Members of Corrosion Of Conformity and Saint Vitus form Legions Of Doom

On September 13th, Tee Pee Records will release Legions Of Doom’s new album, “The Skull 3”. Where do Legions Of Doom start and The Skull finish? I think the solution is “right here.” “The Skull 3” is here. The release of Legions Of Doom’s debut album is clouded by the death of vocalist Eric Wagner (The Skull, ex-Trouble, Blackfinger) in 2021. The band’s guitarist Lothar Keller and bassist Ron Holzner (also from The Skull) begin working on material that was originally intended for their third full-length album, but in a different format. With this lineup, Legions Of Doom ventures even farther into supergroup territory, with the consent of the singer’s family and Wagner’s involvement in the composition.

Henry Vasquez – drums (Saint Vitus, Pentagram, Blood Of The Sun)
Scott Little – guitar (Leadfoot)
Karl Agell – vocals (Lie Heavy, Leadfoot, Corrosion of Conformity)
Scott Reagers – vocals (Saint Vitus)

Eric had a file on his computer labeled ‘New Skull Record, with his lyrics allotted to these songs. I was lucky that his family was able to access the computer and share the files with me. There were extra lyrics and verses that I used to finish the songs. I wrote most of the lyrics to ‘Lost Soul’, but I’m so happy that Eric’s family was able to access the computer and pass along the lyrics to me.

Ron Holzner

Wagner’s spirit is there on this record, which is suitable given the Legions‘ brand of doom, but Legions Of Doom is more than a tribute. Just as The Skull built on the legacies of its component members in Trouble and prior ensembles — Keller’s songwriting contributions have always been the hidden weapon, and that remains true on “The Skull 3” — the new group forges its own path. The record is as much a debut as it could have been The Skull’s third album, and the identity of Legions Of Doom is immediately distinguishable thanks to Reagers and Agell’s vocal performances. It’s classic doom metal, but Legions Of Doom are lively in their joy.

Lothar and I wrote eighty percent of the record with Eric prior to him passing away. Karl, Henry and especially Scott Reagers wanted to finish it. Scott really didn’t want The Skull to end and insisted that we continue as The Skull as well as doing Legions Of Doom. LOD will be the main focus from here out and THE SKULL will play once in a while. Lo and I finished the record with a collaboration with David Snyder (Trouble, Blackfinger) on the song, [and first single], ‘All Good Things’ and wrote the newest song ‘Lost Soul’ with Henry. We also reworked Eric’s acoustic song ‘Heaven’ to go with his recorded vocals. The cover art was done by the legendary David V. D’Andrea (Samaritan Press). I told him I wanted something to represent moving on from The Skull and being reborn in Legions Of Doom… Ron Holzner

In advance of the album’s release, the band has released “All Good Things,” which also acts as the A side of a limited-edition EP due out on August 23. Side B is an EP-exclusive cover of Deep Purple’s “Into The Fire“.

‘All Good Things’ holds great significance. It’s the first true Legions Of Doom song. I was granted the great honor of singing Eric Wagner’s beautiful words which telegraph hope and redemption in the midst of pain and despair. It became a sort of collaboration beyond the grave, signaling a rebirth. ‘And so dear friends, you have to carry on. All good things come to those who wait. ‘Into The Fire’ is one of my favorite songs by Deep Purple off of their 1970 ‘In Rock’ album. Ron and I recorded a version of it years ago with Reed Mullin of Corrosion Of Conformity (RIP) and Scott Little of Leadfoot on guitar. Scott also happens to play for Legions Of Doom. We loved it then, and we loved tracking it again as a worthy B side for the ‘All Good Things’ EP. Karl Agell

“The Skull 3” was recorded by Sanford Parker at the late Steve Albini’s Electrical Audio as well as Hyper Cube Studios, mixed by Quentin Poynter at QMP Audio, and mastered by John Scrip at Massive Mastering.

“The Skull 3” track listing:

01. Beyond The Shadow Of Doubt
02. All Good Things
03. Lost Soul
04. A Voice Of Reason
05. Between Darkness And Dawn
06. Insectiside
07. Heaven
08. Hallow By All Means

Upcoming shows:

Sep. 12 – Desertfest NYC Pre Party – Brooklyn, NY
Sep. 13 – Widowmaker Brewing – Braintree, MA
Sep. 14 – Chapel Of Bones – Raleigh, NC
Sep. 20 – Ripplefest – Austin, TX