RISING STEEL – Legion of the Grave

French heavy metal band Rising Steel are back with their fourth studio album, Legion of the Grave (2025), which is the follow-up to Beyond the Gates of Hell (2022). The band are known for their “not so” classic approach to heavy metal, taking influences from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), as well as thrash metal and hard rock. Legion of the Grave was recorded in France by Mathieu Gaud and drummer Steel Zard at Studio de la Plaine (KNT) and Lezard Studio. The album was mixed by Staffan Karlsson and Rickard Bengtsson at Sweetspot Studio in Sweden. Additionally, it was mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios in Finland.

Legion of the Grave kicks off with the ferocious and monstrous, “Betrayer.” The song is a mix of thrash metal and power metal with some screaming vocals from frontman Emmanuelson, and bone-crushing riffs from guitarists Tony Steel and Steff Leadmaster. The title track is classic heavy metal with little bits of doom metal in the chorus, especially with the screaming vocals. Very dark, intense, and atmospheric. “Messiah of Death” is a speed metal banger that’s fun and aggressive. The guitar solo is fantastic and once the headbanging starts, it’s hard to stop.

A Very Unique and Odd Style of Heavy Metal

As for the negatives, nothing against Emmanuelson, but he sounds like Fozzie Bear from the Muppets singing heavy metal. Not sure if it’s because of his accent, but the vocals are very annoying and off-putting, especially when he goes into his higher range. The instrumentation is fantastic. Steel and Leadmaster’s guitar riffs are crushing and both have a great tone, Stone Warrior’s bass lines are thick and menacing, and Zard’s raw drum sound really adds to the band’s old-school heavy metal vibe. However, the vocals make the Legion of the Grave album sound unbearable, no pun intended! Emmanuelson has an operatic quality to his voice that seems to work for him, so if say, a vocalist like Bruce Dickinson took his place or anyone who doesn’t sound like a Muppet really, Legion of the Grave would be a decent listen.

Another downside to the album are the songs. The promo says Legion of the Grave explores darker themes focusing on “lost identity, inner struggles, and the strength to rise again.” Those are important and powerful themes for modern society, however, a good chunk of the songs (“Venomous,” “Dead Mind,” “Trapped in a Soul’s Garden,” and “Night Vision”) are hard to describe because they feature the same elements such as piercing guitar riffs, raw drums, wild guitar solos, heavy bass lines, and Fozzie Bear vocals. The lyrics are good, however, especially for “King of the Universe” and “Black Martin.”

Final Assessment

In the end, it all comes down to the listener and what they prefer. Everyone hears things differently. For those who are interested in heavy metal with different flavors and raw energy, give Rising Steel’s Legion of the Grave a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Betrayer
2. King of the Universe
3. Black Martin
4. Legion of the Grave
5. Nightmare
6. Venomous
7. Messiah of Death
8. Dead Mind
9. Trapped in a Soul’s Garden
10. Night Vision

Band Lineup

Emmanuelson – lead vocals
Steel Zard – drums
Tony Steel – guitars
Steff Leadmaster – lead guitars
Stone Warrior – bass guitar

Check out the music video for “Black Martin” from Rising Steel’s Legion of the Grave!