diamond), relaxing in Tenerife before a busy year with Scorpions. "We wrote what we wanted. If you liked it, great bonus. If you didn't, that was fine with us too!"
Lex Legion was formed by former King Diamond guitarist Blakk and drummer Dee, completed by bassist Patino alongside guitarist/producer La Rocque—a King Diamond constant since 1985 who also played on Death's seminal Individual Thought Patterns—and finally, Nils K. Rue.
This is music for hard rock/metal fans, but with a freshness and excitement that only a debut album can capture. The members find themselves more musically accomplished than ever but now free of youthful egos, with the camaraderie and routine that comes from careers spanning over forty years.
Despite their impressive resumes (Dee is a Grammy winner, La Rocque a nominee) and busy schedules, Lex Legion is a serious passion project gestating for a quarter-century until the time was right. Released by MNRK Music Group in June 2026, possible touring begins the following year.
Album opener and first single "Sleep Eternally" states its case immediately. "It has elements of everything on the album," said La Rocque. "The right tempo, the right vocals, starting like a fist in your face!" Second track "Gypsy Tears" seals the deal—eerie and rapturous, otherworldly and propulsive.
"This is totally unique. No one is writing this kind of music and there's a big hole for us to fill," Blakk concluded. "Welcome to our new journey of friendship and hard rock!"
