Review Summary: Deicide's finest (half) hour...
Deicide's self-titled debut album was a milestone in the death metal scene, mixing sheer brutality with some of the best tracks that every death metal act looked up to, making an attempt to imitate. Despite the muddy production, the band proved how catchy death metal, however brutal, could be. Among the majority of Deicide fans, 1992's
Leigon is highly considered as their masterpiece, their finest hour, and once you've heard this flesh tearing music, you'll see why. Musically, the band was at their tightest, sounding organized and enthusiastic, which is completely different from nearly all of their latest releases.
Eric and Brian's guitarwork is more technical and precise than anything they've ever released, a very concentrated twin-guitar attack. The guitar solos make the tracks flow so well, adding onto the other instruments. Steve Asheim, perhaps one of the most overlooked metal drummers, as well as one of the most overlooked of the band members, is a beast behind the drum kit. Vocally and from the point of a bass player, Glen Benton has never been more on form, he has improved since the debut. Standout tracks include
Repent To Die,
Behead The Prophet (No Lord Shall Live) and
Revocate The Agitator, all of which contain some of Glen's ugliest, most harshest vocal stylings. Production wise, this album is excellent, especially when comparing it to the debut. It is a step up from the first album, with a clean, cutting guitar sound and the bass surfacing here and there, although the drums sound slightly muffled.
Although I only listened to this last night,
Leigon is probably one of my favourite death metal albums ever. Not only is it an album that defined a genre, but it is Deicide at their loudest, most pissed off moment. This is one of only a handful of death metal albums that contains enough Satanic references to bring out the blasphemous side of the Pope. It is a classic album, and one that does not show off the pointless technical skills that Deicide has to offer. Instead, it's clear that Deicide care much more about creating an atmosphere so terrifying and so unique that you may pass out. Although the lyrics are standard Satan this, Satan that, they do not come off as incredibly cheesy as most of Deicide's newest work. Instead, it comes off as one of the most morbid forms of horror poetry, beautiful but deadly. Deicide are on point; vehemently anti-Christian as anyone with issues can get. But the band knew how to capitalize on this image, and that either makes them shrewd and clever businessmen or unintentionally humorous and redundant, depending on your view.
Leigon remains, to this date, one of the best albums in Deicide's career. It is one of the finest and most defining moments in death metal. They have grown up since their debut, whilst keeping the melodic charm that they have. Yes, 2006's
The Stench Of Redemption is a flawless melodic death metal album, but it still lacks the evil and power of
Legion. If you love death metal and you haven't checked this out yet, why haven't you?! It lasts roughly 30 minutes, and
Leigon leaves you with a longing desire to continue the uncontrolled, heretical self-indulgence long after the carnage is done. Like any album though,
Leigon has its flaws, but these are generally outweighed by the obvious Legion is Deicide's finest and a true work of Satanic hatred which continues to captivate listeners musically with its truly sinister influence. This is one of those albums you can find yourself listening to almost too much and through extended listens it tends to lose its initial impression, but never its crippling effect.
