This album has already crashed into the German charts at a big No.54, which reminds us of an important point. Namely that heavy rock/metal is a broad church as is indeed is HardRockHouse. As such the rock/metal fan can sometimes be quite open minded (although emo will always be crap) and willing to stray from their favourite chosen genres. When I spoke to Our Glorious Leader he told me that he was sending me some Legion of the Damned and the conversation went something like this. 

“Not familiar with their work, are they in my power metal paradigm, Steve?” said I. 

“Oh yeah, thrashy-type power metal.” He lied. 

Not that it matters, for Sons of the Jackal is an old-fashioned (some may say anachronistic) thrash album. At a little over thirty-six minutes it doesn’t outstay its welcome and contains enough brutal riffs to keep any old schoolers happy. 

For the uninitiated, Legion of the Damned are of the Dutch persuasion and tour this country in March in the exalted company of Celtic Frost and Kreator. A swift gander at the song titles is a bit of a give away – Undead Stillborn should keep the Moral Majority unhappy, Death is my Master, Atomicide – the fun never stops! Actually this isn’t suicide inducing unlike many thrash bands (come in Mortal Sin, your time is up!) There are sections which are almost sing along – almost but not quite. 

The Legion can clearly play and have mastered riffing at full tilt, rhythm changes and what their website describes as “hateful vocals”, however, I’d argue that it is those very vocals that set The Legion apart as the listener can easily tell what vocalist Maurice Swinkels (stop sniggering at the back) is singing. At times he sounds like he would be more at home in a Black Metal band but that’s not a problem. 

In truth there’s not a duff track on this record. It’s possible to argue that there is a lack of originality but hey, thrash isn’t exactly the most progressive genre is it? It is also definitely true to say that most of the tracks are a little samey and there’s not much light mixed in with the shade but if you want happiness you wouldn’t be dipping into your thrash section would you? 

All in all Sons of the Jackal is a perfectly serviceable album and well worth investigating if you grew up during the 1980’s and have been wondering what a new thrash band would sound like with the advantage of modern studio technology. If that is the case, you won’t be disappointed.

Let us know your views on 'Sons Of The Jackal'

Track List

Son of the Jackal
Undead Stillborn
Avenging Archangel
Death is my Master (Slay for Kali)
Sepulchral Ghoul
Seven Heads They Slumber
Infernal Wrath
Atomicide
Ten Horns Arise
Diabolist

Line Up

Maurice Swinkels - Vocals
Richard Ebisch  - Guitars
Erik Fleuren - Drums
Harold Gielen - Bass