The LEGION slays again! Dutch thrash veterans LEGION OF THE DAMNED have once again entered
into an alliance with the devouring depths of black and death metal and unleash another angry
beast, The Poison Chalice , on May 26, 2023 via Napalm Records. The shredding monster delivers the
most delicious pitch-black brew and tortures dark souls into demonic underworlds.
Founded in 1990 as Occult, the thrash machine around founding members Maurice Swinkels and Erik
Fleuren was reborn as LEGION OF THE DAMNED in 2005. On The Poison Chalice , the band unites
with Fabian Verweij as second guitarist besides Twan van Geel and hails together with bassist Harold
Gielen performing as a five piece for the first time ever on a studio album.
Conquering the European charts for decades, the LEGION crowned itself at #17 in the Official
German Album Charts with predecessor Slaves Of The Shadow Realms (2019). For almost 35 years,
they have formed their aggressive signature sound from the most horrific ingredients of thrash and
death metal, combined with brutal blackened influences, resulting in one of the most defined and
unique sounds in the scene.
The Poison Chalice comes to life by spreading its eerily beautiful wings within the first few seconds,
then dives headfirst into a hellishly furious storm before the second song "Contamination" absolutely
kills. In classic LEGION OF THE DAMNED manner, there is no escape as the track relentlessly drives
into the abyss.
The album spreads brutal and ice cold thrash soundscapes through relentless attacking drums and
incredible guitar harmonies from both lead guitarists, underlined by angry bass lines. Infectious
thrash treasures such as “Progressive Destructor”, and the almost seven-minute berserk “Behold The
Beyond” break necks with hammering guitar riffs and bloody double bass infernos. “Beheading of
The Godhead” delivers what the song title promises, before the past 48 minutes of hate closes with a
final deep gulp from “The Poison Chalice” - leaving no one behind.