Bassist Hal Patino has publicly shared his thoughts on the official launch of Lex Legion, the newly formed heavy metal supergroup featuring four-fifths of the classic late-1980s King Diamond lineup.
The highly anticipated project unites Hal Patino with his former bandmates, drummer Mikkey Dee, and guitarists Andy La Rocque and Pete Blakk, alongside Pagan’s Mind frontman Nils K. Rue. On Tuesday, March 31, the quintet released the official music video for their debut single, “Sleep Eternally“, which was directed by Patric Ullaeus of the rEvolver Film Company.
Reflecting on the band’s reunion and the creative process behind their upcoming album, Hal Patino provided a detailed statement regarding the group’s enduring chemistry:
“We’ve been recording this album on and off over the past few years, staying in close contact throughout the entire process.”
“It’s been 37 years since the four of us last made an album together, Conspiracy, and 38 years since we recorded and toured together on the Them tour in 1988. In fact, it’s exactly 38 years ago that we recorded Them, between March and May of that year.”
“Walking on to the film set for our new video single ‘Sleep Eternally‘, which was filmed back in December, was the first time all four of us had been in the same room together since then. And honestly, it felt like no time had passed. The same stupid jokes, the same way of picking on each other… just like back in the day.”
“It’s a great feeling, and we’re still the best of friends. The four of us have been through a lot together, and that kind of bond doesn’t break. It really feels like we’re picking up right where we left off, and that same spark is still there — and you can hear it in the music as well.”
“It’s f**king awesome being back together again, now with our incredible new voice, Nils K. Rue.”
“We’ll be releasing another single ahead of the full-length album, which is set to drop in June. There are also some more exciting things in the works right now.”
Initiated by Mikkey Dee and Pete Blakk, Lex Legion is a testament to both musical legacy and enduring friendships. What originally started as casual conversations among the close-knit musicians eventually blossomed into a dedicated project. Now completely free from the constraints of their early careers, the band is fueled by over 40 years of shared history and a revitalized creative drive.
The band’s self-titled debut album, Lex Legion, is slated for a June 2026 release through MNRK Music Group. The record is described as a deliberate return to the musicians’ classic heavy metal roots while maintaining a fresh and immediate sound. Featuring lean arrangements, powerful melodies, and virtuosic performances, the album underscores the group’s dedication to creating music entirely on their own terms.
While the lead single, “Sleep Eternally“, immediately establishes the band’s sonic identity, the upcoming second single, “Gypsy Tears“, promises to maintain the momentum with its blend of atmosphere and driving energy. With a vast pedigree that includes extensive tenures in Motörhead, Scorpions, and Death (highlighted by Andy La Rocque‘s work on the seminal Individual Thought Patterns), Lex Legion is poised to fill a significant gap in the modern metal landscape.
Discussing the stylistic approach of the new record, Andy La Rocque said:
“There’s elements of everything on the album. The right tempo and the right kind of vocals, both starting out like a fist in your face!”
“This is totally unique. No one is writing this kind of music and there’s a big hole for us to fill. The album is a journey and every song is like the beat of a movie. I want listeners to travel back,” Andy continued.
He further clarified how the new material compares to their previous work together.
“The song style is different (to King Diamond) but still from the same era. The riffs are different and the arrangements are a little less progressive and a little more straightforward.”
Mikkey Dee emphasized that the writing process was driven entirely by the band’s own creative desires, mirroring their uncompromised approach from the 1980s.
“Lex Legion is totally written the way we thought in the ‘80s. We wrote what we wanted, and if you liked it, that was a great bonus. If you didn’t like it, that was fine with us, too!”
Dee added: “Enjoy it or f**k off!”
Following the album’s summer release, Lex Legion plans to begin touring in 2027.
Lex Legion Tracklist:
- “Sleep Eternally”
- “Gypsy Tears”
- “When The Stars Align”
- “(I Am) The Resurrected”
- “Lost Inside”
- “Darkness”
- “Saviours”
- “Life Eternal”
- “Far Away”
