Four former and current members of the classic late-1980s King Diamond lineup have united to form a new heavy metal band, Lex Legion. The group features drummer Mikkey Dee, guitarist and producer Andy La Rocque, guitarist Pete Blakk, and bassist Hal Patino. They are joined by Pagan’s Mind vocalist Nils K. Rue.
The instrumental core of the new project previously recorded together on the seminal King Diamond albums Them and Conspiracy. The musicians also bring extensive experience from their tenures in other major rock and metal acts. Mikkey Dee is widely recognized for his decades-long run with Motörhead and his current position in Scorpions, while Andy La Rocque notably contributed to Death‘s landmark album Individual Thought Patterns. According to the band, the project began as an ongoing discussion between the longtime friends and eventually evolved into a dedicated recording group.
Lex Legion will release their self-titled debut album, Lex Legion, in June 2026 through MNRK Music Group. The band plans to introduce their sound with the lead single, “Sleep Eternally“, scheduled for release on March 31. A second track, titled “Gypsy Tears“, is also slated to follow. The group’s musical direction draws from their classic heavy metal roots like Iron Maiden, Queensrÿche, and Accept.
Discussing the stylistic approach of the new record, Andy La Rocque noted that the band is filling a specific gap in the modern metal landscape.
“There’s elements of everything on the album,” he said. “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.
