It’s always good to remember where you came from.  And luckily, long-time metal powerhouse Lamb Of God have done just that.  For those who don’t know – before frontman Randy Blythe joined the group, Lamb Of God was known as Burn The Priest. Shortly after Blythe put his stamp on the crew, they changed their name and went on to form a metal legacy that continues on today.  But as I stated at the start, you should never forget where you came from – so Burn The Priest has reformed 20 years later to deliver a brand new album full of covers called Legion: XX, featuring tracks that influenced them when they were starting out!

The album kicks open the front door with a cover of ‘Inherit The Earth‘ by 80’s thrash band The Accused.  It’s a different vocal style you may be accustomed to hearing from Blythe, but one that will grab you by the balls and not let go (don’t worry, it won’t feel too uncomfortable).  Mark Morton’s guitar is the co-star of ‘Inherit the Earth‘, ripping and shredding it’s way through the track – which by the way, when it ends…..you want more. Up next is a cover of ‘Honey Bucket‘, one of my favorite songs from The Melvins.  From there, Burn The Priest put their personal  touch on tracks from Bad Brains, Ministry, Agnostic Front, S.O.D., and more.

Even if you’re not necessarily a Lamb Of God fan, you will find something on Legion: XX to sink your metal teeth into.  I personally gave the album the ‘road trip’ test last weekend. I was never bored, and it helped me deal with the aggression that was building up from the idiotic California drivers while on my journey.  Case in point:  I fully support this new Burn The Priest project, even if it is just a project of 10 cover songs.  It’s a bit of a tease, but the good kind of tease.  Slap it in, hit play, and let it go…….you won’t be disappointed.

(4 Out Of 5)